California Adventures:Disneyland Part 1

Last weekend we went to California to celebrate Chinese New Year and to go to Disneyland. Since the pictures are more interesting, I'll let them do the talking.

And Back to Zero (or -9)

You know it's freezing when you see this inside of the house:

Currently, we are sitting at -9. We had a record low for a high at -3. The low expected for tonight is -21. I know you're all jealous that you can't experience this type of ridiculously freezing weather so I just want everyone to know that we still have room at the inn and our doors are open if you want to visit. If you makes you feel any better, we should be back up to the 40s by the end of the week.

Zero to 60

I don't think we were ever quite to 0 degrees but we definitely got a dusting of snow at the beginning of the week and we ended the week in the 60s!!!! On the days we were cooped up inside, Brooke decided to tackle her puzzle that she got from Coco (uncle Jonathan) for her birthday.I think she's gotten the hang of finding the puzzle pieces and she did most of it by herself (meaning we pointed to the spot and asked her what piece would fit into it). She has always amazed me with how well she does puzzles. I'm still clueless on how she figured out her alphabet one that she did last spring.

I had my dreaded glucose test on Friday. I know all you ladies out there are so jealous that I was able to partake of this wonderful drink. Instead of taking sips at a time I decided to chug it down. Bad move. I felt like I was going to yack all the way to the doctor's office. Luckily I kept it all down and hopefully passed with flying colors. Afterwards, Brooke and I decided to take advantage of the gorgeous day and head to the zoo. I believe the high for the day was 67 and it felt wonderful. (a great precursor to our upcoming trip to CA).Brooke wanted to show how much she had grown since last summer and decided to pose next to her favorite penguin. Lastly, we had Aaron, Robyn, and Taylor down to hang out yesterday. The week before Robyn called and said that she was craving potstickers. Seeing as she lives about 1 1/2 hrs. away I suggested they come down so she could learn how to make them so she can "whip" them up the next time she has a craving. Dinner was great, the company was wonderful, and Brooke definitely liked having a friend to play with. Although I think she got a little confused with Taylor and Taylor not being Uncle Taylor. I think she figured it out.

Nesting

As we've settled into the new year, I think both Tracie and I have realized that we've got another kid on the way. Baby preparations have been in full swing, which mainly means commiserating with Tracie over the lack of quality, not overly popular, and not overly stereotypical boy's bedding options. It also means a lot of reassuring her that the boy won't be a crazy ball of energy that will need to be on a leash when we go out in public.
On the bright side of pregnancy, Tracie has finally warmed to the idea of at least watching the Harry Potter movies. We've watched the first 4 since Christmas, and hopefully by the time kid number 2 comes, we'll have made it through the first 6. If he ends up being named Albus Sirius Ware, you'll know how much she has enjoyed the movies.

Lot of words to this point, so I'll give you a break with some pics of Brooke and one of her new passions, helping us cook. Very hands on, and an excellent pourer and stirer.

This weekend our stake hosted Sister Dibb, who is in the Young Women's General Presidency as well as the daughter of President Monson. Tracie got a couple of opportunities to listen to her, and I got a couple of opportunities to put up chairs and clean the church. She was an excellent speaker, and a very down-to-earth, sincere, approachable women who can tell stories just like her dad. Made for an excellent sacrament meeting today.

First Snow cont...

With the first snow came some great snow to sled on. By the time it stopped snowing, we had about 6-7 inches of fresh powder to enjoy and the nice sun to keep us somewhat warm. I decided that I would let Brooke go out and play since all she ever wants to do when we're out running errands is to walk in any pile of snow. So I bundled her up and let her have at it. (Does she still fit in her 18 month old jacket and snow pants? Yes, yes she does) Well, she had no idea what to do with herself once I planted her onto our deck.

It took some coaxing but I finally got her warmed up...as in I pulled her around in the sled and did a few laps around our backyard.

