iPhone Pics- Part 2

A while back, I posted a slew of pictures that were taken from Brendon's phone when he updated his files. Now it's my turn! I finally plugged my phone in since I had no storage left and was missing many great photo ops! So here's a recap since about July 2013!

 

 I remember this moment distinctly...first time she figured out a straw!

 Chillin at one of our spots- Wholefoods

 Peyla's favorite part of the Science Center

 Desert Ridge play area. Those were her first pair of shoes! sniff.

 Peyla always insisted on wearing this outfit... "my moon shirt and blue twirly skirt".

 Little tiny ruffle butt.

 My pint-sized Picasso.

 Science Center in the summer!

 She picked it...it's blue, of course.

 Sleeping beauty. Love how she fell asleep

eating Cheerio's (my stay-awake tactic in the car).

 She looks so tiny to me!

 Father's Day morning (2013). Daddy and his girls.

 All snacks go in that cup. I must wash it ten times a day.

 Peyla's first piñata...she picked it for our Fourth of July BBQ. Her smile is priceless!

 Her first D-Backs game, she really enjoyed it!

 An Alisorus-Rex at the Natural History Musuem in Mesa.

 Toot-toot! PV Mall...the summer place to be!

 They sure look tiny in between those huge teeth!

 Sharing a moment with her beloved Nana.

 Oh yes...this was in there. Mommy found her happy place.

 My kids never seemed to be into tutus and dresses

but this blue one started to change her mind!

 Pretty girls!

 Strike a pose!

 Crafting it up at Joann's...where I tend to have an anxiety attack.

 Maybe they will inherit Mimi's creative talent.

 The picture that still holds it place on my phone. I love them.

 Setting up for Halloween! Ali's face...."cheeeeeeese".

 Ali's self-portrait after snagging my phone.

 A Halloween kiss for mommy!

 I hope this will be the only time she calls me a witch! ;)

 Taking their babies for a walk.

 Art class! Mommy's attempt at encouraging their creative sides. lol

 I love this picture. She concentrated so hard and wanted to use every color of crayon. Usually I'm lucky if she ever puts down the blue one.

 First real attempt at riding her big-girl bike.

 Christmas shopping with my elves!

 Holiday story time/cocoa at Desert Ridge. And so begins her love of superheroes!

 Dinner by the fire!

 They love the big Christmas tree at DR, especially finding their favorite colored ornaments.

 Blurry shot of Peyla's first time at the movies...Frozen...Elsa...Anna..."two sissies"...and life will never be the same. ;)

Howdy cowgirls! Hiking at Cave Creek Recreation Park and we stumbled upon the horse stables.

 

It's a pretty awesome life. Thanks to these two.

Scooter & Sisterly Love

Santa brought a blue scooter for Peyla this year (her request) and both girls love it. I was surprised that even Ali can ride it quite well. We headed outside to practice and soak up some sunshine. And then the love fest began. lol. One thing is for sure...these girls are the best of friends. Most days!

 

Christmas Day- 2013

Christmas Day arrived! It was a wonderful day, reliving the joy and innocence of Christmas through the girls. I've always loved Christmas but have forgotten the pure excitement and anticipation of waking up on the big day. Peyla came into our room in the early hours and was beside herself that "Santa came!!!". Ali had the most fun digging in her stocking, she could have done that all morning. We finished our day at my mom's house, enjoying a Christmas dinner and family time. Merry Christmas to all!

 

 "what dis?"

 searching for treasures!

 her favorite part!

 Santa brought a play camera that has gotten a ton of action.

 Maybe she's my future photographer?

 Ali's favorite puzzle from the library...now she has her very own!

All of the new "friends" that were received.

 Like we needed one.more.stuffed.animal.

Oh well, such is life with two little girls! ;)

Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful holiday season with the girls...they tend to make every day brighter and more joyful. Christmas was no exception! Since Christmas Eve fell on a Tuesday this year, we spent most of the day waiting for everyone to leave work. We visited Nana at her home in the morning, and made awesome memories as we let the girls play in my Papa's workshop. It was the first time I've spent any significant time in his shop since he passed and it felt like he was watching us the whole time! The girls loved seeing all of his tools and playing in the trailer he built. What a wonderful way to kick off the holidays! Then we had Lala Dahn and Grandpa Bob over for Mexican food and wine (a true Christmas meal!) and watched the girls open their gifts. The end of the evening was quieter as we prepared the house for Santa's arrival...cookies on the fireplace, carrots outside for Rudolph, and stockings hung by the chimney with care!

 

Celebrating with Grandpa Gary

My dad Gary headed back to his hometown of Cherokee, Iowa for the holidays this year. We miss his presence but if we have to share him with anyone- it would be our relatives in IA. Before he left, we celebrated Christmas with a nice dinner and prizes for everyone. We miss you Grandpa! Merry Christmas!

 

 We spent lots of time just playing!

 Who is Grandpa's littlest buddy?

 Puzzles!

 

 Her face! She is so excited to get a huge pink bear.

 Showing it off!

Peyla sharing a moment with her "Mr. Blue" as she named him.

Christmas Cookies!

We lucked out this year as my nana agreed to make her famous Christmas cutout cookies. No one makes them like Nana. Period. She did this HUGE favor for me and I ended up with fourteen (14!!) dozen cookies. It was our job to frost and decorate them. Here's a few pictures of the girls "helping" me complete about three cookies before they lost interest. For those mathematicians, that left me with about 162 cookies to finish. Tis the season! ;)

 

 Peyla was so excited to have free rein over the sprinkles.

 Ali was more careful, placing them gently on her cookies.

 Such precision! lol

 Tinker McJingles got into the action.

 "Tinker!!"

Sugar-inspired dancing.

The Polar Express (Williams Trip, Part 2)

We really enjoyed riding the Polar Express from Williams, AZ to the North Pole. ;) It was a grand train, and the girls absolutely loved that they were riding a "real train". We gathered at the station about an hour early to pick up our tickets. The energy was a perfect mix of cozy excitement. Imagine seeing all of these little children (the train can carry 1900!), dressed in the sweetest jammies and full of anticipation for Santa. Even many parents were dressed in their coziest clothing! Myself included. It was a very magical night and one I hope we never forget!

 

Watching people as we wait to board.

 I wish I got a better picture of the train!

 She's not really sure what to expect.

 Cozy Ali.

 Cozy Peyla.

 Toot toot! Time to go!!

 Classic Ali face. My favorite.

 Santa surprised everyone by hitching a ride on the train after we left the North Pole!

 Her face as she talks to the big guy. He gave her a Christmas bell (like the book)

and she quietly said "thank you Santa", then reached out and sneaked a touch of his jacket.

 I got plenty of cuddles with Ali.

Jingle Bells!