OUT with the OLD, IN with the NEW

Audrey LOVES boots!She has worn this pair of black boots every day for the past 4months. The soles are actually worn out and they are scuffed to pieces. Boots are great because she can put them on all by herself and one thing this girl has to have is her independence. Luckily Target had a bunch of boots on clearance and we picked up a new pair for $4.98!!! I also bought a few other pairs for next fall in bigger sizes. I love a good deal and Audrey LOVES the new boots. I also picked up a cute skirt for 5 bucks. I couldn't resist. Target is great, boots simplify my life and Audrey is happy.

Night Sledding in Big Bear

Since we didn't get to see Wyoming Snow and Max was major bummed we decided to head up to Big Bear for the day. The traffic was really bad since the main road was closed due to all the rain, snow and mudslides. So we got up there a little later than expected. It was still fun though because we went night sledding. Josh just turned the car headlights onto the hill and wore a headlamp. The temperature was 13 degrees outside but we bundled up, had a snowball fight and ate icicles. Then we got hot chocolate at Starbucks and drove back home. We are lucky to live so close to the mountains and the ocean in California.

Christmas Eve and DAY

My sister Shannon is leaving for South Korea to teach English in schools for a year and will leave the day after Christmas. So, we had to make the most of our time together. Elise's family was in town and stayed with them at Pat and Larry's since my in-laws are in Wyoming. Unfortunately we can't afford to travel to Wyoming this year but we made the best of it at home for Christmas and New Years. Elise's mom, Loretta made the best Chicken Pot Pie ever for Christmas Eve dinner! We played Apples to Apples, set out milk and cookies for Santa, Russell played with moms reindeers, Shannon packed, we read the Christmas story and then Josh and I went to CVS pharmacy at 11pm to get stupid 8volt batteries that Santa forgot. We all spent the night at my parents house which was kind of fun. I'm not sure who was more excited for Santa to come, us or the kids. The next day we just relaxed, ate and had some good old family time together.

I LOVE MY NEW...

CAMERA! Thank you to my hubby, mom, dad and everyone else who went in on this early Christmas present for me. I'm so excited to put it to good use. I won it on Ebay and got a sweet deal. This is a Canon, Rebel T1 15 mega pixel camera with full HD video. Christmas will look better than ever this year!

Sing Noel and Decorating the Manger

This year I involuntarily became the children's choir director for Sing Noel when Tawnya Wood could no longer do it since her house flooded. I totally felt unqualified for such a calling but it proved to be a great thing. The kids were easy since they don't have the same needs and expectations as the adult choir. We had about 75 kids participate this year. They sounded so cute singing "I want a Hippopatamous for Christmas, Who Is This Child, Come Adore the Son of Man, and O Holy Night". Allyson Didlake and Meredith Duffy were fun to work with. Aside from a girl starting to vomit as she walked on stage the second night and a few screaming instead of singing voices, things ran pretty smoothly. The children are what made this expirence so wonderful.

My mom and I had to teach Max's Sunday school class the next Sunday after Sing Noel. Max also had to give a talk. We were so pooped out from Sing Noel that we decided to watch a movie, eat icicle cheetos, and play with playdoh. The class had so much fun with the play doh that they decided to decorate the manger that Max brought for his talk. Luckily I brought my camera and snaped a few cute pics.

ALL ABOARD!

The Polar Express inspired Breakfast with Santa at Pat and Larry's ward in San Clemente was amazing! They had hot chocolate, breakfast casserole, train ride tickets and the real Santa Claus. Uncle Ryan and the kids were there too. Audrey and Sayde couldn't get enough of the camera as we stood in line to see Santa. Audrey was totally freaked out by Santa but we told her that the only way should would get the coveted Jessie doll from Toy Story was by telling Santa. So, we got Max and Audrey up to take a picture with Santa when Audrey darted in the opposite direction yelling out, "I want Jessie, I want Jessie, I want Jessie". She was so scared of Santa it was hilarious. Max told Santa that he wants a metal detector, hot wheels and walkie talkies. My son is a nerd and I love it.

I call this...

BLOG CATCH UP. I haven't blogged since before Halloween so if the posting dates seem weird that's why. I call this.....Audrey being Audrey. Who else falls asleep with a pink purse on her head.

We are Thankful for the Beach House

I am so greatful for the opportunity to spend a lot of time with family at such a beautiful beach house. The Turkey was DELICIOUS and there actually wasn't ANY left over for turkey sandwiches :-( We played games, ate, and walked on the beach. The weather was chilly but gorgeous. We had such a great time. We have SOOOO much to be thankful for.