Looking Like Christmas

Simon really wanted to make a gingerbread house this year so we made one out of graham crackers. When we were done he insisted that it was a cracker house, NOT a ginger bread house. He loves it anyway. He likes to pretend he is the grinch and hides it in random places.

Making gingerbread cookies.

Sledding!

Carmen, after face planting in the snow.

Sitting on Santa's lap. Simon said he wants "A pirate ship and a captain hook." He's been rehearsing that line for weeks. Carmen was just happy to get a free candy cane.

Christmas Time

We decided we couldn't do without a tree this year. Simon became very concerned when we even mentioned not having a tree. So here it is! It's small and beautiful and it smells amazing!

Halloween

Carving pumpkins. Simon says his pumpkin is Peter Pan's face.

Captain Hook

Peter Pan dressed up for school.

I found Simon's old tiger costume while I was getting costumes put together. I had to stick Carmen in it.

The family all dressed up: Tiger Lily, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, Nanna, and Peter Pan.

Out trick-or-treating.

Buddies.

First Day of School

Poor Simon had a hard time getting up for his first day of school. I think he was so excited the night before he barely slept. This picture shows his puffy little eyes and his nervousness pretty well.

After getting over his first day jitters, Simon loves school. His teacher is great and he loves his new friends. Carmen and I are enjoying our mornings together just us girls.

Disneyland and SanDiego

We ended our summer with a bang. We had been hoping to make it to Disneyland this summer, and with a lot of planning and help from my sister and her husband we were able to make it work.

Both kids did amazing on the drive to and from California. Once we got there they loved the three days we spent at Disneyland. Simon was fearless- he rode on Splash Mountain 5 times, Space Mountain 3 times (he likes to call it, "the roller coaster in the dark that makes you fly"), Rocky Mountain Railroad 3 times, and The Matterhorn twice. Plus he loved all the kid rides too- his favorites were Dumbo, Peter Pan, Small World, and the flying rockets in Tomorrowland. Carmen also loved going on rides she always got excited, but I think she loved Pirates the most.

Riding Dumbo

Simon and Annie in Mickey's car

First time down Splash Mountain

We ate a lot of ice cream

The Matterhorn with Daddy

Meeting Pluto

Meeting Mickey

Space Mountain

Hugging Cowboy Goofy

Waiting for the parade

Wiped out after 3 fun but long days

Then we drove down to San Diego where Mel and Derrick were nice enough to let us stay in their new home. We spent a lot of time at the beach and explored downtown San Diego and Seaport Village.

Thanks again Mel and Derrick for letting us come stay and helping us get a sweet deal on Disneyland tickets. We had a blast!

We're Going On a Bear Hunt (our latest favorite)

I love this picture of the two of them. It completely describes their relationship and personalities. Carmen is so happy (thanks to Simon keeping her well entertained) and ready to move. Simon is trying hard to keep her happy and help out while discussing something in the meantime. These kids are so awesome.

Carmen turned 6 months old a week ago! It is unbelievable, especially since she is so small she just seems younger. She has started army crawling over the past few days. She also gets up on all fours and rocks back and forth. She is always wanting to move somewhere- she is able to sit up on her own, but won't sit for long before she thrusts herself forward to get to something. According to her doctor she is doing great. She bumped up from the 4% to 8% in weight and is 29% in height.

Simon starts preschool in a couple weeks. He is super excited. I'm pretty nervous, just because he is my baby and I can't believe he is going to school already. He is definitely ready for it though, and I think it's going to be really good for him.

Sorry for not posting more. It's been a busy summer, but very fun. We've got one more adventure ahead of us - Disneyland! If anyone has any Disneyland advice before we attempt this, we would love to hear it.

Summer Fun

We've been keeping busy this summer. Simon was able to spend lots of time with his Mumsy over the last couple weeks (I failed to get any pictures). He had a blast, and keeps talking about the next time he'll get to see her. We were talking about all his family that lives far away and where each of them lives. Then he asked, "Where does Daddy live?" I said, "Where do you think?" He thought about it then said, "At the lab?" :)

Here are some things that we've been doing that I actually took pictures of.

A trip to the Cabin. Carmen's first visit! We went fishing and it was a lot colder than we anticipated so I used one of the extra coats to keep Simon warm. He looked pretty awesome. I love the picture of Luke putting his arm around him. So cute. Racing ducks at BYU. Simon colored his own rubber duck and named him "Duck the duck". Duck didn't win the race, but it was a lot of fun anyway.

Lots and lots of trips to Seven Peaks. Both kids love to be outside and in the water. Fine by me!

Carmen turns 4 months old! She is a little wild one. She celebrated turning 4 months by deciding to roll over from back to tummy. Now she enjoys rolling all over the place and babbling about her adventures. She is the most easy going little person ever. She is also very small. She is still only just over 11lbs (4th%). She is very happy and eats really well, but since she's not gaining weight very rapidly her doc is a little concerned. Hopefully she'll start to beef up soon. We love this baby!

Happy Father's Day! We made Ryan some yummy breakfast in bed. He's an amazing man, and a great Daddy to these kids!

We've also been facing random illnesses since summer began, which is random and frustrating since we usually don't get very sick. Sorry if you wanted to see pictures, I didn't take any. ;)

Visitors

Tuck, Amy, Jill, and Cooper drove out here! We were happy to get to spend some time with them. Simon had fun playing with his cousins and Carmen loved the attention.

Simon and Jill watching a movie together.

Simon reading a book to Cooper

Jill holding Carmen. She was so cute with Carmen and always wanted to be playing with her. I think they are both happy to have each other. :)