merry christmas

Hope your day was magical and bright!

Love,
The VanKirks

snip, snip

Alex got her very first haircut this past Saturday by my long-time stylist Kelli (can't believe she's been doing my hair for more than 17 years). Alex was so excited, and thoroughly enjoyed the whole process. Her favorite parts were getting to wear a Dora the Explorer cape, being pumped up in the chair, and having pixie dust (gold glitter) sprinkled in her hair when she was all done.


But the best part is, her sweet little curls definitely have been given new life....can you say boing!

cookies, cookies, and MORE cookies

I spent this past Sunday participating in one of my favorite holiday traditions. For the past 13 years I have gotten together with the ladies in my family to bake Christmas cookies. Although we all agree it is a grueling day (usually 10+ hours of baking), it just wouldn't be the holidays without it. And we certainly wouldn't miss it for the world.

For me, I love getting to spend the entire day with my loved ones.


I also love SEEING what special treats everyone else is creating,


SMELLING all the traditional holiday ingredients baking in the oven,


and SAMPLING all the fabulous goodies, of course.


But most importantly, I love putting my heart and soul into beautiful homemade gifts for friends and neighbors.


If you've been nice, not naughty, perhaps one of these little gems may end up on your doorstep.

ho, ho, ho

We attended our playgroup's holiday party on Tuesday night, and look who made a grand appearance.....


Alex was a pro on Santa's lap....totally brave, and actually pretty excited.


She informed him she would like a scooter and sewing machine for Christmas. We're pretty sure Mr. and Mrs. Clause have the scooter covered, but if any friends and family are puzzled about what to get her for Christmas you may want to consider a mixer for her kitchen. I know, I know, she said sewing machine. But when asked what she would do with the sewing machine she always states she would mix up food in her kitchen....I know she's bright, but she can't get everything right, right?

Avery, on the other hand, wasn't quite as comfortable with the jolly fellow. She approached him all on her own, but when he reached down to pick her up the wailing began.


In the end Daddy had to hold her while they visited and chatted about the upcoming holiday. We are proud to say she did muster up enough courage to give him a hug when it was all said and done.

And fortunately for us, it seems Santa's jolly spirit has followed us home. Alex frequently now sits down in her rocking chair with a favorite toy or doll in her lap, and pretends to be Mr. Clause. She's even perfected the deep rumbling voice, and kind mannerisms, as she asks what each little one wants for Christmas. Ho, Ho, Ho!

oh christmas tree....

We spent this past Sunday with my parents, brother Mark, and nephew Ryan at Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch. It's an amazing little dude ranch on Hwy. 70, just outside Quincy, CA.

Here's the main reason we were there:


This is our Christmas tree standing tall just before we cut it down (yep, it's BIG).

We certainly brought home an amazing tree, but more importantly, the entire day was such a fun experience. First, upon arriving they served us lunch in the "chuckhouse". After lunch we had a little time to kill before heading up in the woods to cut our tree so we got to explore the ranch a bit.

We did a little fishing on the pond....no luck!


Checked out the playground, of course.


And even hung out in the saloon.

When it was time to go tree cutting we loaded up in the horse drawn wagon and headed into the forest.


Upon arrival at the designated location they had a bonfire, cookies, and hot cocoa waiting for us....what more can you say!


To top it off, we didn't even have to do the hard labor. Once we decided on a tree they chopped it down for us, drove it down the hill, and loaded it into our truck when we arrived back at the ranch.


Needless to say, we had a fabulous time and have definitely found a new Christmas tradition for our family.

i heart thanksgiving

This was the fifth year in a row (minus 2005 when Alex was an infant and Meggan and Melissa were both late in their 9th month of pregnancy) that we spent Thanksgiving day with our dear friends the Cranmers (our gracious hosts) and Barclays. It was an amazing day filled with many things to be thankful for....

GREAT FOOD




GREAT FRIENDS



and, THANKFUL THIS WASN'T OUR HOUSE!


In all sincerity, thanks again Troy, Meggan, Bill, and Melissa for being such amazing friends. We love you guys to pieces and couldn't imagine anyone else we'd rather spend this special holiday with!

gobble, gobble

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from Brian, Michelle & our two little TURKEYS!


