Our latest addition

Since painting our living room green a month or so ago, we have slowly been adding things back up on the walls. This framed wreath is our latest. I've been wanting to do it for awhile, so it feels nice to finally get it done. It's not exactly what I pictured, and I may still tweak a couple things, but I still like it. It all came together when we scored a framed picture during a White Elephant party. The wreath was ready and waiting, so after a quick trip to JoAnn's for some ribbon and spray paint, and we were done. I love being done.

Ellie saw a picture of someone on the tea cups at Disneyland.

Ellie: "Can we go there mom?"
Me: "I don't know?"

Ellie: "Maybe after breakfast?"
Me: "I don't know? Go ask Dad."

Ellie (upon coming back from talking to Danny): "He said I don't think so."
Me: "Oh, ok."

Ellie (straight faced and in all seriousness): "That means yes."

It was a very Merry Christmas.

I think we did a pretty good job of keeping things simple this year. Of course it's easy when the only thing Ellie wanted was princess band aids (and a Christmas tree). We did get her a few other things, but the band aids were still at the top of her list of favorites (probably second to lots of gum and candy). I was pretty excited about her new play kitchen, but I think it's going to take a friend or two coming over to play with her to get her really excited.

Chase was happy with his horse, dog, cars and dad's new shaver.

Just a very nice Christmas.

The Chasey man

July 2010

I don't realize how fast my kids are growing up until I find old pictures, that aren't even very old. This shot was less than 6 months ago. A big difference from the little man we've got today.

Our sweet, timid Mary

Ellie was the first girl to arrive at the Preschool Christmas program, (I had the wrong time, which made us quite early- I should do this more often) so she got first pick of her costume. A good choice.

Toys

Danny's new toy
(thanks to a boss who likes to give the latest fun, new gadgets)

Ellie: "Hey dad, do you got any games on this?"
And now refers to it as Daddy's "Big Touch"

My new toy

I'm usually against opening presents early, but I've gone far too long without a camera already. Now I just need to learn how to use it.