Sledding in the SNOW

One of our families favorite activities when visiting Utah in the winter is going sledding in the snow. Living in California, we don't get too much snow and Colton and Sarah were ecstatic to see snow. The first day we were there they went running out into the snow wanting to play put there had not been a fresh snow for a few days. So the snow had melted and hardened up again and was like a rock, needless to say they were a bit disappointed. But not to worry we got plenty of snow. Everyone bundled up to head out to the snow. The whole family was there for at least a short portion of time, enough to get a few pictures. Ashlyn didn't last too long for several reasons. One she was cold due to not having appropriate shoes or gloves and two she wanted down to crawl.
Colton was the dare devil. Eager to go again and again and to go fast. He was wanting to go snowboarding, maybe next trip to Utah. We will just have to wait and see. He is out sportsman.

Every moment was giggles and laughs for Sarah. Once she got the courage up to go out on the sled she was unstoppable. And it always helps to have a buddy along for the ride.

Even in the snow she is decked out in pink. It took some convincing to get her to wear Colton's old snow boots which are black because those are "boys" snow boots. But she wanted to play in the snow pretty bad so she gave in. Who new snow was so convincing?!

There he goes on the fastest sled he could find. I am pretty sure that he tested out eah different kind because who wants to go slow. And surprising enough as he went down the hill he was spinning in circles. He spun in circles over the summer when he was buggy boarding, too.

Holiday Trip

We made a trip to Utah after Christmas to visit Family and had a FAnTasTiC time!

Ashlyn didn't waste any time exploring her new terrain and getting into anything and everything that she could find.


While we were there with the whole family we even had some family pictures taken. Jay and I took the chance to have a great snap shot of us taken. I am a lucky girl to have such a good look'n and incredible man at my side.


The kids jumped in as always to help Grandpa out with the cows. There was even a baby calf born during our visit that the kids got to see from a distance of course.

There was lots of playing with cousins at their houses as well as at Grandma and Grandpa's house. And everyday the kids were thrilled to get out and play in the wet, cold snow.

Cousins had fun dressing up and playing pretend.

While on the other days they braved the cold and build an incredible snowman. I was sure he was going to
come alive with the bucket on his head.

The boys worked really hard to roll the right size of snowball to make their snowman oh so tall.

Sarah was an expert at mini snowballs and miniature snowgirls.

Colton was eager to try his hand at sledding and anything that involved going fast down a hill. No fear!

The girls were full of giggles and smiles every step of the way. Of course the snowy, cold toes did bring some small frowns but those frowns always quickly turned upside down.

The sighting of the Oman princesses where every where during the holidays. And they were always ready to strike a pose for the camera. They are not a shy bunch. Pretty, pretty Princesses!

Playing Wii was certainly a favorite activity for all the cousins and with their favorite aunt non-the-less. And they all got their excercise as well while they played "Let's Dance." That was entertaining to spectators as well.

Here is a picture of Colton and Michael tearing up the dance floor.

Introducing Mr. Snowman 2010

Ashlyn didn't join in on the snow or dancing so much but she was a fan of traveling well at least destroying the suitcases.

With all the things the kids were doing and everyone they got to spend time with it was a wonderful trip and we feel so blessed to have had the chance to travel to Utah this holiday season.

Christmas Day is Finally Here!

The night before the kids made sure that Santa had his plate of cookies and a chilled glass of milk set out and Colton even wrote Santa a special letter for a little reading as he ate. On the couch you can see the stockings and gifts from Santa waiting for the children to come eagerly in and unwrap their surprises inside.
The kids waited so patiently for Ashlyn to wake up. Their smiles and twinkle in the eye was such a delight and is what Christmas is all about and that is what made our Christmas so special.

Here we come, down the hall with great anticipation!!

Ashlyn is such a curious baby and she sure did examine each gift was detail. But of course the paper, boxes and ties were the most amusing part of the Christmas morning for her.

Colton was all smiles and excitement all morning long with lots of "YESS!" and "That is just what I wanted!" It was a heart warming treat to see and hear of his joy and appreciation.

The kids were good at taking turns and precious as they helped their baby sister open her gifts.

Sarah loves dolls, pretend and everything fancy. She quickly got decked out in her new dress up closes after she opened them on the web cam with Grandma and Grandpa.

After a wonderful morning, opening presents, eating a yummy big breakfast we got to feel close to our families even over the miles. We got on Skype and got to open presents with our Nana and Granddaddy, Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Lora all over the webcam. Modern technology truly shrinks the distance between family and we were very grateful for that on Christmas day. Then we played a little more and we were off to have lunch with our friends, our California family.

