Disneyland

We renewed our Disneyland passes last week, after they expired in June.  We had our first trip as a family last thursday.  This is the first time that Ryder had to pay to go in, and he now has his own pass with his name on it.  He is THRILLED!

Buzz Lightyear and the Astro blasters are the favorite so we always start there:

Then we hit Pirates and the Haunted Mansion:

Can you tell that Eden and I thought it was VERY bright...♥

Then we headed to California Adventure to see Cars Land and to ride Monsters Inc:

Little Miss got my phone at one point and I realized she was snapping away pictures.

Here is her view from the stroller as we left.

We are so excited to make all sorts of family memories this year at the happiest place on earth!

that's a wrap

We found this glitter tape at Michaels and have been having so much fun using it on our presents...

"Brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things..."

I love this time of year!

we are on the countdown...

Ryder has been asking how many more days until christmas.  With reading advent and talking about celebrating Jesus birthday everyday, as well as being excited about seeing family and opening presents, he has had Christmas on his mind and his anticipation and excitement has been growing by the HOUR.  We decided to make a countdown chain.

Each morning, he gets so excited when he gets to break one of the chain rings...

Man, I love this kid...

Big Bear

We had an amazing trip with our family this last weekend in Big Bear.  Lots of amazing conversations and laughter and good food, and so much joy that came from just being together:

Packing is so much more fun with helpers:

(Eden did not want to get left behind...)

Playing in the snow:

(sledding in the back yard and a large snowball fight were definitely the highlights for Ryder)

We made gingerbread houses:

(The candy didn't stand a chance...)

We went into town for hot chocolate.

 This has become a favorite stop of ours:

Ryder loved seeing all the bears!

My sister created a syran wrap game where you wrap candy in a large ball of cling wrap and then you unwrap it while your neighbor rolls dice and when they get doubles, you stop:

It was so much fun!

The kids all got a new pair of sunglasses from Performance machine from my Uncle Teddy:

The favorite indoor pastime of Ryder's was playing with the pool table, they kept making up games:

We went for walks, played music, ate LOTS of amazing food and just had so much fun being together!

Ava turned one while we were there and so we got to celebrate her!

I can not tell you how much I love this little munch!

It was a wonderful trip and we are so thankful for our family and we realize that each time we get to be with them is a gift...

We already can't wait for next year!

mountains, here we come!

We are heading up to Big Bear for the weekend.  For as long as I can remember, we have gotten together with my mom's side of the family before Christmas.  We eat lots of good food, have lots of wonderful conversations and talks, and we laugh ALOT.   This is our first time that we are going to Big Bear and renting a cabin, but man, we are so excited about it!

Plus, getting to be with the "Super Littles" makes the trip even more exciting:

I just can't wait!  Now I just am trying to not forget anything!♥

advent continues

I have desperately been trying to keep up with our advent routine and tradition.  

I have been so discouraged  when I ask Ryder about what Christmas is about and he says things like presents or christmas lights or the Grinch.  He occasionally says Jesus, but I feel like I am missing it for him... I want him to understand how INCREDIBLE the birth of Jesus is!  Someday...

a favorite at our house...

This book is amazing...

We love to snuggle up and read it together.

This is definitely a favorite at our house.  

Thanks Mia for sharing this one with us...