Ella rockin out

So Ella's cousin Lydia got this toy for Christmas. Ella pushed her out of the way every time she saw it. I think she may like all the attention ;)

I'm still here

Wow, that's the biggest break I've taken since starting this blog.  I guess I got all wrapped up in everything going on over the holidays.  We took a long plane ride to Ohio to stay with my parents for Christmas.  My sisters, aunts, grandpa, cousins, 2nd cousins and friends were there.  It was crazy with everyone there, but lots of fun to see everyone.  The girls were completely spoiled with so many gifts.  Riley thinks that there are at least 3 days of Christmas since we opened presents on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th!  After we got home and adjusted back to routines Riley and I had the following conversation:
Riley:  "After weeks and weeks at home, I want to go on vacation"
Me:     "Where are we going to go?"
Riley:  "Aunt Erin's house!"
This child is a professional traveler, I think I'll skip out on that 6 hour flight for now.

Click here to see all of our Christmas pics from Ohio

Grandpa getting into the Christmas spirit!

Riley's Christmas recital

Christmas Spirit

I watch this and remember that this is what it's all about

Playing School

Winter Fun!

This year I took Riley downtown Gig Harbor to see the Christmas tree lighting and watch Santa come in on a firetruck. It's fun to do these things with Riley now and watch her as her eyes light up. We also went down to our usual Christmas tree farm down the street and quickly picked a tree. As you can see it was cold and poor Ella just sat there with tears in her eyes from the wind. We never picked a tree so fast!

Birthdays Galore!

Could it be? My b-day was yesterday and the official end of birthdays for us. Jarom arranged for a sitter and sent me to get a pedi/mani and then he came with me to lunch. When he got home from work he brought a slice of oreo cheesecake and he and Riley sang to me. It was a perfect day and I teared up when Riley came up to me unexpectedly, hugged me, and said "Happy B-day Mama." The end to a perfect day. My friends also threw a little brunch for me this morning with egg casserole, german pancakes, fruit, and chocolate cake, mmmm... I have the best friends!!