Ella's Third Birthday

So, Friday was Ella's 3rd Birthday, and she was soooo excited to go and start the celebrations. Brian had to go into work, so I had to hold them off for a little while. However, Daddy was able to get off a little early and we met him for lunch at Red Robin. After filling our bellies, we went to see "Alvin and the Chipmunks". The kids absolutely loved the movie. The weather was a little miserable, but we seemed to manage. After the movie, we headed back home. We put the finishing touches on Ella's cake....the kids thought they were little pastry chefs or something. LOTS of sprinkles and "polka-dots" of icing (Mommy didn't help matters by trying to write the birthday girl's name on the cake). Yikes!! Nontheless, Ella thought it was the best cake ever! Nannie and Papa came over and then Ella got to open up her presents. She just couldn't stop smiling...it was absolutely adorable.

It's hard to believe that our sweet baby is already 3. It doesn't seem like that long ago when I was bringing our new baby home, and we were still living in Arizona. What a fun Christmas that was! Make sure you check out the slideshow...scroll down to the bottom of the page. Until next time...Wishes for the Merriest Christmas!

Love to all - Brian, Kim, Zach, Lauren, Tess & "Birthday Girl" Ella

Thanksgiving in California

I know I'm working backwards here, but I have to share with all of you our trip to California. Brian and I took the kids and headed over to Stockton to visit his sister Kaylene, Curtis (her husband), and their boys. We had such a nice time.

We checked the kids out of school early on Tuesday, and we were able to make it to Reno by dinner-time. We stayed at the Circus Circus, and the kids had a blast. We watched a few performances under the big-top that night, and played a few of those "waste your money" games. We made it to Kaylene and Curtis' shortly after lunch on Wednesday. Hanging out and spending time with their family was so great.

They took us to some great places while we were there (see slideshow below). San Francisco was definitely the highlight for everyone....so many sights to see and so many cool things to do. We'll have to go back and see some of the things we had to cut from this trip. It's a beautiful place and the weather was absolutely perfect for us. Driving around in San Fran was like nothing I had ever imagined (just close your eyes and imagine being on a roller-coaster..that's how it felt). I was constantly telling Brian to SLOW DOWN! It was really freaking me out, can you tell? We went to the Fisherman's Wharf, and that was really awesome. It was so pretty that day, I just wanted to sit and take it all in. We also went to Muir Woods to see the giant Redwoods. The kids were running around having a blast. It was unreal! Then, we headed over to Ocean Beach...the sunset at the beach was so picturesque. The kids had fun stomping in the sand, but (obviously) it was a little too chilly to get into the water. Eating in Chinatown that night was really a neat experience, and the food was great...thank goodness Kaylene and Curtis knew where to go. After dinner we walked around and did a little window shopping. The kids were having a blast looking at all the little souvenir places, and I got the the cutest little kimonos ever for the girls. I still have to take a picture of the girls wearing them (I promise I'll send you one Kaylene).

Thanksgiving dinner was delicious, and it was so wonderful for our kids to make memories with their cousins. The kids and I had never been to California to visit Kaylene and Curtis' family...it was unforgettable.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, and be careful if you're venturing out to battle the crowds for your last-minute shopping. Just remember...'tis the season to be jolly.

Love to all - Brian, Kim & kids

Celebrations and Reflections

Well, this is a first for me. I have been thinking about creating a blog for a while and I guess now is as good a time as any. We have been so crazy this month, Zachary and Brian's birthdays on the 11th (Zach turned 10....Wow!) and Ella's this Friday on the 21st. Then Lauren's 9th birthday will be on New Year's Eve. I make it sound crazy, but I absolutely LOVE this time of year. Having 3 of my babies born in the month of December was such a blessing. Reflecting on the birth of our Savior, and having those sweet newborn spirits with us....it was magical.

This time of year, as we are receiving Christmas cards from all of our friends and family, we can really see how blessed we have been. We cherish all of you, and know that we think of you often. Until next time....Merry Christmas to all!

This is of the girls in front of our tree....goofing off, of course!