Disneyland

We had the crazy idea last Saturday to take the kids to Disneyland.  It was a crazy idea because Disneyland was CRAZY that day.  So crowded- by noon the crowds were everywhere and the lines were too long for waiting with 4 young kids.  We made up for it by letting the kids run around on Tom Sawyer's island and by watching a few shows, including the parade.  The day turned out to be very fun.  I think our family takes Disneyland for granted.  Some people travel hours by car or airplane to have a Disneyland vacation, while we only live 20 minutes away.  I don't think we'll ever be regulars; once every few years is enough Disney magic for me!

Life is busy

This is our all red valentine's day dinner last month... red Borsch, red Koolaid, red carnations, and red tablecloth.  Joseph and I snuck out the next morning for an official breakfast date.  

Emmy is now approaching 8 months old.  I've become her personal transporter; one-armed chores are a bit tricky, but better than listening to a fussy baby.  This baby wants to go places!  If we stand for too long with her in our arms, she'll dive her face into our shoulders, then arch her back way back, then dive in again, as if to say, get moving!!

David is a cute little caretaker.  He usually has her out of the crib first thing in the morning and likes to sit next to her while he's doing his homework.  James also pitches in by sharing his favorite monkey.  Ruth is the child that makes me nervous.  Today I caught her tipping the excersaucer 45 degrees with Emmy inside!  Yikes!  It will be a while until I trust them alone at night in the same room.

Pinewood Derby Surprise

David had his very first pinewood derby.  None of us knew what we were doing, so we did a simple cut, threw some weights on it, and called it complete.  The morning of, we read a story to him about a boy, also named David, who lost all his pinewood derby races but decided to be happy anyway.  In other words, were prepped for disappointment.  Imagine our surprise when the car flew down the track race after race and won 1st place for the wolves and 2nd place overall! 

Randoms

James is our little project boy.  He comes home from school and within 20 minutes turns the kitchen table upside down with paper, markers, glue, etc.  This was my favorite creation- armor.  He even made foot guards that he tromped around in for a few hours.

Emmy began the month with an ear infection and a new tooth.  I feel so bad for her, so I've been carrying her around everywhere.  Besides my arms, she is happiest in her high chair where she can be eye level with the other kids and sample interesting flavors.  

Funnies

Ruth, upon examining my flabby tummy, asks "Wait, do you have any bones?"


While watching the 15yr old Russian figure skater Julia Lipnitskaia, James says, "Is she a teenager?  How can a teenager do THAT?!"

January Randoms

Ruth looks so grown-up in this picture.  Within the past few months, she has really transitioned from toddlerhood to childhood.  She has been eating us out of the house these days, begs to be with friends, and communicates really well.

Time for dollies

We traveled to Gilbert, AZ to attend the open house of the new temple.  It was beyond beautiful.  I am so grateful that we got to share this special outing with the boys.  They both agreed that the celestial room was their favorite.  David was also surprised that the temple has drinking fountains!  Imagine that!

Farewell, 2013

It's always refreshing to have the holiday decorations put away and be onto a new year.   Our holiday was pretty laid back this year, which was perfect for the baby.  The December weather in CA can't be beat, so why bother leaving?  This was our cute Christmas program with cousins. Ruth HAD to be Mary, Emmy was baby Jesus, David was a wiseman, and James HAD to be an angel.  Notice the African theme.  Ever since Pam and Dave have returned from Africa, we have been on an endless safari, so to speak, with African decorations, food, and jewelry.  So fun!

My favorite outing of the week was our visit to the Endeavor in LA.  It is so amazing to think that something so huge traveled all the way into space multiple times!