NYE 2013

We're getting ready to celebrate the new year. The toast is ready (both kinds!) and the poppers are filled.

Mady enjoyed her drink and toast, even if she wasn't really sure why we were standing around outside at night.

While Alex and Zachary were doing the poppers, Mady started to clap. She just loves to be involved and included in what her brothers are doing.

Best wishes for a wonderful 2014!

Go Dawgs!

The Washington Huskies are in the Kraft Foods Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco! We went to Union Square for the Pep Rally. Arriving early meant that we were able to get a front row spot to listen to the band and watch the cheerleaders and the majorette. And we even got a chance to have a photo with Harry Husky.

Alex and Zachary collected some of the ribbons that fell off of the cheerleaders' pom-poms.

Alex gave us a scare at the beginning of the rally. While I kept our spot, everyone walked to the street to watch the BYU band march into the square. Alex apparently fell in behind the band and followed them to the stage. Since he was wearing his hoody, and was crouched down, it was a scary 10-15 minutes while Phil searched for him. Luckily he was found and no real harm was done.

The next night, Phil and I were lucky enough to attend the game at AT&T Park. And the Huskies won!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

The day began early, as most days around here do. Alex and Zachary dove right into their stockings.

Mady was a little more tentative, but soon she was right in the mix.

Well, she liked shaking the presents, but still didn't understand that it is more fun to unwrap them!

After a break for a breakfast of cinnamon rolls, Alex and Zachary were ready to open presents. In the past, it has taken us many hours, but this year, the boys were so excited, they took very few breaks and just wanted to know what was in the presents. So they finished up, and Mady and the parents finished up on our own schedule. In fact, Mady's schedule involved opening her last gift a couple of days later. The boys received a set of 3 instruments, so everyone can play together. We only managed to catch two kids playing at a time though.

Mady wanted to put her new sweater on immediately. As soon as she saw it, she started trying to take off her jammies so she could try on her new clothes.

Alex, the constructor, whipped through his new lego set and moved on to building a car and a plane.

We want to thank everyone for the wonderful gifts and we hope you had a wonderful Christmas season!

Christmas Eve

Happy Christmas Eve! My Christmas cactus bloomed right on time this year. We're still experimenting with our family traditions for Christmas Eve. The menu has stayed the same, but this year we tried more of a buffet style dinner.

Zachary, Mady and Alex enjoyed watching Christmas shows while eating.

Another steadfast tradition is the Christmas Jammies. Everyone's jammies are a little big this time around. They'll probably last until next year. At least they are cozy.

Our tree is all ready for the big day. Since we don't have a mantel this year, we thought it would be fun to hang our stockings on the tree. Do you think Santa will be able to find them?

Exploratorium

We spent the day at the Exploratorium. It was a bit more crowded than the last time we went, but that helped us explore new areas. Mady learned that sometimes science hurts. Square wheels don't always stay on track. Don't worry, she shook it right off.

The kids channeled their inner Goldilocks.
 
Alex and Zachary spent a lot of time building a marble tunnel. Alex probably would have stayed in that area for much longer.

Another area we hadn't explored before showcased Living Systems. There was a large fallen tree. It showed the pulled up root system, part of the trunk was sliced lengthwise and made into benches, and of course there was a round to show the rings. Mady was wondering off while we were trying to get the picture, Alex was ready to move on.

Mady enjoyed learning about tide systems and having the freedom to wander in this quieter corner.

Alex and Zachary each conquered the pendulum. They had to swing the handle and try to get the arm to stop in the upright position. It wasn't as easy as it sounds!
This sand table was lots of fun. It had diamond plate under plexi-glass. The sand made interesting trails as the table spun.

Cookies

Time to decorate cookies!  Our cookies were supposed to be trees, but they mostly turned out like blobs. Green icing and decorations helped.

Mady didn't do much decorating. She mostly ate the first one and let Alex and Zachary do all of the work!

Knock Knock

Good thing we finished decorating the tree.  Look who stopped by a little early!

Mady wasn't too sure about our friendly visitor, but Alex and Zachary were really excited!

Of course Santa brought presents.  Mario Kart bed tents for the boys, and a unicorn dream light for Mady.

And candy canes for everyone.

Eventually Mady warmed up and even though she didn't smile, she didn't cry either. I'd call that a win! The candy cane might have helped a little.

 

Alex and Zachary absolutely love the bed tents. Thank you Santa!