Merry Christmas...Part 1

Our Christmas festivities began on the Saturday before Christmas...we packed up everything into the truck, including Kyle's dirtbike, and headed to Dinuba and Grandpa and Grandma's house. We arrived just in time for lunch and a nap! Grandma left shortly after to meet G-Mama at the train station and later in the evening Uncle Peter and Auntie Laurie showed up too!!

After her nap, Annaliese was super excited to see 'Bapa' (Grandpa) and go outside to pick a few oranges. 

After having her fill of oranges, Annaliese went back inside...it took a little while, but eventually she warmed up to G-Mama, aka Mama Joan. 

Sunday, after a leisurely morning around the house, we headed up to the cabin. It was a gorgeous day!! And after all the work that's been put into it, it was so fun to see the finished product...we are looking forward to spending the night at some point!

That's Peter and Laurie down in the meadow

 At lunch, Annaliese climbed up behind Kyle and hugged him...it was so cute!

Learning to play the harmonica

Back home, Annaliese made it quite clear that she hadn't had enough exercise yet and proceeded to lead Mama Joan, Auntie Laurie, and Grandma in a little exercise/stretching session. 

Monday was spent hanging out around the house and playing with Auntie Sarah, Reed, and Kieran. 

 Mama Joan and Kieran

 Reed and Annaliese looking outside at Auntie Laurie's dogs

By Christmas Eve, it was time to let the actual Christmas activities begin! It started with Grandpa making a delicious breakfast of huevos rancheros. 

Uncle Jon and Auntie Sarah came over around lunchtime, and after lunch, playtime, and naps, the Christmas present-opening marathon began! There were so many Christmas presents under the tree this year...we are so blessed!! 

 Kyle wanted to see if I could sit on his dirtbike and touch the ground...the answer-just barely. And at 31 weeks pregnant, I had a hard time getting my leg over the bike!!

 Typical Annaliese these days...picking her nose!

On Wednesday, we had another delicious breakfast, this time made by Auntie Laurie, and 

then, after relaxing a bit, we headed over to Mark and Penny's house next door for Christmas with the rest of the family. We enjoyed a delicious meal and then did our gift exchange. This year the theme was "games" and I think we ended up with two good ones! We will have to give them a try soon!! 

 Amazing new Christmas jammies that may be just a little bit too big:)

 Time for another dance party!

I know this is a bit heavy on the photos, but that's the part that I'll want to remember looking back on this! It was a wonderful several days...thank you Grandpa and Grandma, and everyone else too! for having us and for a fun-filled Christmas! 

Surprise!

I had no plans for my 30th birthday. Between church Christmas parties and a few already scheduled get-together's with friends, it seemed a bit exhausting to think of adding something else onto the calendar. I was very content to go out for a nice birthday dinner and leave Annaliese behind with some friends:) We went to Gennaro's, a cute little Italian restaurant and had a delicious meal. It seemed like a great birthday to me:) 

The only picture I have of the evening...roasted quail (Kyle thought it looked like they were both reclining on the bed of rice!)

But Kyle had other plans...one of those 'already scheduled get-together's with friends' turned out to be a surprise birthday party! And I was very surprised!! As in, I had absolutely no idea what-so-ever!! It was such a wonderful afternoon- Thank you to everyone who came! And to Jenn and Russ for hosting! We enjoyed some tasty appetizers, delicious ice cream sundaes, and good conversations along with a few rounds of Cornhole. 

 Jack and Karen watching Annaliese enjoy her ice cream

 Kevin and Melissa

 Kelley, Sarah, Keiran drove over for the day to join us! 

 Family:)

It was fun to meet our newest nephew! I didn't think we would see him until Christmas...I'm sure he will change a lot between now and then!

24 months...an update

I know it's been almost 2 weeks since Annaliese's birthday, but I'm sure at some point someone will ask me what she was like at 2 years old, and if I don't document it, I will have absolutely no idea! So here's a quick rundown of what she is up to. 

Sleeping: She transitioned into her big girl bed when we moved and is doing wonderfully with it. The first night was a little rough, and quite comical at the same time. At one point, I was on the couch reading and Kyle was taking a shower. I heard the squeak of her door, followed by the pitter-patter of feet, and then she opened the bathroom door. Kyle, from behind the curtain, said "Um, who is it?" which was followed by silence. He repeated the question, then peaked around the curtain. Annaliese was so excited and just kept repeating, "Daddy, shower. Daddy shower!" The second night, we put the box spring and bed frame under the bed and she realized that she can't get in and out on her own...it's been wonderful ever since! She still goes to bed around 7 and has been sleeping until between 7 and 7:30am. She takes one nap, usually right after lunch, and this lasts about 2 hrs, generally. 

Eating: Overall, she likes pretty much everything besides raw vegetables. However, today she might love bananas and want to only eat bananas and tomorrow she won't want to touch one! Favorite foods include: 'cackers' (crackers,) 'cado' (avocado,) oranges, and chips (which might refer to actual chips of any kind, or chocolate chips, whichever she sees first!)

Clothes: I recently packed away most of the 18 month shirts; they were becoming a little too short. However, the 18 mon pants still fit perfectly! She wears both sz 5 and sz 6 shoes, but prefers to be barefoot. She is getting particular about her outfits and will take her clothes off quite regularly. 

Activities: This child loves to talk! Her vocabulary is increasing dramatically, and she has developed a few favorite sayings, namely "What are you doing?" She repeats pretty much everything Kyle says, loves to look for goats (by which she means horses) and watch airplanes. Annaliese also enjoys dancing, coloring, cleaning, and being outside.