Random Christmas

 Christmas is already long gone, but yesterday I was looking at our smaller camera and realized that I had lots of pictures that I had never down-loaded. And since they were too beautiful to pass up, I had to share them with you! These first few pictures are of Jim's time in Minnesota at the beginning of December when he attended his uncle's memorial service. Since we have green grass and leaves on our trees, we had to share these winter scenes to set the tone for our "winter" pictures.

 It's pretty to look at, but we are so very thankful that we do not have to fight with it.

 It's hard to believe now that getting Em to eat was such a battle. We are so thankful that she is now eating well and has been without the feeding tube for a month! Praise God!

 
 So big!

 winter mittens, scarf, and hat

 Grandpa's two little girls dressed for winter

And today this little girl turned TWO! Happy Birthday Kylie!

 This little boy was very excited to show us his Christmas decorations and toy room!

 Brady loves to look at pictures

 Brothers playing together

We are so fortunate to live close enough to our boys so that we can enjoy these times with them and their families. What a thrill to see those happy little smiles when we visit!

Happy New Year!

 On New Year's Eve we took Jared and Heidi to Newport Beach. We expected that it would be cold there that night, but actually it was a beautiful evening, as there was very little wind.

 We walked out on the pier...

 and looked back on the lovely city lights...

 and walked around the city at bit...

 and down a sweet little alley. But it was rather quiet on the beach, so we headed over to...

 ...Downtown Disney!

 There were lots of people there, and also many musicians!

 We visited many of the downtown stores, including the huge Lego store. It was hard for Jared and Heidi to decide which Lego creation to take their photo with, but they finally decided on this guy from Toy Story. It is absolutely amazing to think that people have built all these things from Lego blocks. 

 By the time that Emily and Kylie woke up on New Year's Day, all their uncles, aunts and cousins had already left. So while mommy packed the car, Grandpa and Gramma enjoyed some last minutes with the little girls!

 The day was so beautifully clear and sunny. It was a lovely day for the Rose Bowl parade that was taking place about 50 miles away. 

If you look closely, you can see the snow-capped mountains in the middle of this picture taken from behind our house. Happy 2011 to all of you in bloggerland!

More Christmas

 Since her husband was going back to work on Friday we celebrated Bec's birthday early also. We are so thankful for the wonderful women that God has brought into our family! We hope that you have a blessed year, Bec--Happy Birthday! 

 little girl testing Nana's soft and comfy new slippers

 enjoying attention from Aunt and Uncle

 Poppi's little buddies

 brother-time

 such a happy little boy!

 the cousins played so well together (so did the big boys!)

 reading with Uncle Mark

We've enjoyed our Christmas decor, so festive!

Celebrating Christmas

 We were privileged to have all of our children and grandchildren with us for a few days this past week. We had our family Christmas on the 29th...Lots of activity with four little ones under three!

We loved having Jared and Heidi here for their first Christmas with the family 

Brady's first Christmas!

 Checking out the presents!

 This little boy was thrilled with his police uniform. He also enjoyed carrying his little tape measure in his pocket and was constantly "measuring" the people he "arrested" so he would know how to best help them! Such a great imagination. 

 There was plenty of food and laughter around the dining room table

 Kylie loved her new book about curious George

 The following day, we all headed for the mall to take our family portrait. While we waited, these two cousins shared a snack.

 Em waiting patiently for the photographer

 After we took the family portrait, we shopped a bit in the mall, and then headed for the food court for lunch.

Daddy explaining chopsticks to his sons

 Gina demonstrating to Jayden how to eat with chopsticks

 Eating like a pro!

Getting computer tips from Heidi 

 Krista doing crafts with the kids

 Such a good and patient teacher to those little ones!

Happy B-day Jame

 Today our firstborn celebrated another birthday. Since we were all together as a family a couple of days ago, we had a small combined "pre"-birthday party for Jamie and Becky.  

 This pic is a bit out of focus, but we just love watching how our son adores his little boys! He is such a good daddy and we are so very proud of him!

Happy Birthday Jamie! We love you and wish for you a wonderful year. We just love your dear family and are so blessed to see all of you so often. Many blessings to you and yours in the coming year!

December in Green

We had a surprise visit from some family friends before Christmas. Ole V was celebrating his birthday and, when asked what he wanted to do for his special day, he said he "wanted to go to Jim's church."  We had a great afternoon together and treasure the friendship this whole family has had together with our extended family over many years. Friendships are great!

 With all the rain we've had this rainy season, everything is is lush green. This the view from our living room window. Nice, huh? 

 Yes, located behind that wonderfully green hill is a lot with evergreen trees for sale! This midwest girl still has a hard time thinking of Christmas lights and trees without the snow that should be glistening around those icons of the season. But, I'm appreciating not having to contend with the shoveling, ice, and blizzards, etc. that also go along with the winters back in MN!

We love seeing the snowcapped mountains to the north of us. Green hills in the foreground and snowcapped mountains in the background...what could be more perfect?