Birthday trip to Disneyland

Last Friday Shane took us to Disneyland for my birthday. What is there to say about a trip to Disneyland? It was magical and super fun as usual. It is so great going with Sydney who sees all the magic that I forget about. This was also Violet's first visit as well as the first day of the holiday season so we were able to enjoy all the Christmas decor. Here's a couple of my favorite pictures from the day.

Violet going strong even though it was close to bedtime. She just spent the day staring at everything.


A picture in front of the castle with my sweet girl.

Thank you Shane for making my birthday another special one! Love you!

Caramel

Last week I turned these....


into these!


They are so delicious. It was my first attempt at making caramels and I will definitely be making them again. I found the foolproof recipe here from the amazing AmberLee.

Snowflakes

Here is a snowflake garland I crocheted for above Sydney's window. I thought it would be a fun decoration for her room. Is it too early to mention Christmas? Since I've seen it in all the stores and on some blogs already I think it's okay. I like how it turned out for my first try at a crocheted garland. I can just imagine more of them in the future. Maybe flowers for spring??

Halloween: Fun Fest

This year's Fun Fest theme was Star Wars as mentioned before. We forgot the camera in the car and never remembered or had time to run back and get it. However thanks to my phone we have a few pictures. Sydney was in the skit and it was exciting for me to see her come out of her shell a little bit.

Here's Jedi Paul (formerly Darth Saul) fighting Darth Vader. Sydney and all the other younglings are in the foreground using the most powerful weapon of a Jedi (prayer) to help.


At the end they all demonstrate their best Jedi pose.


This year was once again super fun and I just have to say thanks to all those who spent their time and energy planning, preparing, and serving for this great event. Until next year....may the force be with you!

Halloween Celebrations

On Friday, the day before Halloween, we spend a couple hours at DreamWorks with Shane. Like last year, they had tables set-up for each of the projects they are working on. Sydney had lots of fun playing games, getting candy, and eating lots of yummy food! She was dressed as Ahsoka (from the Clone Wars animated series).

Here she is meeting Fiona (aka Amanda).

Then she played some games.


"Hmmm which candy to choose?"


The best costume definitely went to this guy who was the DreamWorks moon-boy and even had a speaker somewhere because he kept playing the DreamWorks music too.


Here is Violet in her yoda hat! This was hand knit by a dear friend, thank you Katie!


We had such a great time! Next up was Fun Fest, stand tuned for pictures.

Feeding Violet

Last week Sydney feed Violet for the first time. She was so excited! It is so amazing to watch them grow together: how they interact even now. Violet will watch Sydney with such intensity. And Sydney will do anything to make Vi smile. I can already see how God is blessing their relationship as sisters. I know it is such a special bond. I am so thankful that they have each other and that they are part of my family! What an awesome responsibility Shane and I have to raise them and teach them but what a huge blessing.

Pumpkin Patch

We recently visited a local pumpkin patch with the girls. Sydney had lots of fun in the bounce house and on the hay ride. Then of course we let her pick a pumpkin to take home. Even Violet got in on the action and explored the pumpkins.

I just love this time of year and I especially love spending time outdoors with my family. Now if I could just convince this weather to get a bit cooler I would be very happy.