We feel so very thankful to have such wonderful family and friends. Here's to hoping you all have a very happy day tomorrow, filled with tons of laughter, good company, and LOTS of great food, of course.

reminiscing

Just completed this layout for Alex's album detailing the story of how Brian and I met and fell in love.


(if you click on the picture you will get an enlarged image that will allow you to read the journaling....if you so like)

It was so much fun reminiscing and looking at old photos of our early days as a couple. More importantly, we feel so blessed that we love one another as much today as we did back then.

weekend getaway

My parents invited us for a long weekend away at Lake Tahoe this past weekend and we jumped at the opportunity. This was the view from our condo....magnificent!


The rapidly changing weather gave us the opportunity to do many different activities. Saturday's sunny and warm temperatures allowed us to do a little hiking and geocaching....Alex was thrilled to find her first treasure.



And it just isn't a vacation with kids if you don't explore a couple of new parks.



When the weather turned chilly and rainy we couldn't wait to get the fire started. The girls loved eating their "cold and delicious" ice cream next to the "warm and cozy" fire.

My parents even watched the girls on Sunday night so Brian and I could go on a much needed date. We enjoyed a long and peaceful dinner at La Fondue. Unfortunately, the only movie playing at the local theater was Madagascar II....not exactly a date movie, and surely even more inappropriate for making out in the back row!

Although it was only four short days, our little getaway to Lake Tahoe was fabulous. I feel totally refreshed and prepared to dive into all things holiday!

everyday bliss

Just an ordinary day in the backyard raking leaves....an opportunity to hang out with Daddy, explore fall's splendors, and play with your sister. We are crazy about these kids!

3!

Can't believe this little girl is THREE!


Alex had a quiet birthday spent just with family. First, she got to do her favorite Sunday morning activity...go to hoops with Daddy. Later that morning, when Oma arrived, she got to open presents....lots of fun Tinker Bell schwag! Then it was off to lunch at one of her favorite restaurants, Red Robin. Ironically, Brian and I ate lunch at a Red Robin the day she was born. Later, after naps, the girls got to watch the new Tinker Bell movie....very sweet, and a nice message about being proud of your individual strengths and who you are. Then finally, a little pizza for supper (at Alex's request) and home-made strawberry birthday cake (also, at her request), to which she replied "this cake is fabulous"!

It is days like yesterday that remind us how quickly time flies. Wasn't it just yesterday that we were holding her in our arms, rocking her to sleep? Although those days have long passed, we are so proud of the little lady she has become. She is such a joy to have in our lives, and we can't wait to see what the future has in store for her. Love you Pumpkin Pie!

halloween round up

I've never been much of a Halloween person. Sure, as a kid I loved dressing up and running around the neighborhood as fast as I could to see how high I could fill my pillowcase with candy. But as an adult Halloween has never been one of my favorite holidays. Perhaps it's that I tend to be a private person (yeah, yeah, I know this is a public blog), and having complete strangers come to my door seems a bit intrusive....even if they are only three feet tall. Not even having children of my own could spark excitement about the costumed candy run. In fact, we had never dressed the girls in costumes prior to this year, and we did so ONLY because we were invited to a party by our good friends the Cranmers. Well, lets just say THANK YOU Troy and Meggan for putting the witches stride back in our step. We had an amazing Halloween!


Alex was ecstatic about dressing in her witch costume (selected by her), and absolutely LOVED trick-or-treating with the small group of kids from the party (gotta love Koufax dressed as Manny Ramirez). In fact, she was racing (yes, I'm really talking about Alex) to beat all the other kids to every porch so she could be the one to ring the bell. Avery even surprised us with a brave demeanor as she eagerly collected her sweet treats from strangers.


Mommy and Daddy even got into the spirit by dressing in cave men costumes made by my Mom many years ago...so talented she is! We had so much fun I'm already thinking about what the girls should dress up as next year. I'm thinking Dorothy and ToTo...gotta love those ruby slippers!

rock obama

Just wanted to share a snippet from conversation at lunch at the VanKirk house today....

Alex: "This is Rock Obama" (stated as she picked up a political leaflet off the counter for a candidate running for county commissioner)

Mommy: "What did you say?"

Alex: "This is Rock Obama"

Mommy: "Where did you learn about Barack Obama?"

