Wednesday, November 26, 2008

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.

Monday, November 17, 2008

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.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

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!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

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!

Monday, November 3, 2008

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!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

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!