Who knew Christmas with an 18 month old could be so much fun. Malia was having a ball opening up her presents. By present #2 she was a pro and would just rip them open. She must have been a good girl this year, because Santa brought her all kinds of goodies. It is sad to think that Christmas is already over. We had a nice relaxing time at home with Gramme. As you could imagine we took a lot of pictures...here are some of our favorites.

Where has the time gone? I can't believe in just six months Malia will be turning two years old. Wow! She is so much fun and constantly on the go. She is fully enjoying her toddler era. We went to the doctor earlier this week for her 18 month checkup and she got all thumbs up. The funniest thing happened when she got her shots. She looked up at me and said "Uh-Oh". The nurse and myself just started laughing. She was a true trooper! She must get her courage from her daddy, because I still cry when I get shots and I am getting ready to turn 30!

Our friends Leslie and Justin are getting ready for Miss Avery Ann to make her grand entrance into the world next month, so we wanted to celebrate by having a baby shower. Instead of having a traditional shower with just girls, we decided or should I say I decided it would be fun to get the guys involved. I have never attended nor thrown a coed baby shower before so I was a little nervous, but it turned out to be a lot of fun. Even though they may never admit it, because it is so not cool to say you had fun at a baby shower if you are a dude...but we all know they did.

We had to share this clip...
Malia absolutely loves the Mickey Mouse Club House...every time the "Hot Dog" song comes on she goes nuts! So sweet...she even waves bye-bye.

Wow, we had an awesome weekend. I decided to have a surprise birthday party for my mom since she was turning 60 this year. I thought it would be an even bigger surprise if I could get my brother Dave and his girlfriend Iris to come in town from Texas. Low and behold they were able to work it out and came in town Thursday night. Come Friday we all went to California Dreaming for the big surprise dinner. It was priceless to see the shock on my mom's face when she rounded the corner and saw all of us. It was a wonderful night. The rest of the weekend was spent enjoying my brother and Iris' company. We had a great time. Thank you Dave and Iris for making the trip out here and thank you Norm for helping me pull off the BIG surprise, couldn't have done it without you all. Mom, Happy Birthday again...I hope it was one you will never forget.
We love you!!

Turned the BIG 60!






Malia thought the party was for her.


How do you tell an 18 month old...the party is not for you. :)


Helping Gramme with her gifts.


Malia with Uncle Dave


Iris and Dave (we miss you already!)


What a GREAT gift to give to parents. ;)


Malia helping Uncle Dave and dada put together her new trike.

Thank you God for our wonderful family!!

Each year Thanksgiving rolls around, I like to think about what I am thankful for. The list keeps growing and growing, however, this year I am really thankful for family and our health. God is amazing and is always faithful. We were blessed to spend Thanksgiving in North Carolina with Wes' family and had a great time. It is so much fun to watch Malia with her cousins Maya and Ella. Here are some of our favorites and a recap of our week...


Loves Nana & Poppy's puppies


Children's Museum...had a blast!


Met Clifford for the first time....ran right up to him.


Look Maya...it is Clifford!!


Why are you so tall?


3 Bears room...this bed is just right.


Yum! Happy Thanksgiving.


Zoom, zoom.








Watch out, here comes trouble!


Fighting for Nana


Maya Rae, 2 years old already.


Ella Drew, 3 years old.


Just when I think she can't be even more like her daddy.


Wouldn't leave Uncle Richard alone.


Maya and Ella were decorating and Malia just kept eating the candy.


She had a ball on Ella's sofa...I think Santa Claus might be bringing her a Dora sofa for Christmas. ;)