Snow Angels

Today the girls and I packed up a lunch and took a trip up to Mt. Baldy to see if this last storm left any new snow. Since no new snow had fallen Emily's snow angel didn't come out quite as well as she had hoped. But we were able to make a snowman. The girls were really excited for the first ten minutes or so, then the realization of the need for it to be really cold and slippery set in. All in all they had a really fun time, good thing we remembered our carrots!

Making snow angels.

Our first snowman!

I love going on little adventures with the girls, the hard part is getting the three of us in one picture together.

Decorating the Tree

We have started a tradition of sorts. First we put up the Christmas lights, then we go get our tree and later that night we decorate it. With the girls getting older I feel like the tree decorating is a little less chaotic and a little more relaxed and low key. Gone are the days of babies trying to eat ornaments, climb the tree, and splash the tree water. Now, we listen to Bing Crosby, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra sing the classics while enjoying our hot chocolate and telling the girls the history of each ornament. It couldn't be any better.

All finished!

Chief wants some too. Yes, there was a spill about two minutes later.

Christmas marshmellows are the best!

Happy Birthday Elizabeth!

Elizabeth was lucky enough to get two birthday parties for her 2nd birthday. Above are pictures from the one that I did have a camera at, I know, I'm a horrible mother. Being born so close to Thanksgiving we were able to celebrate two holidays at once, I know what

I'm thankful for!

Witch One

Emily decided to be a witch this year for Halloween in honor of the character Elpheba from the musical Wicked, her favorite soundtrack. Although, Em felt that for her Elpheba costume green was not a necessity (translation - your not putting that green paint on my face). Elizabeth was eager to follow in her sisters footsteps and chose the same costume. Then, they both agreed that Mama also wanted to be a witch. They had a great time walking around the neighborhood and were very sad to hear that even witches have bedtimes.

Pumpkin Carving

This year we got some help from Peepa and Grandma when carving our pumpkins!

AIDS Walk LA

My Dad and I really enjoyed spending the day together to do the 6.2 mile AIDS Walk. As you can see in the pictures below we were only 2 out of 30,000 who came together to support the fight against the AIDS virus. Personally, other than being with family, there is nothing better than the feeling that your helping to make a difference in someone's life. The weather was great, walking with my Dad was even better and the feeling of unity was amazing. The last two pictures are to give you an idea of how many people were there.

Halloween Preview

We were able to enjoy a fun halloween night at California Adventure full of little ghouls, goblins, princesses and lots of trick or treating!

Elizabeth was very excited to dress up as Tinkerbell and Emily was none other than Belle.

The girls got to participate in the Halloween Parade at the end of the evening.

While Elizabeth wasn't to sure what to think of this witch, the highlight of the parade was dancing with Princess Jasmine!

Cousins and Cookies

Nothing could be better than decorating cookies with our cousin Lucas. If only they had put as much frosting and candy on the cookie as opposed to in their bellies. With proof like this, they can't deny it.

(Emily's black mouth and Lucas sampling)

The Finished Product

Paiute Trail

Jason recently went on a week long ATV trip on the Paiute trail in Utah. The following are picture of the beautiful country that he rode through.
Safety first!!

Since ATVs are popular in Utah, the roads were all fairly wide.

A unexpected storm came through in the middle of the trip leaving all the guys with frost bite on their fingers. Jason is still having both numbness and pain.

The first time the Green Zipper has seen snow.

Jason's trip buddies Ed, Troy and John.

HERO

Last weekend Jason and I were out washing the cars when I asked Emily to go inside and check on her sister. A minute later she came out and told us there was smoke in the house. Sure enough, the potatoes I had put in the oven had caught fire. We got the girls out of the house as it quickly filled with smoke and Jason found the fire extinguisher and put out the fire. Words can't describe what Jason and I were feeling when it was all said and done with. But one thing was for sure, Emily is our hero. The pictures above show her trip to the local fire station to tell the firemen her story. She was rewarded with a little tour and several gifts.

Back To School

Here's to - friends (new and old), dress-up, monkey bars and snack time.

Go get 'um Emmy!!!

One Last Swim

The pool is starting to cool off, which means the summer is offically coming to a close.

Wait...... there's always the spa!

Aquarium of the Pacific

Lunch anyone?

I see Nemo!

"Josie", littering the beach.

Emily, the rip current.

The four of us enjoyed a wonderful day together at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach last weekend. It was one of those spur of the moment activities, which are usually the activities that end up being the most fun. The giant crab in the first picture really got Jason craving a big plate of crab legs and melted butter. I'm sure that clown fish have never been so popular, I think the girls found Nemo in ever tank we walked by. The last 2 pictures are of the girls participating in a little play that was going on in the childrens theater outside. Elizabeth was lucky enough to get the leading role, "Josie" littered the beach with food and trash and taught us about the danger that can occur from such carelessness. And Emily, the rip current, taught us how to be cautious when swimming in the ocean. Both girls had a great time and gave Jason and I a great laugh.

Emily's 4th Birthday

We can't believe our little girl is 4 already. The beginning of the party was filled with water games and a slip 'n slide outside, but by the end we were ready for princess dresses, air conditioning, a clown, air conditioning, and face painting. Did I mention it was extremely hot! As you can see we all had a wonderful time.

Even Elizabeth, I mean Minnie Mouse, joined in on the festivities!