Our 8th Anniversary

This is out of order because I still have several other things to blog about that happened prior to it, but I can't wait to post theses pictures. Andy and I went on a special date to celebrate our 8th anniversary. A sleigh ride in the mountains! It snowed while we were there and they had a special dinner and entertainment during the trip. We had such a fun time! We definitely plan to do it again - only next time with the kids!

Amberlin just had to wear a hat to match Mommy on the way to Nana & Papa's.

The beautiful view during the ride! It was so much fun...

The two of us at dinner

The entertainer sang us a special song for our anniversary - "In This Life" by Colin Raye (love it!!)

Family Photo Shoot

When we were trying to get a photo for our Christmas card, we wanted some mountain scenery since this is our first year in Colorado. After an unsuccessful first attempt to take it on our own in Winter Park with the tripod, we set out a second time to capture the perfect scene with Papa (Andy's Dad)... I'd say he did a pretty great job! Don't you think??

We also got a few of Amberlin with Papa!

This was a close one... he almost got carried away!

Afterwards we warmed up with some coffee and hot chocolate in the village and a little bit of reading time

Christmas in California - 2010

We spent Christmas in California this year and made so many special memories while we were there! I know we're late posting about it, but it's better late than never - right? It rained most of the time we were there, but we didn't let that stop us from having a good time! In fact, one of the first days we were there we decided to take advantage of it and go to Disneyland! The lines are always the shortest during a rainy weekday and we weren't disappointed this time - even through it was the middle of the Christmas season!

Amberlin & Daddy watching the reindeerat Disneyland

We had the special privilege of meeting Mrs. Clause and spending a few minutes with her. She wasn't as crazy about Mr. Clause when we met him a little later in the day...

Enjoying Small World Christmas. Amberlin was fascinated by it!

Enjoying some play time on Daddy's shoulders while we watched the little "parade"

We had to sit with her to get her anywhere near Santa - and she still "hid". :) I think he was a little to jolly for her.

On our way home that night we had a very special visit with one of my closest girlfriends just after she delivered her son, Gabriel. He's adorable. :)

We went to a lot of Christmas parties while we were home, but this was the first. Amberlin enjoyed the social time!

Amberlin & Malaya

Pop singing a solo in the Christmas program

Play time at Mimi & Pop's

Playing in the rain!! She had so much fun with this...

Getting a drink and laughing about all of the excitement!

Reading time with Mimi We also got to meet up with Monica, another of my closest girlfriends, and meet her daughter, Keira. Amberlin loved the baby - hopefully she will enjoy her sister that much!

Then we went to visit the Murdocks at their home - Amberlin was again fascinated by the baby and what his mommy was doing to take care of him.

Our kiddo's

Becky & I with Gabriel

More reading time! This time with Aunt Staci

Christmas Eve service - Amberlin has monopolized Pop's attention the last two years. :) She loves it.

All dressed up for Christmas Eve

Christmas morning...

Grandma Noani got everyone tickets to Disney on Ice - it was great!!

She almost made it through it... :)

The family after the show

A family photo in front of the tree

We had a wonderful time with all of our family and friends in California and we're so thankful for the time we had there. These times are even more special when we're living so far away!