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! :)