Frosty

How many times have YOU seen Frosty the Snowman this season? Hayden says they've "only watched it 47 times". I say it's more like 147...and where she came up with that number, God only knows!
Each year there seems to be a movie that they latch on to and watch over and over. For Hayden's first three years of life it was ELF. Well, that was actually year 'round. And then the Shrek Christmas movie came out. Last year they were really into the Polar Express. Quite honestly, I can handle those moviees. They don't drive me crazy and I actually can watch them over and over with the girls. But Frost the Snowman. OUCH! My head, nerves and eardrums have been aching lately.

Gingy's

Gingerbread houses, also known as Gingy's (thanks to Shrek) are now a rite of the Holidays in our house. They still eat more than they decorate...but who can blame them?! Cookies, icing and lots of candy...my girls can always use a little more sugar! HA.

Now THIS is my type of camping!

Okay, it's not camping really. Well, not at all. But, anything that requires an overnight amidst the mountains and dirt is some-what camping to me!

Bill and Donna invited us up the weekend following Thanksgiving, to spend time with them in Prescott at their house. We all had a ton of fun. Great company, lotta adult beverages, silly giggling girls running wild, a parade and some homemade mac-n-cheese. I really don't know how you could top a weekend in the mountains like that!

Oh wait! It snowed (lightly) on us too! That's how :)

This is before Taylor stepped out into nature!

And this is After! Yep, she still doesn't like the "woods". That's ok with her Mommy ;)
Ahh, the AdventurerWaiting for the Light ParadeTrying to catch a snowflake. This was her first snow, y'know

BB King

Back in JULY, I bought tickets for Conal's birthday in SEPTEMBER to go and see BB King in NOVEMBER! I know, a little drawn out. However...every time BB King comes to town, Con makes mention how he'd love to see him before "it's too late".

My parents took the girls while we headed out on the town. We trekked back to our old stomping grounds and had a fantastic dinner at Papa Razzini's. It's very rare that the two of us get out together without the kids. I wish we could do it more often, but I guess it just makes those rare instances more special!

Skype!

I recently set up Skype so that Aunt Meghan could have a video chat with the girls. Yesterday we made our first call. I had so much fun watching them laughing at themselves and Meghan on the screen! They got to meet her puppy Carly and also got to peek in on Uncle Chico for a quick sec!

Little full, Lotta sap!

On Monday night, in the pouring rain, we went to the lot and picked out a Christmas tree! Quite honestly, I think it's the first time it's really, truly felt like the Christmas season to me since I've lived here. Number one, we haven't had a real tree in 8 years, and number 2, it's rarely cold and rainy in December. So, FOR ONCE..it reminded me of the many years growing up and going to cut down our tree at the tree farm in the pouring rain right after my birthday.
Taylor was so excited, she couldn't contain herself and fell asleep in the truck on the way over. We tried to wake her, but she wasn't having it. So, it was up to me and Hayden to find the perfect tree. And that we did!

Isn't she a beaut?

When the girls got done with it. Before I undid and redecorated it!

The Most Wonderful Time at the Happiest Place on Earth!

Even though Memaw was sick, and Hayden came down with a bad case of tonisilitis after the first day, we still had a great time at Disneyland! Hayden was a bit cranky, to say the least on day 2, but we didn't let that stop us from having the most wonderful time at the happiest place on Earth. This was Taylor's first time to Disneyland, and she had a blast the whole entire time. Screaming at the end of each ride because she didn't want it to be over!
Out of all my trips to Disneyland this was, by far, the prettiest! Pictures really don't do it justice, especially at night. It just looks so magical! What a great way to ring in my 33rd birthday!