Saturday, January 11, 2014

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!
 







Tuesday, December 24, 2013

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!

The Makings of Frosty (Williams Trip, Part 1)

 Brendon's wonderful parents took us up to Flagstaff/Williams last weekend for a little fun in the snow and to ride the Polar Express to the North Pole. We stayed overnight and had a terrific time! As soon as we arrived, Peyla played with the "snow" (i.e. ice) in the hotel parking lot. Can you tell she's a desert girl?? Ali...well, Ali wasn't as into the snow. In fact, she just kept walking around uttering "no...no...no". It was a little sad but pretty hilarious! She must be our resident beach bum. But Peyla is definitely a snow bunny. Just wait until we get her on a snowboard! 
 
 
All decked out and ready to play!
 
"snooooooow!"
 
Ali's a careful audience.
 
I imagine her thinking, "this is in? I don't get the fascination."
 
Here's where she starts saying "no...no"
 
The beginnings of Frosty!
 
She was giddy the entire time.
 
Carrying her snowball to contribute to the snowman!
 
Ali is trying to escape back to the hotel. lol
 
He's taking shape!
 
Brendon doing the important facial work.
 
Peyla was so proud of her snowman effort!
 
Family photo op.
 
Waiting for him to come to life. I guess Brendon's hat just won't cut it.
 
Hugging Frosty goodbye.

 
She was really sad to leave him behind!
 
Bye Frosty! See you again next year.
A sweet little Ali handprint. I had to make her at least touch the stuff!