Favorite Book Friday

My Sis-in-law recommended this book years ago. My girls love it. Cute, funny and a nice twist on what it is to be a princess.

Our new nest...

We finally have a home to call our own now, after a year and a half long search. We couldn't be happier, despite the fact that our grass is dead looking, there is some major yard work to be done, and the kitchen is totally not my style. Slowly we will get there. I tried to take some photos of the house, but it seems that my camera can't get a wide enough angle. I'll figure something out later. Here's the kitchen. We tore down some upper cabinets that made the kitchen feel like a cave. It really opened it up. Now what to do about that unstained patch?

(anyone interested in seeing some of my dream kitchen inspirations?)

The girls really wanted a bunk bed. What an awesome purchase. Not only does it function as a bed, it also doubles as a fort! Hours of fun for them.

Here's to our adventures in the house with the red door.

Visitors

We have had the best weekend. First we closed escrow on our new home. (I promise there will be pictures to come soon)

Then Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt "C" came for a visit to So Cal. They took us to a favorite haunt in Newport Beach, Villa Nova, for dinner. Grandpa's manicotti was to die for. I can't remember the last time I've been to a restaurant and was actually able to have a conversation and hear the said conversation. Most places we eat at seem to have extremely loud background music. Thanks for the memories.

Saturday we ventured to Long Beach. No trip to California would be complete without witnessing a traffic accident. We made it safe to the Aquarium. Wow, wow, wow. It was beautiful. We didn't even see all the exhibits. A seal in one of the tanks was way into the girls unicorn shoes. The girls got a little tired of all the tanks. Big Sis followed Grandma and my lead and touched a sting ray. Very cool. They loved tagging along with Aunt "C" and holding her hand. She was so patient and willing to take a slower pace for them. I must admit sometimes I forget their little legs don't travel as far as mine and I get impatient (I like to move fast).

Here are some of my favorites. I didn't get many good shots (I've only posted the good ones). I'm still learning how to work my camera. It's really hard to figure out lighting.

Happy Birthday!

My baby turned "5". I can't believe how fast it has gone. Poor kid has such a bummer birthday. After Christmas we are just all so burnt out on presents and celebrating, I neglected to post this.

She is such a kind person. I love her personality and couldn't have asked for a better first child.

I'm almost jealous...

Isn't Utah beautiful at Christmas? I was jealous of this view from my in-laws backyard. Then reality kicks in, shoveling snow, cold, dirty cars, etc. But really Utah was heaven. I mean check out the fun we had.

having your dad pull you around the yard.
making snowmen with your cousins
staying up late to play in the falling snow
late night sled rides behind the tractor. thanks grandpa.
can you tell we loved it?
having dad pull you again, and again, and again, and...
thanks uncle "a" for the snow fort
diets consisting of snow and ice!

The other favorite ...

This was our other favorite hotel "amenity".

the luggage cart!

Two little monkeys ...

I don't normally encourage this behavior. But hey, we were on vacation. We love hotels. Swimming in a heated pool and jumping on the bed. Life doesn't get better.

Coming up, some snowy pics from Utah.