SNOW WONDERFUL....and other things

These pictures were taken before Christmas. I have just been a slacker about getting them and posting them. It was so much fun seeing Makenna get to play in the snow for the first time. She loved it and loved that mommy was letting her throw the snow without getting in trouble. And then her fingers got cold....but she still took it like a champ. We San Diegans don't really know quite what to do in the snow. But we had a good time. My feelings for the snow is similar to the feelings of a Grandparent- It is great to visit and have fun, but it is oh so nice to be able to go home and not be responsible for it and deal with it every day.

It has become tradition for the ladies to get together and spend a whole day baking Christmas cookies and treats. We have so much fun together doing it! Having a two year old helping out sort of slows down the process, but it was still a blast!My favorite ladies in the world!Are they not so cute washing dishes together???

Christmas, Oh Joyous Christmas!

Well, I just know that you have all been anxiously awaiting our Christmas Pics. Anticipation just makes things so much better :)

Christmas was a lot of fun this year. Makenna really enjoyed the whole Christmas experience, from the decorations and lights on houses, to leaving cookies for Santa, and of course the presents. The night after Christmas she asked me to put some more cookies on a plate for Santa. I asked her why and she said, "More Presents Mama!" It didn't take her long to put two and two together.

But really, it was great to spend the time together as a family and get to see the joy and excitement on everyones face. Christmas as a kid was wonderful, but Christmas as a parent is AMAZING!

Trimming the tree

The Annual "Timer Picture" in front of the tree
I just think this is funny....this is where Bella likes to lounge

Doesn't he just look ridiculous?!! And he knows it too. But it is just too cute!

Mis Bebes

Christmas MorningAll the cousins, for the time being at least...Christmas Dinner Grammy and Pa with the kiddos My silly family. Gotta love it.

Boy Oh Boy

I know that people are expecting me to be posting Christmas pictures right now. I promise you, those are coming very soon.

But first I wanted to just post a handful of random pics. I enjoy the posts about the day to day stuff more than the special events sometimes. This is the real life us. And it has been awhile since I posted one of those. So maybe this is more for me than you, but hey, it is my blog and I can do what I want :) Here you go...

I was finally brave enough to try finger painting. And it went really well. We loved it....though a shower was a necessity afterward.

Here is Kellen in his "big boy chair" as Makenna calls it. He just looks so darn big...what a handsome guy.

I love that she can be a goofball with her mama.

Dada and the little man hanging out.

Makenna is in love with this snowman. She drags him all over the house. This picture was taken at her request.

Making forts and tunnels around the house. We go a little stir crazy on rainy days, so we do what we need to in order to keep us occupied and out of trouble. We even got Daddy to try and fit in the tunnel!!

Lovin the baby boy. He loves to be sitting up these days!

There are many proud moments in a parents life. But this is high on the charts for me. I believe in letting your children choose what they enjoy and what hobbies to pursue. And Makenna has found a love for Basketball! A child after her mothers heart.

Sure, I encourage this love, but it started with her. She started pointing out any and EVERY basketball hoop we saw while driving ("look mama, basketball!") Then she asked to sleep with her mini basketball. Now she says "I LOVE Basketball!" all the time. So of course she got a hoop for Christmas. And she loves it.

Look at that follow through, too. She is a natural!

By the way, I have been afraid to say it and jinx things, but Makenna has done it! I think I can officially call her potty trained! She is in panties all the time and now and not having accidents. She is loving using the big potty, and Mommy is THRILLED to be only changing one set of diapers! Life is good :)!!!!!!!!

Family Photos

We got some photos taken of our family recently. Some of them turned out great! So of course I have to share. I just love my family! I thank the lord every day for having them in my life. I am so blessed...

Oh, the many faces

I have been trying, and trying, and trying to get a really good picture of Makenna and Kellen together. Just one where they are both making a nice face and looking at the camera. Doesn't sound too difficult, right? Ha! I am up to challenges, but this one is kicking my but.
However, I have gotten some really funny and cute ones in the process. The other night Kellen was in a great mood, smiling and cooing like crazy. Kenna was wanting to hold him, so I thought to myself "this is the moment...this will be it!"
I will just let the pictures do the rest of the talking...

I Love this picture because Kellen is totally looking at Makenna and smiling while she is goofing off....too cute.