Alex: "He's on TV"

Mommy: "Well, Mommy's not going to vote for Barack Obama"

Alex: "Can I have more cheesy crackers please"

First, let me just gloat a little....I know all parents think their kids are bright, but she really surprises me with her wit and intelligence every day. The man on the pamphlet looked nothing like Barack Obama, yet she knew it was related to the political happenings. Added to that, aside from telling her that we vote two days after her birthday, we haven't even discussed politics with her....I'm in awe.

But the bigger issue at hand....what do you think it says about the candidate who is appealing to a 3-year-old, even if she is bright? I have my own opinion, but I'll let you make up your own mind. :D

got fish?

We took the girls out to Pyramid Lake on Sunday for a little fishing...I think Brian was secretly hoping they would be his good luck charms. If you're unaware of his (okay, make that our) fishing expertise, let's just say we'd probably starve to death if we had to eat off the land.


From the lack of fish pictures I'm sure you can come to your own conclusion on how his good luck charms worked out for him. Nevertheless, we were glad to get them outside and have them experience something new.

fall harvest

My parents took us to a great little organic orchard in Washoe Valley this past Saturday to pick apples. What a great fall activity to do as a family!


Alex would have picked the entire crop if we would have let her.


And well, Avery would have eaten it!


Brian and the girls have already put some of our apples to good use by making a yummy apple crisp from a recipe handed down by my Great Aunt Hilda (we love and miss her dearly).


And aside from a little extra flying batter the kitchen remained pretty much in tact while the three bakers worked their magic. I am so thankful, and the girls are so lucky, Brian is such a patient and involved Daddy. Not to mention he's a pretty darned good cook too!

great idea; bad timing!

Brian and I have always loved camping, but haven't been since we were pregnant with Alex three years ago. Since the girls are getting a little older however, we decided to brave the great outdoors and head to Graeagle this past weekend for a little camping trip before summer comes to an end.


It was a great idea, but we exercised horrible timing. Both girls had been battling colds, yet we decided to ignore their ailing bodies and proceed with our plans. There was no way we could cancel, right? We were meeting our friends the Cranmers....Brian's parents were already there waiting for us....Judy and Rocky (my sister and brother-in-law) graciously let us borrow their trailer....and the weather is starting to get cooler, so this was probably our last opportunity to go camping this summer.

Lets just say we gave "roughing it" a whole new meaning. Both girls got sick Friday night (don't worry J&R, the camper didn't take any direct hits), and we spent much of the two nights hearing two little girls cough up their lungs. Not to mention, we woke to a water leak Saturday morning that had the dinette storage area flooded (don't worry J&R, handyman Brian got things under control in no time).

Although I've painted a horrible picture, it really wasn't all bad. There's something about mountain air, and apparently dirt according to the girls, that makes everything better. We had a lovely time hanging out with our friends and Mom & Bob. The kids played great together. And we went camping with the girls....we really did it!

summer, please don't go

We love fall here in the the Truckee Meadows. The weather is glorious....crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and cool nights. There's only one problem with fall....it means winter is just around the corner. The good news is, although fall is quickly approaching the weather hasn't quite shifted yet. So to take advantage of what's left of these sun filled summer days we decided to load the car with our sand toys, towels and umbrella this past weekend and head to Lake Tahoe.




We had a great time digging in the sand, splashing in the cool water, and just soaking up the sun on the beach of Sand Harbor. We definitely feel so blessed to have such an amazing piece of nature at our doorstep. Sometimes we actually feel guilty about not taking advantage of it as often as we should. Thankfully however, summer decided to stick around just a bit longer this year and our family got to spend a beautiful afternoon in this beautiful oasis.

up, up and away

Thirteen years ago Brian and I were having so much fun together after a Friday night softball game that we decided to stay up all night and go to the Reno Balloon Races at dawn. What an amazing first date!


Naturally, this spectacular fall event holds special meaning for us; a symbol marking another year of commitment, love and happiness together. And although we aren't the spry kids that can burn the midnight oil any longer, waking up a little early for this special occasion every year is a treat.




One of the best parts about attending the Balloon Races now is getting to see the wonder in our girls' eyes. The sights, sounds and smells of more than a hundred hot air balloons at your fingertips is certainly awe inspiring! If you've never been to such an event you should put it on your bucket list.