Hot Air Balloons

The kids were playing outside while I made dinner the other night when I heard, "mommy come quick!".....and out I hurried to see what was going on

We are used to hot air balloons flying around out house but this afternoon there were 2 close by and the kids loved it! They shouted to them and waved at them....

They landed not far behind out house....

The stocking were hung......

......last Friday

Since we were out of town on our 'usual' decorating weekend, Paul cut his work day short so we could get it done....

The kids were super excited and at times even 'helpful' this year :0)

Can u spot the elf in this photo?

Trying to hold still for a photo....they had the most phone dancing to the Christmas music!
Decorating 'their' tree.....this is the last year we can get by with a little one for them

And then it was out to help daddy while Logan napped and mommy finished decorating inside...

Parade!!!

There is nothing fun about working weekends....especially around the holidays....

Luckily, I was able to sneak out of work early on Saturday.

A few months back, we were asked to join our friends, the McGlassons, at the Electric Light Parade downtown and I knew the kids would love it!!!

After a quick trip through the drive thru, we followed each other to find some parking downtown....

It was a cool night, absolutely perfect for parade watching!

Our original seats were up on the curb, but eventually we moved to prime time front row seats on the parade route.....

This was the best of 3.....the flash was always so bright since it was dark outside and someone always was squinting or blinking...

A little relaxing 'guy' time before the parade started...
The kids were kept entertained by their cotton candy....

"sticky mommy"......"help me"

The kids were in awe of the lights and parade and you could see the 'magic' in their eyes as they took it all in.....

Even the marching bands were wrapped in lights....

I can't believe any of the kiddos had voices the next day since they shouted "merry christmas" to everyone that walked by...

'in awe'

What could be better than a seat on daddy's lap...

Here are a couple pics of some of the floats....

This will FOR SURE be an annual event now......

Thanks for asking us to come with Jen!!!!

Supermodel

Here is the link to the photographer's blog that shows Ella's photos which are so adorable:
http://http://ltlphoto.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/house-of-wade-lee-introduces-ella/

Toot

So Paul and the kiddos were at the BUSY post office the other day......

Logan: Yucky! P.U.

Daddy: What Logan?

Logan: TOOT!

Daddy: Logan, did you toot?

Logan: No! Daddy TOOT! Stinky daddy! P.U.

Paul said the others in line got a good laugh from that one.....

(and, just to clarify, Paul said he didn't toot and he didn't smell anything :0)

San Diego

So....after working on Turkey Day and shopping until 3am (yes, I was a trooper)....I took a quick 4 hour nap, woke up, finished packing, and off we went to San Diego for the weekend!

Paul needed to do some recruiting so we joined him.....

After the long car ride...the kids did really well, we headed to the fields and Ella and Logan got some energy out (they had ALOT)

We had dinner at Chick-fila and I think we were all glad to be warm and tucked in bed rather early...

The next morning, we headed out to breakfast with Paul before he had to be at the fields....see happy boy above and the pic below.....
Then the kids and I were on our own until late afternoon....
The photo below was taken on our balcony.....when Logan first walked into our hotel room he looked around and said, "hmmmm...nice!"

Ella was excited we were going to 'live' there....

I was excited just to look at the beautiful scenery and actually had some time to myself on the balcony in the sunshine reading a magazine later that day during naptime

The kids and I walked around the bay.....

They loved the seagulls....

They ran and ran and ran some more......

.....and then took a moment to pose for mommy

They loved looking at the boats and for sea creatures, of course...

We stopped for a 'healthy' snack....cheetos and powdered dougnuts....

Ella wanted to feed the birds but I was scared of her being attacked by about 100

how cute are those little powdered lips....

And then it was time to get out the stroller and head across the street....quite a workout for mommy. We went to get some fish and chips and unfortunately the place was a 'fish market' also and it was SMELLY!!! We got some fries and escaped to fresh air...

then it was naptime.....after daddy arrived back at the hotel, it was off to the beach for some 'sand' time

Logan's eyes grew wide and he said, "wow. big sandbox."

Ella and daddy worked hard on making a sand town...

I enjoyed taking photos and daydreaming.....happy feet

Daddy and his girl

Then we ventured to the playground, actually two playgrounds....

The kids had a fabulous time!

I had to be in a pic to prove I was there...

After playing, we headed off to some warm dinner and another good night's sleep.

The next morning we met up with everyone for a yummy breakfast.....

Then off to 'Seaport Village'.....I love the look on Ella's face here....the duck really liked Chris

The gang.....(minus photographer Stevie)...we headed off to the outlets after theses photos

Ella....showing off her fluffy hat

Although, it was a quick trip, we had a great time and it really felt like a vacation!