Ellie's 3rd Birthday

We made waffles in the morning with cousins Pug and Carly. Went to a park in the afternoon. Took a nap. Opened presents. Favorite was snow white dress-up outfit. Arden came over for cake and a movie (Jungle Book). Adults had chocolate fondue while the kids watched the movie. Stopped drinking milk before bed because she's a "super big girl" now!

Video - Kevin Scoots

coming soon...

Trip to Tahoe

We spent December 27-30 with two other families at a house at Lake Tahoe. The kids had a great time - three 2.5-3.5 year olds and three babies less than 4 months apart.

The first day, we went sledding. Chris took Ellie up the hill, and they went down before she noticed that it might be scary. She said, "That was FUN!" Then, they went up and Ellie said she didnt want to go. Chris brought her down anyway. She was not happy about it. And that was the last time Ellie went sledding!

The next two days, the guy and ladies alternated skiing. I haven't been skiing in a few years, so it was really fun to get back on the slopes again!

When we drove up to our apartment, the first thing Ellie said before we even turned off the car was, "Can I play dress-up?"

Kevin started scooting during the trip as well. He can go a foot or so before he gives up! He most often scoots to get to his toys. I'll try to post a video soon!

Christmas Day!

Ellie woke up on Christmas morning a little grumpy, as usual. Quickly, she remembered it was time for presents and perked up! She walked right past the princess tricycle that Santa brought her and didn't seem to notice!

After opening presents at home, we headed over to Berkeley where Tim and Jodi were hosting their first Christmas. They welcomed more than 20 people into their home for the big day! The day was filled with all the usual Carter/Jackson traditions - breakfast egg casserole, opening presents, football at the park, plenty of playtime for the kids and a nice dinner!

At one point, Ellie had received so many presents that she said she was done opening presents for now - even though she had more to open! I guess it's hard to "keep it simple" when we have so many people around to care about us! That's the joy of Christmas!!

For more pics...

http://flickr.com/photos/abbeyspeaks/sets/72157603636421329/

Christmas Eve

We had Christmas Eve with Chris's family at Uncle Ross's in Mill Valley. Kevin was Santa for the evening! The kids enjoyed dinner at the "kiddie table" and watched Aladin shortly after as the adults ate dinner - Todd's famous French Onion soup and crab from the San Francisco Bay. Tim enjoyed his "night-night" gift - adult-sized footed PJs, or a "snood" as Chris's family would say. Next, we sang Christmas carols and soon left for home. Not long after we drove away, Ellie and Kevin fell fast asleep, dreams of sugar plums dancing in their heads!

For more pictures...

http://flickr.com/photos/abbeyspeaks/sets/72157603630031663/

Update on Laguna

I had to post one more time about our trip to Laguna Beach. My friend Sara thought the landscape pics were pictures of our "view". I had requested an ocean view, and the lady told me over the phone that this would be the best unit for an ocean view... Can you see the ocean? It's just over the trees, across the four-lane street, behind the big parking lot, over the black construction fence. It's breathtaking, really. :-)