We had some friends come over last night for dessert. I've been on a baking kick which is kind of weird for me but I think the fruits from these labors have been very rewarding. I have no pics but we enjoyed ourselves some lemon yogurt cake and a coconut cake. Both courtesy of Barefoot Contessa. Brooke kept herself entertained being chauffered around by her newfound friend while we enjoyed the grub and company.Oh, and I don't know if we ever mentioned but we're having a boy!!! Yikes, I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. Am I slightly scared out of my mind...yes. Does Troy try to talk some sense into me...yes. Does it work...ever...not really. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what's in store for us come mid-May. P.S. These are kind of old pictures. We've actually known that we would be having a little boy since Thanksgiving. We have a good friend that is an ultrasound tech so she did an ultrasound right before I hit 15 weeks and our little guy was not shy at all. We just had our 20 week ultrasound a couple of weeks ago but I'm too lazy to scan and post so these will have to suffice.

First snow

We're finally witnessing our first snow of the season. It started snowing this morning and it is still coming down. Nice to know that can still happen here. Thant means we get to spend a lot of time inside. Here is how Brooke keeps herself entertained.

Playing with the really nice quilt Brooke got from one of my co-workers. It matches the colors of her room, which is quite the feat!

Getting thrown up in the air by Daddy.

Hanging out with her friends Buzz, Jesse and Woody. They go pretty much everywhere with her. She also says cowboy phrases like "Yee-Haw" and "Ride 'em Cowboy!"

Play with Dora and Diego, when she can wrangle them away from Squishy.

Just be cute. As she grows more independent, so grows her attitude, but she makes up for it by being such a great girl. We can't wait for her to be a big sister.

Now that the holidays are over I guess it's back to the daily grind. At least we were able to celebrate the holidays with lots of fun. We started Christmas by having an early Christmas here in Denver before we took off for California. Brooke loved all her presents and I think the little art easel is going to be a hit.

I got spoiled with a pound of butter (aka a new Ipod Touch seeing as Brooke gave my other a nice bath) Troy got spoiled too with a couple cans of refried beans and ravioli (aka the movie Inception and a new electric razor)I think Brooke's all ready for the paparazzi.

We got to spend a few days in Fresno and visit with Jeremy and Mackenzie's family. I know Brooke loved playing with her cousins.Enjoying a movie night with the cousins.Getting into stickers and decorating her face.Getting in on the 'cade action. I think she gave the boys a run for their money.Brooke and Scarlett saying "enough with the pictures already!!!!"

All in all we had a fantastic vacation. This was our first without having any major delays or mishaps in traveling...although I did jinx us and our flight back to Denver was 45 minutes delayed. But I'll take that any day to what we've been through in the past. Happy New Year everyone!!!!!!!

Tis the Season

Merry Christmas everyone! We've been enjoying the season. We've trimmed the tree (well actually just the top half!)

Brooke enjoyed her Sunday Christmas outfit. She did really well during the Christmas program while I sang and Tracie played the piano.

On Friday, Tracie had her first Christmas recital. 5 beginner students, 11 songs, and 15 minutes later we were all enjoying the refreshments. All the parents really enjoyed it and it was a fun night.

On Saturday night we went to the Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo. Brooke was excited to spend the night in the stroller...

... and really enjoyed the decorations! Despite the chilly weather, we had a lot of fun. Brooke enjoyed the animal lights especially, and we may have to make it an annual tradition.

Making sugar cookies? Follow these easy steps.

Roll out the dough...

Cut into Christmas shapes...

Place on a baking sheet...

Add belly buttons to the gingerbread men...

Get mad at Dad for squashing your creative expression!

Cookies, cookies, cookies, and recipes too

This past week has been a busy one for me. I participated in my first and possibly last cookie exchange. (I only say last because I don't like having to bring home the same amount of cookies I brought) 16 ladies participated but luckily the gal hosting said that we would only need to bring a half dozen per lady. Phew but that's still a lot of cookies to bake. Luckily I've got a trusty baker husband that can roll out 9 dozen cookies with no problem. I only mention that Troy baked/made the cookies because I was busy putting together our ward's Relief Society's holiday cook book. At the time I volunteered to do it I had no idea what I would be getting myself into but after a lot of hours all 118 cookbooks are printed, assembled, and bound. Troy has been a huge help in keeping me sane this past week. Thanks love!!!!!

Intermission

It feels like Holiday Half-time for the next couple of weeks. Not a whole lot going on. Which maybe explains why Brooke keeps herself entertained doing this...

... and this. Quite the budding artist.

But mostly this.

We did go to one of our friend's holiday party last night, which was nice.

Other than that, we are looking forward to our Christmas plans, as well as making plans in 2011 to see Les Miserables and Lion King.