Christmas Morning 2012

This year Cade "got it" so it was pretty exciting to wake up Christmas morning to see the Christmas Magic in his little eyes. In fact, I woke up before he did and I wanted so bad to wake him (and everyone) up! 

He woke up and asked, "did Santa come to my house!?"  He then ran down the hall to go check!

A cash register!

 

 

A basketball hoop!

 

Berks got this fun riding toy - it's a soft pink unicorn :)  It seems a bit old for her.  Cade actually loves riding through the house with it.  Watch out!  He'll run you over if you're in his way!

A guitar!  Just like the "rockstars" at church :)



His favorite toy - a motorized Thomas the Train set!

Berkley also got a dolly (not pictured).... 



And a rain coat and rain boots (also not pictured)....

 

We played with the toys and then  headed out to Denny's for a big breakfast.  We came home, played some more and then went to spend the day with Brad's family.  First, we went to Dana & Brent's house for a late lunch and then we all headed to the beach house for dessert and to see the entire extended family.

I have been bad with taking pictures lately so I got none after presents.  Sometimes it is better to enjoy the moment and just be there.  I hate being a slave to the camera (and blogging) lately.  Hope you'll forgive me :)  Merry Christmas to you and yours.  And a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Jesus!

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Cade's letter to Santa:

Cade & Berkie leaving Santa cookies and milk :)

Slight Bounce House Obsession

Berks loves it now too!!

Cade loves showing her the ropes:)

Night Night

I just LOVE my little snuggle bear!

We Just Wanted to Say....

Good Morning!!

4 more days until Jesus' Birthday and Christmas!

Newport Boat Parade

We headed over to my MIL's house on Balboa Island last night.  We grabbed some burgers on the way and then bundled up to walk the streets to see all of the decorated homes.  About 20 minutes later, the boat parade kicked off with a fireworks show.  It was gorgeous to see the back drop with the fireworks above the ferris wheel and of course, The Harborside Pavilion, where Brad & I were married. 

My girl 'snug as a bug' :)... with some fries, of course!

The boys were ready!!

I was freeezing!!

Watching the fire works...

A few more fries :)

There's Harborside!!!  4.5 years ago we were hitched :)

 

 

 

 

This is the only picture I got of a boat.  It didn't take well as you can see.  We were on the far side of the parade which was a bad choice but we wanted to watch it from the island and didn't want to wait an extra 45 minutes for it to come closer.  We plan to go back tonight or tomorrow and watch it from our duffy boat.  It will be warmer and much closer.  I will try and get more pictures.

Regardless, the kids had a blast!  So many fun things to do for this Christmas season!   But we remember the real reason for the season...Happy Birthday Jesus!

Berks' New Hairdo

Berkie was with me in the bathroom as I was getting ready for work this morning. As I was styling my hair, I looked down at her and thought it was time we try a new style for my girlfriend.  It was time we gave Berks some pig tails!!

The back is too short to fit, but it is still so darn cute on her.  I just adore this little girl so much.  She makes my heart want to burst open.  Love you Berkie!!!!

Impromptu Date with My Babies

The kids and I headed to Costco for a few things and also to get out of the house for a while yesterday. On the way home Cade wanted to go play in the tunnels. We were on no time schedule so why not?  We headed on over to the local Chick Fil A to take advantage of their clean play area, super helpful staff, and food.  I have never seen customer service as good as Chick Fil A.  Oh, and Cade loves meeting new friends and playing with all of the other kids so this place totally works for us.

The kids had an absolute blast!  We stayed for an hour and then headed home because it was dark.

These pictures were taken with my phone so the quality isn't too great.

 

 

Right before we were leaving the Balloon Man showed up!  Turns out Tuesday is Kids Night!  They switch off weeks between the Balloon Man and crafts.  It was a hit!  And bonus - both kids were exhausted and were asleep by 7pm!

Berks Found Her Voice!

Berkie has been a little screamer lately.  It makes me laugh.... although after 10 minutes, I need ear plugs.  Ha ha!  She and Cade get each other so excited and wound up.  It is so cute to watch them play together.  Their favorite is jumping in Cade's bed.  Berks feels like such a big girl and gets a HUGE smile every time she is lifted into Cade's bed.
I think the Terrible Two's are actually the Terrible Two and a Halves!  Just recently my Little Man has been wanting his way NOW.  Otherwise he will scream, cry, etc.  One minute he will run to Berkley, hug her and tell her that he is "so happy you're here!" and the next minute he is pushing her down and bullying her.
But for now, let's focus on Berkie and her new found lungs :)

Random Photos + Christmas Art Project

We went to Christmas at the Beach last weekend at the Newport Fun Zone with the Torres'.  The kids got to sit on Santa's lap, watch the tree lighting, and more.  This was the best shot I could get of Cade & Sofia in front of the tree.

 

This past weekend we went to a birthday party/Huntington Beach boat parade party.  This was Berks all decked out in her party clothes :)

Yesterday, Cade & I made a mess in the kitchen.... I mean, we made homemade Christmas tree ornaments!  It was a lot of fun.

Berkie joined in once she woke up.

After we cooked the dough for 3 hours it was late so we decided to wait and paint them today. 

I tried to get crafty and get the kids' hand prints.  It kind of worked!

How cute did these turn out!?

Here's the recipe for the ornaments:
You will need:
2 cups plus a pinch of flour
1 cup salt
3/4 cups warm water
Holiday cookie cutters
Drinking straw
Cooking spray
Paints, glue and glitter to decorate
Ribbon or twine

1.  Preheat oven to 225 degrees.  Mix flour and salt.  Add water.  Knead until soft.  (If dry, add more water.)
2.  Roll dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thick.  Cut with cutters.  Add a hole at top with straw.  Place shapes on sprayed cookie sheet and bake 2 to 4 hours until hard flipping every 45 minutes.  Let cool.
3.  Decorate.  Tie ribbon through hole.