Isobel's Debut

Isobel had her Christmas program a couple weeks ago. She has been singing these songs in the car for weeks. She told us she was the "leader" of her class. (Generally this means she is the line leader or something) Little did we know she would be doing this:

Did I mention she was the only kid in the whole program with a solo? (She said she wasn't even nervous!)

Maybe you've had enough video - but this song "Santa Claus Rock" was too fun! The kids all loved singing it and my girl can SHAKE IT! Enjoy!

When a sister comes to visit...

Silliness ensues!

Share came to visit for the weekend (a while ago) and I am finally doing something about it. You are welcome to see her side of the story.

We spent some time at G and KT's house making gingerbread houses, drawing snowmen, and making toffee (which, by the way, I have to eat all of because Bryce doesn't like it).

Eva entertained us with checkered pants, ballet slippers, a tutu, and a killer partner.

Share decided she was very fond of Jane Fonda hair and borrowed my blow drying curling iron (I haven't the hair for it anyway).

And the best part:

We spent too stinking much time talking about Twilight books. Which was great for me because Bryce has no desire to hear any more about them. And, honestly, I don't blame him. We went to see the movie - my second time, her 5th I think. It was nice to have someone to talk to DURING the movie. (We went to a matinee on a Monday - yup - 7 of us there)

Isn't this a super funny picture! How many girls wish they were in this picture? I must say, I am totally cuter than Bella and Bryce is totally lucky!

Thanks, Share! I always love having you around!

Once There Was A Snowman...

Today we got our first real snow in Santa Fe. We had a little skiff last week that was gone by the time I got back from Maxwell. Eva was so excited to see the snow flying that she picked out her warmest fleece pants and jacket, found her snow suit and boots, and asked Daddy to find her gloves. She was so ready to be out in the snow. This is what they did:

Her attention to detail is amazing.

And the final product.

I love that smile.

As a little side note, all that is left of this morning's snow fall is a couple piles of rounded snow, some sticks, rocks, and a carrot :)

Nightmare Before Christmas

So I am too upset with my sister to write about our Halloween. I am just going to post pictures and let you comment, ask questions, figure out EXACTLY who/what we are dressed up like, and where we are. Let the guessing begin :)

Technical Terms

I do have Halloween pics - they will be posted soon-ish. I did want to tell you a funny story and I don't want to wait to upload pictures. So, you'll have to wait for that ;)

Our friends have been potty-training thier boy for a while now. The boy likes to talk about his unit in technical terms. He says things like "My penis worked!" when he successfully pees in the toilet. Well - since we hang out with our friends very often, my girls have heard that word a little too often.

The other night, Eva said to me, "Mom, my penis hurts." (Little girls are not the best at wiping properly and keeping themselves clean - so they often get a little irritated. ) I wasn't exactly sure how to react, so I said, "Eva, only boys have a penis - you don't." I thought that would be enough.
The next day, Eva said the same thing to Daddy. He decided that it wasn't ok for her to use that term - it just isn't right. So he told her the common name for female parts - vagina.

The day after that, we were driving in the car and Eva informed me that "girls don't have a penis, they have a .... a....(she's trying to remember the name) ...a veda." (veeduh)
Bryce and I just laughed - that's good enough. :)

The really fun thing is to think about things that really are named Veda.
My parents live on Veda Lane (hehe). I didn't take the time to remind her what my grandma's name was either.

Quirks? Do I have any? I'm so normal!

So, Share tagged me to do the six quirks thing. I've been thinking about it for days and I still am not sure what all 6 could be. I may have to steal some from others ideas ;)

1. I put this first because I think it's a rare quality. I am very gifted at finding (and buying) super cute skirts for $5. I honestly think I have about 20 skirts or so (although maybe half of them are in Share's closet). When I call Share to tell her I've just purchased a super cute skirt, the first question she asks is if it cost $5 - most of the time it does. I am so gifted.

2. I burp all the time. I have reflux so that explains a lot of it, but seriously. When we first met Karen and Kyle - Kyle had a hard time getting used to my burps. He accepts it now. However, a while back, their 8-year-old son was sitting by me when I burped once. Karen said, "Ben!" (in a totally Mom kind of voice) until she saw the look on my face and apologized for getting after an innocent kid. :)

3. When I get ready, I put one a sock and a shoe and then the other sock and shoe. None of this both socks then both shoes. I like to get one foot completely ready and then the other.

4. I refuse to start a series of books until all of the books are out. I hate waiting because I forget the story and I get mad that it isn't complete. I didn't even crack Harry Potter til we moved here - after Bryce had already read all the books. Even then, I listened to them all on tape while driving all around northern New Mexico. I am thinking I will have to start Twilight sometime soon (once I find the first book on tape;).

5. I have to drink water after eating ice cream. Bryce drinks milk. Crazy. I have to rinse out the milky-ness.

6. So this one I also had to put because it is as true for me as Share. Yes, I quote a million movies daily. More often than not, Pride and Prejudice. Whenever we play the Settlers of Catan card game and I pick up the Church card - I'm always dying to say, "They walked in the direction of..." "The Church." (But I can't do that or it'll give my card away) When we play Pinochle with Karen and Kyle I always want to say, "Hearts, Mr Collins, Hearts." And many, many more.

Feel free to inform me some more of my quirks. I'm always curious to see what others pick up on. I don't think I'll tag anyone, because most people have done it. If any of you feel an inclination, I'd love to read about your quirks. (Do it Karen. I know you've already been working on a list;)

Eva is growing up

Look at my little girl. She definately is growing up. Check out those shoes. Yup, they have little heels. We were looking for shoes for Isobel this summer and Eva had gone around to the other side of the aisle. When she came back she had chosen these cute little girly sandals with heels. We about died! What taste this girl was born with! We didn't buy them that day, but when we went back a couple months later and they were half price, we bought them. She wears them all the time. (This pic was taken one day when we were in the grocery store. She just struck me as such a big girl that I took a picture right there. And yes, she is eating ham. - if you haven't heard it, ask about the Charlotte's Web story.)


This weekend we went up the canyon to see the fall colors. So many Aspens! We ended up riding the chairlift up to the top of the ski basin. On the way up Eva just sat up strait and held on to the bar herself - no help from Daddy. Once we got to the top it was quite cold so she agreed to sit close to me on the way down and snuggle. (Isobel wore the bunny ears on the way up, Eva got them the way down. My purse was a gift for my birthday from my friend, Ligia. Note the fun button on it from Share - it says "An attitude is a terrible thing to waste.")
This was our view on the way down. As we came up the canyon, the trees were brighter than at the top because more leaves were gone. Isn't it beautiful, though?
Come visit us in Santa Fe. My kids are growing too fast and we miss sharing the beautiful fall colors with you. Honestly, I am glad to be here with my family - I only wish all of you were here with us :)