What Santa brought

We weren't the best photographers this Christmas, but here are a few. We really enjoyed our holiday together. It was nice having some friends over on Christmas Eve to make it feel a little more festive, since we didn't have any extended family around this year.
The kids, of course, were so excited. Emma survived her 'Butterscotch Pony' unmet expectations, and was happy with her scooter and other heavily advertised toys. Parker rode his Diego bike around and around the kitchen island, leaving black skid marks on the floor. Truman's marble run was the hit of the holiday with everyone.
We actually drove to the beach at Oceanside on Christmas Day in the afternoon, just to get out of the house for a bit. It was so beautiful - 70, sunny. Actually, the day remains slightly fuzzy in my memory because I was dealing with a bad sinus infection that turned into bronchitis later.
But, it was nice.

Old news

Hello! I cannot believe that I have let 40 days go by without updating this blog! I won't make a long list of my excuses, but trust me, they're good.

We had some friends over on Christmas Eve and acted out the Nativity. Truman was supposed to be a shepherd, and little, two-month old Baylee Frey was baby Jesus - until she started fussing and needed to be held. Then Truman just headed right for the manger and climbed in. It was cute. All the kids were giggling at his antics, which of course made him very pleased.

This is a video from Parker's preschool Christmas program. His teacher is Miss Michelle, and he loves school so much!

Carousel

I love how Truman's laugh just bubbles up!

Santa's Elves

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1189740671

We had to do it. Although, it is a little freaky. Todd's face actually does look just like that when he's dancing.

Dinner survey

Sorry the videos aren't posting. They are so cute! I'll keep working on it.
Emma likes to ask questions. You all know that. But she also likes to "ask questions", especially at dinner. She'll first request permission, and then start firing them off. Some of her typical surveys concern favorite seasons, colors, activities, etc. She will usually phrase the questions in a two-choice format, like this: "Do you like macaroni or penne pasta? Do you like green or blue? Which is your favorite: cloudy or sunny?"
It gets old pretty fast when you're also trying to refill water, cut up meat, dodge Truman's flying food, and actually try to eat yourself. Last night she was in the "favorite cold symptom" category when she surprised us with this winning option: "Would you rather have a stomachache orrrrr . . . serious injury?"

"Wow"

We went to Disneyland last night and it was Truman's first time. I hadn't been since April of 2005! Can you believe that?! We all had a great time. It really is the happiest place on earth! The lights and Christmas decorations were beautiful. I always love "It's a Small World". Truman doesn't say much, but I thought his one word, "Wow", pretty much covered it all.
Probably the funniest moment was seeing the picture of me, Emma, and Parker going down the huge hill on Splash Mountain. We happened to be walking by the ride right when it was being re-opened, so there was no line at all. I grabbed Parker's hand and told him it would be fun. Emma knew enough to be nervous, but she came along anyway. Poor Parker. I had forgotten that you can't sit with the kids on this ride. You each have to sit in your own seat in the tobaggan (how in the world do you spell that?) Anyway, the employee said Parker had to sit in the first seat, then Emma, then me. As we started on the ride, Parker was literally shaking, but he held it together. I told Emma to put her hand on his shoulder. He's only three! What was I thinking? I wish you all could have seen the picture they took as we went down the hill. In fact, when we got up to see it, all the other people in the room were laughing at the look on Parker's face. It was classic. Too bad I don't have $17.00 to save the memory for all time.

Piano recital

Emma had her first piano recital last week. It was fun to see her, looking so grown up. She played a duet with her teacher of the "Chipmunks Christmas Song" and did very well. She missed a note, but stayed calm and composed and carried on. She also played another duet. We are so proud of her for practicing so hard!