Sea World Christmas!

Nothing says Christmas like no snow, 70 degree weather, and Sea World! We both had today off so we decided to spend some much needed together time and take Jane to Sea World. They have a lot of Christmas themed shows and decorations that Jane seemed to really enjoy.

Shamu! No explanation needed.

They have the Polar Express in 4D. Vibrating seats, snow machines, fog machines, water misters, and an out of focus movie for Jane who refused to put on the 3D glasses. Her eyes were still glued to the screen though.

I think Jane's favorite show was the big splash at the bottom of the Atlantis ride. Despite our efforts to impress, it is always the simplest things that kids enjoy.

The Sesame Street characters sang christmas songs.

Cheese!

She wasn't at all afraid of the dolphins.

The Budweiser Clydesdales

Decorating for Christmas

We are starting to get into and enjoy the christmas time of year. We put up a little Christmas tree in the family room with Jane friendly ornaments that she was able to help with. We must say thought, Jane likes taking stuff off of the tree more than putting them on. But she has left the other tree and decorations alone, so we consider her little tree a success.

She soon became more interested in the camera.

Say Cheese Everybody!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween all.  we know this post is a little bit late, but here it is anyway.   Jane had a great time trick or treating this year with her friend Izzy.  They spent some time together playing at the park, did the trunk or treat together at the church, and did a little actual trick or treating Halloween night as well.  We are so glad she has such a good little friend and that they play so well together.

Fun times at the park!

Jane was a flower this year in case you couldn't tell.

Trunk or Treating at the church!

Laura added to the flower theme by going dressed as a bee.  Chris had to miss the trunk or treat and work.

Carving pumpkins with neighbors and friends.  The kids had a blast painting their little pumpkins.

We didn't even need to take Jane trick or treating.  She seemed perfectly content standing on our porch watching all the other kids and giving out candy.

But Jane and Izzy did make it to a couple of houses before the night ended.

Weekend Getaway!

We went to a place called Mo Ranch in the hill country north of San Antonio last weekend as part of a weekend retreat for the pediatric residents.  It was a lot of fun, extremely relaxing, and a good opportunity for Chris to get to know Laura's coworkers and their families.  The ranch is located along side the Guadalupe river.  It was beautiful and secluded.  The weekend started off with a barbeque and a western dress up theme.  I think Jane won the competition.  No contest!

One of the buildings on the ranch.

The hotel we stayed in on the ranch.

Ok, this is the most redneck contraption that we've seen in quite some time.  The ranch has this big metal slide that goes into the river.  The object was to sit on this wooden sled type thing with rollers on the bottom of it and a wooden fin keeping it centered on the slide.  It had lawsuit written all over it, as well as plenty of "use at your own risk" signs.  Chris went down the slide first and was sitting a little bit too far forward and abruptly nosed under the water.  Laura was quite a bit more hesitant to give it a try, but eventually did it.  She was a little more successful and skipped along the water for quite some distance.  It was a blast.

Another view of the slide.

Chris on his maiden voyage!

We ended the trip with a morning canoe ride before heading back home.  It was absolutely breath taking and the water was so clear that Jane could see all the fish swimming beneath us.

Holy crap, It's October. Where has the time gone?

I know this is old news to some of you, but we are trying to get caught up after a couple very busy months.  We flew out to Utah for Labor Day and had a great relaxing time just hanging out with family.  Here are several pics from our trip.

Jane is becoming a seasoned flyer these days and behaves fantastically for a one year old.

Playing with the cousins at Pappa and Nana's house.

That looks pretty sanitary!

This pic of Nick and Everett just cracks me up so I had to include it.

Laura came down with the flu during our trip but managed to feel better after resting for a couple of days and was able to enjoy herself.

We spent the majority of the weekend sitting in the shade catching up and riding 4 wheelers.  A good time had by all. 

The slip n' slide was a hit!

With the big kids too!

Uncle Dale and aunt Kirsten brought water balloons for a water fight that the kids loved.  But, they didn't quite grasp the concept of throwing them at each other, and instead watched them explode as they threw them on the ground.

Some of the big kids gained the advantage of seeking higher ground which of course led to the hoses coming out which is the typical ending of any water fight.

Jane met cousin Ryker and greeted him with a big hug.

The fountains at Gateway mall in SLC.

When the play time ended and the high pressure water show began, we could hardly keep Jane back.

 

Aunt Laura with cousin Sarah.

Sarah and Jane are less than 2 months apart so it is always fun when we have a chance to get them together.  It's too bad that we don't live closer.

Uh oh, kissin cousins (Jane and cousin Ryker)

Jane meeting cousin Willard for the first time.

Playing with cousin Jameson while all the older kids are at school.

And eating dirt!!