There is nothing like family and friends on Christmas day.

Our Christmas was a wonderful day full of a joyous spirit, fun and laughter. I love my Savior and celebrating His birth is truly my favorite time of year because of the beautiful spirit that fills every one's heart and soul, young and old.

Annual trip to Winter Wonderland

In our area the local Bass Pro Shop sponsors a Winter Wonderland and has Santa come to visit. The pictures are free and a digital copy is super cheap. So after visiting Santa there last year we decided to make it an annual event for the kids because they have lots of fun.

This is the picture with Santa from Winter Wonderland this year. We did try a picture with Ashlyn on Santa's lap but she turned around stared at him for about 10 seconds then turned and looked at Jay and I and wailed so needless to say that picture didn't look so great. And Sarah was not about the sit on Santa's lap maybe next year. Even with all the particular age groups our kids are this year we thought the picture was quite cute.
Colton's absolute favorite activity there was shooting the lasar BB gun. He was actually pretty good. Now he keeps asking Jay when he gets to go hunting. I just keep thinking about the Christmas movie when the little boy wants a BB gun and the adults just tell him he is going to shoot his eye out. HaHa!! But I think Colton will be a good hunter and that will be a great bonding activity for Colton and Jay when he gets a little older.
Ashlyn was just happy to be there! All smiles!

As for Sarah she is more of the off-roader type. Roughing it in her princess heels and fancy clothes, can't you just see it?! :) But I think she would have liked this jeep a little better if it were pink.

We have fun every time we go to the Bass Pro Shop, there is so much to do and so, so much to see.

Christmas Joys

Here is a picture of this year;s Gingerbread master piece. Unfortunately we had the non-drying frosting. I know that the frosting from the kits are supposed to dry/set quickly but we got a special kit. So the project took extra patience from the kids and has a "running-down" effect. But it was still cute and the kids had fun putting the candies on. Sarah also created a mini gingerbread house at pre-school and like most things she does, it was very fancy and had LOTS of accessories(candy) on top.
Oh our little princess, all dressed-up for Christmas. We had lots of comments of how beautiful the girls looked and how they look like little dolls with their fancy dresses and matching bows.
Ashlyn has precious moments but after church she is just tired. She wanted the pictures to be done with so she could take her afternoon nap. But you have to notice the tights, too cute, they have a mary jane shoe pattern on the foot.

Isn't that just the most precious crew ever? I think so. How could any of them be put on the naughty list?! :) And notice Colton's little gap. He got to honestly sing all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year and a time that we enjoy the excitement and spirit of our children. Their twinkle during the holidays is such a delight.

Merry Christmas 2010

Having fun with Family

Grandpa and Grandma were kept quiet busy between the three grandkids while they were visiting us. Unfortunately, Ashlyn wasn't quiet as demanding since she was not too thrilled at first that someone else besides Mom and Dad wanted to hold her. But she did warm up to them by the end.Colton was the ring leader for a number of games, one of which was good old fashion Monopoly!
The kids had fun and a test of patience as they waited for the icing to harden when they made a Gingerbread house with Grandma.
When bed time came Grandpa was a great bed time story reader!

And they even got read to by our newest reader in the family, Colton. He is becoming a fantastic reader especially those Cat in the Hat books which are his favorites.

Ashlyn just enjoys playing with the books and listening from a distance.

It was a great visit and as always we love having family come to visit us in California any time that they can and the kids love sharing their toys and home with everyone.

Our trip to San Francisco Aquarium

It was a great treat to have Grandma and Grandpa come the week of Thanksgiving. We thought it would be fun to do something in San Francisco so we decided to adventure to the Aquarium down on the Bay. Colton got eaten by the jaws of a Great White Shark, hence why he is looking a little dead:)
The kids loved going under water and being part of the displays of fish.
The petting pools were really neat. This pool had sharks and sting rays to pet. Both Sarah and Colton loved feeling the backs of the animals. Ashlyn did not pet any sharks. We decided since they were the same size that was not such a good idea but she did pet a snake.

The star fish and sea anemone were another favorite. The texture was really amusing.

The kids had such a great time. The aquariums are set up so that you walk through the middle and fish, sharks and other creatures are swimming beside and above you. It was amazing to see all the different species that live out in the Bay.

What a educational and memoriable experience in San Francisco.