Knott's Berry Farm

It was crazy to think the day after Christmas wouldn't be jam packed with people at Knott's Berry Farm.  No matter, it was the day we chose to take the children for part of their Christmas.  We went with Nicole, Lee, Sammy, and Emily Rose, Monica, and Mom Williams.  It was a gorgeous day, clear blue skies, and perfect weather.  It has been a dream of mine to always go to an amusement park during the Christmas season.  While I would rather go to Disneyland, just walking into the park made me happy and put a smile on my face.

  Knott's is the perfect size park.  Everything is compact and close, and they have some awesome rides. 

Jacob was not thrilled about the first ride we chose, but we were waiting for the rest of the family to arrive and planning what rides we were going to go on.

 

Trevor was not tall enough for most rides, and he was still getting over being sick, and well let's face it, he was being a chicken.  So after the train ride, we split up. Eric, Monica and Jacob went on rides that were for "tall" people and Chloe, Trevor, and Grandma stayed with me in Camp Snoopy.  Chloe loved all the rides, and we can tell she will be a roller coaster junkie!  Camp Snoopy is where we spent most of the day.  And a shout out to Grandma Williams for being such an awesome helper with the kids!

Chloe, Trevor, and Monica waited in the Ferris Wheel line for almost an hour.  It is such a process getting people on and off the stupid thing.  Surprisingly, Chloe stayed in line and waited her turn.

They loved it!  Chloe was all smiles as the Ferris Wheel went round and round.

We all met up around lunch and divided groups again.  I was able to go with the "tallies" and ride what would be our last ride of the day the Pony Express--super fun ride.  It was a long wait in line, as everything was.  At the end of the day the boys got their cork guns.  They were so excited.

Chloe took a much needed long nap in her stroller the later part of the day.  When she woke up we bought her a Snoopy dog, which she loves!

We were pretty tired and rosy cheeked--I forgot the sunscreen.  We left the park shortly after six, and waited in another long line for Mrs. Knott's Famous Fried Chicken.  It wasn't my pick because the last time I ate there I didn't remember it being great.  This time it was awesome!  My food was delish!  Eric loved our waitress.  She had his order pegged down to his salad dressing. 

I love my cute little family, and all the fun time we have.  Would I do it again?  Abso-freaking-lutely!!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas morning is always special.  I love watching the pure enjoyment on our kids' faces when they receive that special gift they have been waiting for.  After opening presents we ate a yummy breakfast, which consisted of french toast, eggs, and bacon. Then it was time for church.  A Christmas miracle occured that morning...we arrived at church 20 minutes early!  Isn't that amazing.  I honestly didn't know what to do with myself.  The best thing was being able to reclaim our pew.  We haven't been able to sit on that side of the chapel since we had Chloe. :)  After church we loaded up and headed to Eric's parents house for Christmas.  More to come on our Christmas adventures later...

More Christmas Eve Traditions

This year I was given a set of foam gingerbread houses for the kids.  I must say, I like these so much better!  No crappy candy in the box, no slippery icing, and no sugar. 

 Chloe did a great job losing pieces for her house, which made hers the most original.

 

Trevor had help from Micky, who is home visiting for Christmas.  The boys had super fun with her around.

 

Jacob built his house just like it was a Lego set.  He got all the pieces popped out of the foam and organized, read the directions, then started his assembly.

The only gingerbread in the house, were the cookies Micky brought us from Panera Bread--yummy! The afternoon was spent shopping, and taking naps.  For dinner we did a little dinner swap with our friends.  We each made stuff and exchanged food.  It was a yummy fiesta night!  After dinner it was time for bath, and Christmas Eve jammies. 

I wonder sometimes if Chloe really loves her brothers, then I capture this picture.  She is adorable.

 

 A little time for play, then we read Luke 2, and watched the new LDS Bible Video App.  Once family prayer is said it was time for Chloe to go to bed.  The boys and I finished up Santa's cookies, and delivered neighbor gifts.

  

Then it was time for reindeer food!

 and finally my favorite part of the evening...the kids were all nestled and snug in their beds.

 

Then the real magic of Christmas happens. Santa appears, and Mom and Dad are finally able to put their gifts under the tree also.

 Good Night Everyone, and Merry Christmas!

Reindeer Food

Our Christmas tradition always includes making fresh reindeer food.

 The first part included getting all the ingredients out.  Then playing with them and dumping them out.

 Then it was time for everyone to have a turn.  Jacob is a pro at it now so he willingly lets his younger brother and sister do most of the work. :)

 Time to add the magic dust!  Chloe got it all over herself, I suppose she wanted some sparkles in her hair. 

Ready to put outside for Santa's Reindeer.

Pajamas, Pancakes, and Polar Express

We decided to start the Christmas Break with a fun little party for the kids.  We invited some friends over for breakfast and watched the "Polar Express" in our pajamas.  We had pancakes, sausages, eggs, fruit, and OJ.  I made cinnamon rolls too, but those were just for the Mommies. :)

Jacob had to display his latest Lego creation for everyone to see.

Then it was time for the movie. The kids watched the first little bit, then they wanted to run around and play. Oh well, I tried. They all had fun and that is what counts!

After we cleaned up, the boys started their vacation off in style--they stayed in their PJs all day and played Halo. The original one, can you see the old school Halo Edition Xbox controllers with the cords attached. They are quite intense I tell you. Their vacation has been spent playing outside, having friends over, playing Xbox, and of course getting sick!

Happy Birthday Chloe!

This year we had a very small, but perfect family party for Chloe.  We shared the day with our friends the Binghams and their little girl who turned two, the week before Chloe.

Chloe during lunch.  We had pulled pork sandwiches, pot beans, rice, chips and salsa, and Hawaiian pineapple salad. 

Devonney, always ready to smile for the camera. These two girls fight like sisters, it is pretty funny.

Trevor, with Cecely.  These two are kindred spirits--too funny!

When it was time to blow out the candles she shied away from the fire this time.  She wouldn't even go near them, but there were plenty of other people willing to do the job.

 Devonney's turn and she was a pro!

Chloe was very delicate with her cupcake at first...

then not so much.

She received a shopping basket, play food, and dishes for her new kitchen.  She loves playing with her new toys!  All in all, it was a fun laid back party.  The two little girls were then promptly put down for naps and the adults were able to relax while the older kids played outside on the beautiful sunny winter day. 

Kindergarten Christmas Party

On the last day of school before Christmas Break (and yes, I will always call it that),  I volunteered to take pictures of the Trevor's class festivities.  Here are just a few things I was able to take photos of... and of course just sharing the ones of Trevor.

The class listening to a reading of the "Gingerbread Man"  before they go on their hunt for their cookies.

Trevor making his candy cane reindeer.

  

Just a few decorations around the room at Christmas time.  He loves going to school and is having a blast in Kindergarten.  It is nice to hear when you ask where your child's decoration is, that it is already hung on display because he finished it the day before because he got all his work done before everyone else.  He is in the top of his class and doing well, and is starting to read already.  We are so proud of him and how well he has adjusted to Kindergarten.  Secretly, I think he wishes the school day was longer and so do I!