Cutting Down our first Christmas Tree!

Since I was a little girl, I've always had an artificial Christmas tree. Andrew on the other hand, has always had a REAL tree! So this year, we began a new tradition with our own family. We drove to Naches, got our tree cutting permit, and drove into the woods! Here we are with our tree!

The Polar Express

My three boys... waiting to get on the train!

Brandon and I on the train!

Brandon fell asleep when Santa came... so I put him in Santa's arms! How adorable, right?!

Brandon and Tyler looking outside the window.. Santa and his elves were out there! (The girl is a friend they met on the train)

Hanging with dad!

This month, we were able to take the kids to the Polar Express train ride in Oregon! It was the neatest experience. You board the train and they sing, read the polar express, hand out cookies and cocoa---the whole Polar Express experience! The kids had a great time! I can't wait until Christmas! It's my favorite time of the year!

Thanksgiving 2009

My mother in law, Rose and a few of her boys!

Matt, Rose and Brandon

The whole family--minus Jen! Missed you Jen!

It's the time of year that we are reminded ofall the wonderful things we are thankful for. This Thanksgiving, we were able to spend time with both my family and Andrew's family.

We have several things to be thankful for:

1. Andrew and I both have jobs we enjoy---I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember! Besides being a mom, it's the best job in the world. Andrew being able to transfer with the Post Office and do something he enjoys

2. Our children--Brandon and Tyler

3. Our home---we have a wonderful home full of love and warmth

4. Our many friends and family and the list goes on and on!

HAPPY THANKGIVING!!!!

Tyler starts first grade! Here are the pictures from his first day! After we dropped Brandon off at Nancy's house, Grandpa Rick met us to say happy first day of school :)

Brandon gets stitches!

So, the day finally came when Brandon has an accident! He's such a boy and is rough all the time with his brother and daddy! Andrew and I just had the conversation the day before that our boys need to take it easy! One day, we knew that something would happen and today happens to be the day! Brandon hit the corner of our end table and smacked the center of his forehead! Here is a picture right after co

m
ing home from the hospital. He got two stitches :( and yes, those are spaghettios on his face! He didn't let me clean his face, so we are showing off our stitches and messy face :)

San Francisco with the Family!

Andrew and I have always wanted to go to San Francisco! Our family vacations have always been to Disneyland, so we decided to do something new this summer...and last minute I have to add! I booked it on a Thursday and we left on Tuesday! (Besides, we have already been to Disneyland this year!) There is so much to see and do! We went on a tour of Alcatraz, rode the cable cars, saw the house used for the show, "Full House", at ate the Girardelli Chocolate store (yummy!), walked up and down pier 39, and watched all the entertainment on the streets!

Brandon's birth!

I found this video of Brandon and had to post it! I miss that baby cry! He's getting so big.... running and talking and doing sign language! They grow up so fast! Love you Brandon!

summer!

This summer, we bought the boys a pool so we can stay home and relax! It's perfect! The weather has been super hot lately, and I just finished my professional certification, so it's time to enjoy the rest of summer with my kiddos!

The end of kindergarten...

I can hardly believe that my oldest son just finished kindergarten! Tyler will be 6 in August... he's just growing up so fast. This year, he started T-Ball in the Spring. He turned out to be quite the little ball player! And, I must add, quite handsome! He looks so much like his daddy... and many people say he looks like his Grandpa Rick, too! He did really well in school this year and is looking forward to first grade. The beginning of July brings swimming lessons, and he is certainly looking forward to that! This weekend, we are taking the kids to the Great Wolf Lodge for a getaway. Andrew has been working alot with his new job transfer and it's a much needed vacation, even though it's only 3 hours away!

May 2009

Brandon trying to do a somersault! Tyler learned how to ride his bike today without any training wheels!

Just got out of the bathtub! who is this handsome kid looking at me in the mirror?

After our bikeride on the greenway.

Playing in the tents!

Some April Family pictures!

Walking through Mickey's house

Grizzly Mountain Canyon

Handy Manny!

More Handy Manny!

the entrance to the Park

Disneyland 2009

In February, I FINALLY finished my masters! After 20 months of hard work, we decided to celebrate by going to Disneyland! The kids have gone twice now in one year! We took them last June for the summer. I have to say that I would go again for Spring Break any day over the summer. The weather was perfect, and we had a blast! Andrew's sister, Jen was able to come with us, too! Brandon also turned 1, so it that was another reason to celebrate! This was the first year Tyler was able to go on most of the rides. He really enjoyed himself and was so excited! Our family loves to go to the beach, but it's about a 4 hour drive. Tyler hates long car rides, so we told him we would fly to the beach instead! To his surprise, we were actually going to Disneyland!
On the Buzzlight year ride

Waiting in line for the new Toy Story ride at California Adventure

Tyler sitting on the edge of the stroller... it worked out quite well!

Looking out the big window, waiting for our airplane to arrive!