Christmas Morning

Christmas morning was a blur of happy faces, laughter, and flying wrapping paper. Both kids got tons of presents, including a drum for Tristan and the Cinderella baby doll that Rylann begged Santa for. The mall Santa had told her that such a thing did not exist when she asked for it. He has no idea the damage control I had to do after that comment. Silly Santa.

Rylann with her "imaginary" doll.

Finding the beat.

Little Drummer Boy

Rylann with her latest fave Disney princess, Sleeping Beauty.

Tristan certainly enjoys the way the box looks.



Rylann got ANOTHER doll in her stocking.

Tristan got the hang of unwrapping quickly.

Beware of a baby on a Christmas present high.

Tis the Season

The following is a collection of Christmas themed shots of Rylann and Tristan, taken over a series of days. Although taking a picture of two kids together and happy is a daunting task, it wasn't a problem this year. Such a change from last year, when I had to photoshop a smiley Tristan head over a sad Tristan head to make a decent Christmas card. Indeed.

A Day at Sea World

We took a quick trip to Sea World; thank goodness for annual passes. Rylann was obsessed with pushing Tristan around and trying to hold his hand while walking. Tristan was having a fit of independence however, and strongly resisted. They both really enjoyed the tidal pools, especially picking up the starfish.

Disclaimer: No invertebrates were harmed in the making of this blog post.

Rylann peacefully walking with Tristan.

Tristan spots his opening...

and asserts his independence.

Again, Rylann showing love while Tristan tries to escape.

Rylann makes her selection...

and look how proud she is!

Tristan in his favorite vantage spot.

Rylann Turns 4....again!

Since our family could not join us at Disneyland, we made plans to have them join us at Rylann's second favorite place on Earth. Chuck E. Cheese! Yayyyyyyyy! I apologize for the lack of pictures, but the kids were hard to photograph in action, what with their speed, and the amount of time I spent Purelling them down.

Rylann is overwhelmed by the greatness that is Chuck E. Cheese.

Tristan off to hustle air hockey.

Taking lessons from his uncle.

I think this might be a candidate for the Cake Wrecks blog.

But Rylann likes it!

Making her wish and blowing out her second candle.

Rylann Turns 4!!!

When we asked Rylann where she wanted to go for her 4th birthday, her answer was instantaneous. Disneyland! So off we went to celebrate in style for a weekend. While looking at the pictures, you may notice some interesting fashion statements. Yes, she is wearing crocs. With a tutu. And a tiara. Who am I to cramp a now 4 year old's sense of style?

Running excited circles in front of the castle.


Her enthusiasm follows her to the carousel...


and high in the sky while riding Dumbo.

Meeting Minnie.


Tristan demonstrates his continued propensity for falling from immobile rides.

Rylann with her birthday (cheese)cake.



Rylann hogs her R, now candy cane striped for the holidays.



See her grip? She's not letting go.

A glimpse into the future: Tristan behind the wheel.

My giggly baby.


Posing...what is that on the castle? Could it be...snaux?



Now with Tristan.



The birthday girl.

Someone is having fun, but it's not Tristan. Oops.

Do you think Tristan wonders why he is the only one startled by an 8 foot tall cartoon dog?

Halloween!

I know, I know, you are tired of seeing the kids in costumes. You will be glad to know that this is the last Halloween related post I'll be putting up...maybe. Here are just a couple of snapshots from Halloween evening, in which we spent most of the time in the mall, going store to store for candy. I mean, the kids went for candy, the kids. That's right...