Disney

We took our annual Christmastime trip to Disneyland earlier this year, in an effort to avoid the extreme crowds. Alec had been begging to go for the last 3 months, so the anticipation for him was quite the build-up. We cut the trip shorter-to just 2 days and added in a character breakfast. First thing in the park, he demanded the Buzz Lightyear ride. Also, I have proof of Paul's sense of humor:

With no prompting from anyone Alec is somehow able to look everywhere BUT at the camera during family shots:

James was super-smiley, I see another Disneyland fan in the making here:

The character breakfast at the Plaza Inn was wonderful! The food was amazing and the characters each took the time to visit our table and spend time with the boys. Alec was SO happy and it meant no waiting in lines around the park to get pictures with the characters.

James hated the full costumed characters (takes after his granny) and actually cried when Eeyore came to see him. He did, however, enjoy the humans, like the Fairy Godmother:

Alec kept his 3-D glasses on for most of the Muppet Show!

Since my family met up with us on the second day, Paul and I were able to do some adult rides together, which is so nice! Here we are in line for Indiana Jones:

Even after just two days Paul and I were beat. But, it's so magical still for Alec and I love that!

Roll out the holly...

Alec is loving the holiday season-especially all the decorating, baking & stories. Here's his first gingerbread house of the season:

If you tilt your head a little to the right and down about 20 degrees...it still looks Picasso-ish. But, he had fun making it!

The bottom third of our Christmas tree is stuffed bears and candy canes that Alec carefully placed. I love this kid! Check out the concentration as he clusters them in a one foot square area.

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving at my parents' home again. It was nice to have loads of family around and just enjoy being together.

James was NOT a fan of mashed potatoes:

Alec slowly worked his way through most of his plate. He's not a big eater, so the roll and juice cup would have been enough for him.

James and my baby sister Kelsey giving us some cute smiles:

Kelsey and I headed to Wal-Mart later that night to start off the Black Friday shopping. It was SO fun!! Scored a great deal on a huge trampoline for the boys for Christmas, plus $2 DVDs and some toys for the boys!! We got there at 10.30 and were leaving the parking lot by 12.40!!

Paul's Birthday

This year for his birthday, Paul wanted apple pie-no cake.

Alec was thrilled! I enjoyed spending time making Paul's pie, while Alec ate half the seasoned apples. Paul is an amazing father and Alec is definitely a daddy's boy-he wants to do everything with his daddy and like his daddy. Luckily, I couldn't have asked for a better role model for my sons.

Family Night Bowling

Paul's been working two full time jobs recently, so time with him is rare. To make it more fun, I've been planning family nights out on the weekends, using coupons from the Radio Shopping Show. One Saturday night we took Alec bowling, then out for pizza.

James was not a huge fan of hanging out and being passed back and forth like a hot potato. He's 8 months old and feels like he should be able to participate in all activities and eat all that we do. This doesn't bode well for my future as I was counting on him to be a little less active than his older brother...

Patiently hoping for the ball to hit some pins. Alec is talented enough to occasionally hit no pins, even with bumpers! :)

Halloween Time!!

We had a fun Halloween/fall season this year. We started off with the Apple Fair at my brother's housing community, whilst Paul's parents were still out visiting.

Alec loved the games and cookie decorating-keep in mind he took two bites and was done, he's not quite the sugar-a-holic his mom is. James & Kayden got matching fake ladybug tattoos & he wasn't a huge fan-probably a good sign.

We went from the Apple Fair to the Pumpkin Patch, which Alec LOVED!! Our little daredevil tried out all the rides and especially loved the harness/trampoline jump. I was totally expecting him to pee his pants, but he had a blast!

I was trying to pose the boys and get a cute pumpkin shot with both of them...several screams later...this was the best we got:

One family night we carved small pumpkins and I made some baked apples. Alec really enjoyed playing with the pumpkin innards and randomly carving scratches into the side of the pumpkin.

My little beaver & Buzz Lightyear:

We took the boys to my brother's ward's trunk-or-treat so they got to spend time with monkey Kayden & then to our ward's with their other cousin, Ben the Lion. :)

Alec did really good with the candy. Chocolate triggers his reflux, so we don't allow him to eat it, so he refused to eat any chocolate, even when unknowing people tried to give him some. His daddy happily took all the chocolate bars he'd gotten and we handed back out the majority of the candy he'd earned.

Here's Alec enjoying the trunk-or-treat, then going around on Halloween to trick-or-treat. Since Halloween was on a Sunday we let him go to our friend's house & my aunt's only.

Halloween night we also carved our HUGE pumpkin and put James in it:

Granny & Grandad!!

Paul's parents were able to come out for their yearly visit in October. Since James is named after Paul's father, we held off on the baby blessing until they were able to come. James was a large 6 month old baby, but he was calm and quiet throughout the lovely blessing his father gave him:

Granny loved having a new baby to cuddle:

Alec appreciated all grandad's help on the playground equipment.

Cuddling up to grandad during a movie:

Bowling! Alec's first time ever-he had a hard time waiting his turn and rolled it super slow, but he had fun!

Granny & Grandad arrived the day after we moved into a new rental home, so I was able to get a lot of unpacking done whilst they had some alone time with their grandsons.

Once again, we had a hard time saying goodbye at the end of the two weeks, as we only get to see them once a year. :(

Visit from Auntie Jennifer

Paul's sister, Jennifer, was able to come and visit us for a week in September. It was so great to see her and let Alec and James meet her for the first time!

Jennifer requested a hike at Mt Charleston, which we were grateful for-a chance to get out of the city! We chose the Little Falls trail as it was short enough for Alec to hike.

Paul really enjoyed having his sister out.

Jennifer was a huge help with the boys whilst I was working.

The boys and I took her out miniature golfing one night and I forgot the camera!

Jennifer and I also had the chance to try out the CSI Experience at the MGM Grand one night, it was a great chance to do something away from the boys and put our sleuthing skills to the test. :) Pretty cheesey, but it was fun.