The Last Time This Happened It Was 1999...

Yup--you are reading this correctly! After paying nearly $5.00 a gallon this year, can you believe that we recently paid a mere $0.879 per gallon thanks to our local Safeway store's gas rewards. We earned a 90 cent discount over the year, so we drove both vehicles over and filled up on our one time use discount (up to 35 gallons max.) That's right--the grand total you see is to fill up both Justin's Tacoma and my Accord! It was so bad this summer, that I couldn't even fill up half my tank for under $30.00! I was so frustrated that I wouldn't let my tank get less than half empty because I couldn't stand to see the numbers add up. Thank goodness things have settled down!

Merry Christmas!

Parker woke up Christmas morning at 6:30am. We ran out to find that Santa had indeed come to our house. He left a note and a mess from all the cookies he ate. He must have trailed the reindeer food inside the house too. One day we will figure out how he gets up and down that chimney!





Parker had decided ahead of time that Spencer should open the first gift since it was his first Christmas. We were surprised to find that Spencer didn't need all that much help tearing the wrapping off.






Infact, in the grand tradition of babies, he loved the paper way more than the actual gifts. We had to be careful to remove the tags off everything because we caught him with a mouthful of paper.




We also had to keep the bubble wrap from Justin because he couldn't keep from popping it.





We had fun sticking all the bows on Spencer. We gave him a "Bow"hawk and he didn't even realize it!




Parker with his scout box from Nana Ann and Papa Swing. He will start cub scouts in February. We just got called to be his den leaders! I am so excited since I never had brothers!




Parker with his new fishing pole and tackle box from Papa Tom and Grandma Vicki.




Spencer with his Elmo. The kid loves Sesame Street and it buys me some time in the mornings to get ready. The other day while Spencer was watching it, Parker came up and tapped me on the shoulder. When I bent down, Parker whispered, "I don't want Spencer to hear this, but did you know those things are hand puppets? People stick their hands up in them or use strings to make them move." You can imagine the shock I was in to find this information out! :)



Spencer with his pop up toy from Santa.




After we opened presents, we had our traditional breakfast of Christmas casserole, orange and banana, and hot chocolate. Later that day, we drove up to see Justin's family and spend some time with them. The boys were excited to see their aunt and uncles.


Spencer with Auntie Jodi.





The boys with Uncle Ryan.





The boys with Papa Swing and Nana Ann.





Spencer taking a nap with Papa.





A couple of days later, Uncle Mike came down to visit us and wrestle with Parker.




It was a great Christmas!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

We had a quiet Christmas Eve enjoying our turkey dinner and driving around to see the Christmas lights on display around the city. Before we left for our drive, Parker sprinkled the reindeer food we had made all over the lawn.





Spencer in the car all set to go!





There are certain houses that go all out each Christmas. We found one with a real leg lamp!





And we saw Santa at another already making his rounds in Brentwood.





There are even a few neighborhoods where they hang lights over the actual street from house to house.





We had a great time all bundled up warm in the car and drinking our hot chocolate. We came home and put the boys to bed--Parker had a hard time falling asleep, he was so excited for Santa to come. When I was checking the house later that night, I found his world map and the map Santa had sent him laid out in the toy room. Parker had been tracking Santa both with Justin on Google's site and on his own. You've got to love the magic of Christmas with children!

A Visit with Santa

The boys got to visit with Santa at our school's Winterfest celebration. Spencer wasn't even phased by the man in red suit. Give him another month and he won't do so well with strangers!

O Christmas Tree

Here is a picture of our tree this year. We set it up the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Parker and I always have fun listening to our Christmas mix and putting up the ornaments. Each ornament on our tree reflects a memory of something special we've done or that has happened during the year.

Christmas Wishes

We just wanted to take a moment to wish each of you a Merry Christmas! We hope you are all doing well and enjoying this Christmas Season. We feel especially blessed this year with the arrival of Spencer and the joy he has brought into our home. We know that some of you are struggling at this time and want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so grateful for your love and friendship! We are also thankful for the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and for His gospel in our lives. May 2009 bring you continued joy and blessings! We love you!

Don't Call It A Comeback...I've Been Here For Years

Ok Ali--I can't hear this song without thinking of you and me in the Morris Center. Anyways, the cool speed limit sign is back at the Oakland Temple!!! When Justin and I got married in 1999, we had a picture taken next to it because it is just so awesome--Speed Limit 9 1/2 MPH--how cool is that?!? I don't get it, but I LOVE it! It is so random! Well, by the time Jill and Mark got married 8 months later, it was GONE! I was so excited to see it was back last night. I just had to get a picture to show you all. It is the single reason why the Oakland Temple is by far the best temple around! :)