Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Kent's Favorites!

Oh my goodness...when we head down to Kent's old stomping grounds in So. Cal there are just some food places that are a must for us to hit. Places that he has been going to forever and that he misses dearly and craves when he is away. Here are a few of the highlights. There are several places we missed but for crying out loud there is only so much eating you can do in a week!









Monday, January 25, 2010

California trip part 3: Disney California

Day two was spent mainly at California Disney. It was so sweet of Carla to come with us and spend the day. We had such a great time! The weather was gorgeous and it ended up being another perfect day.

Oh boy, Jake was beyond excited when we came around the corner and saw a life size Lightning McQueen and Mater. He could have stayed there the entire day! The kid is obsessed with this movie!

On the HUGE Farris Wheel.





I thought this picture of Abbie was pretty funny. You can hardly see her in there!



Kate was super excited when she got called up to dance during the HSM performance. I love how Disneyland has something for all ages. We spent the two days so excited for each other. There was definitely something for everyone.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

California trip: part 2 Disneyland

For Christmas this year we decided to go really light on the presents and splurge on a trip to Disneyland. It has been over five years since we have been...Claire was an infant and Jake has never been. It really is one of the funnest places in the world! We had such a fabulous day as a family and there is nothing better than seeing your kids THAT excited!





This has to be one of my favorite pictures of the trip! Jake was beyond excited at the parade to see all of the characters. He could hardly believe it!
So excited!!!


This was the highlight by far of Claire's trip. She was cracking me up...it was like she was meeting a celebrity. She got Tinker Bell's autograph and couldn't have been more thrilled!
Both of my boys fell asleep in the Tiki Room after a long fun filled day!


Christmas is a fabulous time of year to go to Disneyland. The weather was perfect and you would not believe all of the Christmas decorations. This is Cinderella's castle all lit up.




Jake talked about driving this car for DAYS!


Brady came with us and it was so nice having another adult. This is where Jake spent most of the day! Kent and I even got to go on some rides together. Ü

Abbie in front of the Small World ride. It was incredible to see the amount of lights they had on that thing for Christmas...it was magical!




I laughed so hard at this picture. For some reason Kent's head popping up above Mickey's cracks me up!


Claire worried so much about getting this picture for her friend Lizzie. Apparently they had previously talked and Claire promised she would get a picture of Cinderella's castle for her. Here you go Lizzy...

Thunder Mountain. During the ride and...

after the ride.

I was a little surprised at how much Jake loved going up to all the characters. He wanted to give them all huge hugs!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Post Christmas California trip: part 1

Two days after Christmas we loaded up and headed for Southern Californina. Man o man...that was a long trip. Kent has always talked about his days at the Glamis sand dunes growing up. We were excited to go see what he was always talking about and hang out in some sunshine. We had such a blast. We met up with the Coyles with some other friends that Kent grew up with. The highlight of the trip was Jake learning how to drive the quad by himself. He cant even reach the foot pedals or breaks yet! He sure was having a blast! He was such a crack up to watch. We had a fantastic time and can't wait to go back.
Jake giving us his "thumbs up"!

This is the first trip we took with our trailer. It was perfect. I think we will have many more fun memorable trips to come.

Robin and Claire




Claire and I getting ready for a ride in the sand rail. You have to be totally covered up or the sand going over 100 mph would pelt you. Aren't we beautiful? Claire was the only one brave enough to go.


Claire drove the quad for the first time by herself on this trip too!


Carla teaching Jake how to drive the quad.




Andrew taking Jake for a ride in his sand rail.



Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Christmas

We had a fabulous Christmas this year! Christmas Eve was spent over at our friends the Drapers. One of our traditions that we started a few years back is to make traditional Scandinavian pancakes called Aebleskivers. They are basically stuffed pancakes that come out in a ball. The kids love them! Since Debbie's family has been making them too since she was a little kid we thought it would be fun to do them together. It was a fun Christmas Eve spent with friends.




It wouldn't be Christmas Eve without acting out the Nativity.

The whole gang

The kids in their new pj's on Christmas Eve.

The kids woke us up at about 5:50...not too bad! What fun it is to see your kids so excited!

Abbie and Jake feeling the love!

New helmets for the girls

Jake playing with his new toy from Nana and Papa.






For out traditional Christmas Day matinee we went and saw Alvin and The Chipmunks 2: The Squeakquil. Jake and Jessica spent the day with us and that evening after dinner we played a new game called Quelf. What a goofy game but I don't think I have laughed so hard in my life! We have so many blessings to be grateful for all of which are centered around our Savior.