Christmas Day

Lots of crying from Miles on Christmas Day; he wanted to open everyone's presents, but other than that we had a fun day. I just have to take pictures when he is in meltdown mode - makes me able to stand the tantrum for some reason.

We opened Santa presents before church, then family presents after church. Note to self, just open them all at once next time and wrap every little thing for Miles in separate boxes. He only wanted to open presents, not play with them. The girls were great - and were really good at sharing their presents.





Kenny's mustache that didn't make it to the afternoon's family photo

A good lookin' family - just missing Becky Lee and her family


Trying to hide my 20 weeks stomach... not working..

Dressed as reindeer to deliver fresh bread to the neighbors

Fairytale Town in Sacramento and Folsom Zoo Park

We took a day trip down to Sacramento and visited Fairy Tale Town, a park with lots of slides and animals from nursery rhymes and fairy tales, like the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe slide, Cinderella's carriage, the three little pigs, and jack and the beanstalk. Then we met up with Erick and Megan at the park next to the Folsom Zoo.












Folsom Zoo Park

The kids, er, Uncles, playing on the horses

Claire came up to Uncle Matt with a serious face and said, "You're coming with me!" and took him off to play restaurant

Lily and Claire chasing chickens at Folsom Zoo Park

Placerville, CA Christmas Visit

We went to Placerville this year for Christmas and enjoyed the beautiful weather and spending time with May, Papa, Duke and all the other animals around the "forest" as Claire calls it. She also asked me what mountain May and Papa live on - well, it's more of a mountain than the Las Vegas Valley, I guess. I had my camera out a lot, so there are going to be a ton of pictures in the next few posts.

Duke was Miles' favorite toy/pillow/friend during the trip, though Papa was a close second.






Miles and Claire wanted to help out around the house a lot - Claire especially is always asking me what she can do to help or to have chores. I need to take advantage of this more, but at our house there aren't as many chores. Claire and Miles helped rake leaves, collect eggs (Claire went out there every hour or two to check on the poor chickens, while Miles managed to break at least 3-4 eggs during our visit), or give food to the dogs.


Music time with May - we sang Christmas songs and practiced for the ward choir that I sang with and my mom conducted. While singing on Sunday I felt my mommy-senses tingling and sure enough, I looked over and Miles had walked up to the stage. He was waiting mischievously on the side with a grin on his face. Luckily my dad was on the stand and grabbed him before he came up to me during the song.



We also had a quick visit with Jeff and Jenna, friends from high school, and there two kids. We met at a park and were soon freezing, so headed to McDonald's for some indoor play. This was the best picture of me and Jenna; unfortunately the play area does not make for good lighting. Our kids are very close in age and once my kids stopped shivering uncontrollably from the first park and being so grouchy, we had fun. These kiddos from Vegas and San Diego aren't used to 40 degrees. :)

Claire Quotes

In her prayer the other night, Claire said, "Thank you for our house, and please help those people without houses to live in hotels."

In the bath with new bath toys, Claire says to Miles, "Don't squirt that Miles, you'll shoot your eye out!" (thank you The Christmas Story)

Claire, making pretend food for the family, was asked what type of food it was - "Thai food," she said. Heather's husband Phil said, "How the heck does she know what Thai food is?" We are very diverse, Phil. :) Speaking of diverse...

Claire said, "Miles, do you like Chinese food? Toe-food is the best though. Do you like toe-food?" Maybe she got that from tofu and noodles on Kung Fu Panda that we just got for Christmas?

Cactus Gardens

The Ethel M Chocolate Factory gets all decorated for Christmas. We went with the Neels this year - the kids had fun even though it was crazy busy. Some delicious hot chocolate ended the evening - so good!

Class of 2011!

In 1998, Matt took his first college course at the Community College of Southern Nevada. He took secondary education classes off and on, thinking he wanted to be a high school teacher, until he went on his mission to Houston from Sept 2001 to August 2003, taking a 2 year break from school. Then a job at the Venetian casino, one where many people stay and get lured into the salaries this town can offer someone without a degree. Flash forward a few more years - jobs with two construction companies, a mobile detail business, and more school. It has been many years in the making, but on December 17, Matt graduated with his Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. It was a very special day - I got a bit emotional, I must admit. I want Matt to write more about his experience, but I know for his mom, dad, Leah and myself, we were very willing to wait through the 3+ hour ceremony to see him complete this journey.








Matt presented his mom with a gratitude stole, something to say thank you to someone who has helped you get to this point. I think Betty liked it, plus it made it easier to find Matt in the sea of red.

Congratulations Matt!