MEXICO

We just got back from our cruise to Mexico. It was fantastic and the girls had a blast. It was a little tricky at times to get them to go to sleep and we had a few meltdowns. We were that couple that everyone else was talking about on the first day. We were in our mandatory safety drill and Ellie screamed as loud as she could through the whole thing. Luckily Lex was being awesome and just quietly sat in my lap. We had a great time in Cabo, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. We did a little shopping but spent most of our time at various resorts swimming in the pools and playing in the sand. The highlight for Nick and I was going para-sailing in Mazatlan. I was amazing, something I normally don't think I would have tried. I'm so glad I did it. We ate tons of delicious food and enjoyed great company. Coming home was a little stressful and our car seats got lost. Thankfully the airline had loaner seats that we could keep until they found our seats and delivered them, which was the next day.

Cabo San Lucas

Lexie swimming with her Uncles.





The fam

Lex and JuJu

Me para-sailing

Nick para-sailing

Lex played on the steps of the pool for probably an hour with JuJu. She would go down one step then jump into JuJu's arms

Ellie pouting after she fell

Lexie loved the big Christmas tree and was so excited to have her picture taken

Ellie singing twinkle twinkle little star in the talent show. She won a gold metal for her performance.

The girls shared a seat on the plane for a portion on the ride home.

Literally 300 feet from landing in Seattle Ellie finally fell asleep.

Lex luckily slept the whole flight. She fell asleep within minutes of take off and slept until we touched down in Seattle

Funniest Commercials Ever

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT9R4--cXSM

Every time I see these commercials I laugh especially the Santa rap and no oversleeping.

Braids

I think I'll keep her!

Crib Tent

We've been having a few problems with keeping Lexie in bed lately. Extreme measures had to be taken. It looks pretty strange, but she can't get out. Now if I can only get her to actually go to
sleep in there.

Family Pictures

For my birthday I wanted to get fmily pictures taking (yes I realize it is now November and my birthday was in May). Our great friend Tami took some great pictures! Thanks Tami, we love them! The girls were not very easy to work with, but we got a few good shots.

Better Late Than Never

I figured I should probably get some Halloween pictures posted. Apparently my blogging skills aren't any better than my journal writing skills. The girls had a blast this Halloween. Ellie new exactly what to do, Lexie of course had no idea what was going on. She caught on very quickly. After a few doors she was saying, "tick teat" and then would put her hands in the candy bowl and take a handful. I have to say we had the cutest flower and witch ever! We went up to trick or treat at Papa and JuJu's house. Uncle Chris was there before his party, in costume. Ellie wasn't sure what she thought about that, she kind of shyed away. Lexie had no problem going up and sitting in his lap. I think Uncle Chris has completly won over Lexie's heart!

Lexie with both hands in the bowl.

I just love these two pictures, and these two girls! The look of sheer joy on Ellie's face is priceless. Nothing is better than watching your kids when are so happy! I also love how Ellie is helping Lexie, making sure she is standing in the right place.

Uncle Chris the pirate with his girls.

The most beautiful flower I will ever lay my eyes upon.

The best we got of the two of them together. Ellie loved her costume, we let her decide what she wanted to be, with a little help Daddy of course planting the idea of being a witch in her head. She loved her hat until we got out and then she refused to wear it. Oh well.

Feeding the addiction

I love this time of year! The holiday season is here and with it comes adorable holiday dresses in every store. I can't help myself, I have a serious problem. I wasn't going to buy Lexie a dress since she had a hand me down one from Ellie, but it was so cute. I honestly couldn't stop myself. I think I may have to start shopping with cash only so I can't come home from buying milk with and more of these beauties. In my defense this are their Christmas dresses that they will be having their pictures taken in. Now I can justify these, but the others I'm sure I'll come home with over the next month are another story.

You can't tell in the pictures but the top dress (Lexie's) has flowers embroidered with a sparkly thread. Ellie's has clear sequins all over it that make it sparkle. I can hardley wait to put these on them!

Baking

The girls have been sick for a few weeks and haven't gotten out of the house to do much. I decided we would bake cookies for a fun activity. They did as well as could be expected, although Lexie completly lost it when it was time to put them in the oven. I think they had a great time and I'm glad they got to do something fun!

Minnie Mouse Pumpkin

Ellie decided a few months ago that she wanted a Minnie Mouse pumpkin. So that is exactly what she got. We don't have pictures of the girls gutting the pumpkin because the camera batteries were dead. They really enjoyed it. Ellie actually put her hand in the pumpkin and help pull out seed and guts. Lexie wouldn't put her arm in, she wanted Nick to put a handful on the table. She would play with it and then put it into the bowl. Every time she touched the guts she would lick her hands. It was so gross! A few times I looked at her and she was chewing. I'm pretty sure she was eating pumpkin guts.

Every time Lex walks past the pumpkins she takes the top of. That of course makes Ellie upset so she starts to yell then Lexie starts to cry. Oh it's great fun! The pumpkin turned out great thanks to Nick's artistic ability. If it were left to me the pumpkin wouldn't even get carved.

Maris Farms

The girls were so excited to go to the pumpkin patch this year with JuJu, Uncle Chris and Uncle Luke. Ellie remembered it from last year and would tell Lexie about it. She couldn't wait to ride a pony again and pick out her pumpkin. Lexie was in heaven being there with Uncle Chris. She didn't leave his side for long the whole time. She wanted to hold his hand or be held by him the whole time.

The only picture of Lexie on a pony. She literally jumped off of it after they stared moving.

Ellie got to pick who walked around with her, Uncle Chris was who she choose. Everytime they came around to where we were standing Ellie would yell hi to Lexie and smile the biggest smile I've seen on her in a very long time. She absolutely loved riding the pony.

The yearly family photo at Maris Farms. At least Nick and I are looking

Ellie loved the green pumpkins. She didn't end up getting this one, but the one she picked was green. She was a little bummed out after a few days when her pumpkin was starting to turn orange.

Lexie loved walking around all the pumpkins. She kept tripping and falling. At one point she was on the ground eating dirt.
Although we loved going to Maris Farms I think we will be finding a different pumpkin patch next year. They started charging an enterance fee this year of $5 a person. I little spendy in my book to go pick out a pumpkin and pay for that as well.

Did the Puyallup

Nanny and Poppy took us to the Puyallup Fair this year. They girls loved the animals! They didn't like anything else though.

Before we went Ellie was talking about how she was excited to see a Camel. We told her that there wouldn't be a Camel at the fair. Boy were we suprised to see a Camel. I think it was there favorite part.

Playing the drums in th Africa exhibit.

Milking a fake cow. Ellie loved this, Lexie hated it.