Merry Christmas!

I know I am a day late but didn't have time the day before to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! Yesterday was a long but very fun and festive day with the Moore's. We were planning on going up the mountains to my Dad's house this morning but we are still waiting to hear if chains are required( because of a snow storm yesterday )to get to his house. If so then our plans will be spoiled:(

Southern California had a white Christmas, go figure! Will post more later, trying to get a few more winks in before Aedyn is up for the day!

An early Christmas celebration

Matching Pj's, even the dogs were dressed to the 9's.
The mousepad Shane received.
Special mickey gloves in our stocking
"I'll have my people call your people!" haha!


Today we celebrated an early Christmas with Mom, Kat, Jon, and Heather (Jon's sis) because they were all heading up to Salinas to see Kat's in-laws for the holidays. We had a nice brunch of apple streusel cake and breakfast casserole and mimosa. We then opened gifts. My favorite was of course our matching Pj's that Mom made. It's a tradition that I love. The boys then woke up from their naps and we opened their gifts too! Aedyn's favorite was the Mickey Mouse play cell phone from Grammy. Instead of doing specific gifts for each other we chose to do a gift exchange. I think everyone's favorite was from Kat and Jon, a personalized mousepad and mug. Shane ended up with this gift which is perfect because the mousepad will replace the one from last year I made for him. We then had some traditional fixin's of ham, scalloped potatoes, and green beans for lunch. The day ended with reading a short reader's theatre play of the story of Christmas that Kat wrote. It was a perfect day of holiday cheer and yuletide glee!

Ho!Ho!Ho!

We bit the bullet and visited Santa. I am proud to say we joined the league of parents who have gone through the rite of passage of the screaming toddler on Santa's lap. If you notice Aedyn looks scared to death, his eyes are wide open and a little red because the second before he was screaming and crying. We did not anticipate him being so frightened, he clung onto Shane when we were trying to put Aedyn in Santa's lap. On the other hand Connor smiled as soon as we put him in Santa's arm, he must of been pooping! haha! We just couldn't miss this opportunity.

My Christmas Wish

Aedyn kissing Connor


The other evening Shane and I were watching a Christmas movie called Blizzard, a surprisingly enjoyable movie where the key moral centered around the beauty of friendship. The movie really touched my heart and made me realize my Christmas wish this year.

My wish is for our boys, Aedyn and Connor, not only to be wonderful brothers to each other, but to cherish each other and be life long friends.

Moore's 2nd Annual Cookie Day - December 7th

The fruits of our labor, piles of cookies, YUM!
The grand master of Cookie day! Mom made us all aprons to wear for our special day, each couple had matching pictures on the front. They were so much fun!
Nina and Brian oohing and ahhing over Connor in their fancy smancy aprons.
Jen and Jason making Snickerdoodles!
Shane turning out some awesome Hawaiians, aloha!
Dad and Kaitlyn working on the Pitzelles!
Charity and Willow figuring out the butter cookie machine!

Playtime

" I'm so tired, all this playing has worn me out!"
Look into my eyes.
What's that?
Connor at playtime, learning to focus and track things with his eyes!

BATHTIME

All snuggled up in his Pooh robe.
Bathtime isn't Connor's favorite activity, but this was his first bath so things might get better, he might end up like Aedyn where he loves the bath so much we have to drag him out of the tub!

Connor's 1st trip to Disneyland

It's a tradition for our family to get a set of Mickey ears when visiting Disneyland for the first time. Aedyn was 5 weeks old for his first Disney trip and Connor has his brother beat by 2 weeks; he was 3 weeks when we went on December 4th.

Our family, with Grammy Bev in front of the big Christmas tree on Main Street.
A silly picture in front of the tree, we considered sending this one with our Christmas cards.
Aedyn climbing through the swinging tube in Brother Bears play area at California Adventure.
Aedyn Going down the slide with the help of Aunty Kathy.
In front of California Adventure, they change the letters of "CALIFORNIA" to be festive for the holidays.

The Short Bus

Normally I wouldn't post this because Aedyn is upset in the picture, but he really was half crying half laughing. He was playing and fell backward into his block bus. We laughed because he fell into the "short bus" and his butt got stuck!

Connor is One month!

Connor holding his own binky!
Connor and Aedyn in their matching Christmas outfits!

Wow! One month has flown by. I can't believe how time has passed. Connor is getting bigger but still looks small. We call him our little peanut! He is definitely demanding when he's hungry. He has started smiling and recognizes our voices. He is a pretty good sleeper and we have established somewhat of a schedule. He is lifting his head a lot and follows and tracks things with his eyes superbly, although he still goes a little crossed eyed at times. He also seems to respond to Aedyn's voice too! Which by the way, Aedyn adores his little brother, he is constantly wanting to touch, hug and kiss him.

A Day at the Park

Talking with the ducks!
Just a swingin'

It was a beautiful warm balmy day here in Simi Valley. The sky was blue with scattered clouds, the temp. was about 80 degrees, and there was a slight breeze. So to take advantage of one of the last days of fall me and the boys headed to the park. It's funny because everything logistic has to be planned out now when we go out: so first take out the stroller, second put in the diaper bag, purse, jackets, drinks, etc., third load Aedyn into the stroller, fourth strap on the Bjourn carrier (only had the single stroller), fifth put Connor into the carrier, and off we went.

So we headed over to the toddler playground and Aedyn praticed walking up stairs, ramps, and sliding down the slide. Then we headed over to the swings and Aedyn squealed with delight. Then we walked around (of course Aedyn helped pushed the stroller), then we took a rest and watched some senior citizens play shuffle board, strolled down to see the ducks, then headed for home. The whole time Connor slept, and Aedyn of course was as pleasant as could be.

After returning home both boys ate lunch and ventured off to sleepytown. SMILE!

Putting up the Christmas tree

Aedyn hanging ornaments

Daddy putting up the tree topper

Yesterday we put up the tree; a few days later than we normally do. It's harder to get things done with 2 small children. We are learning to be realistic about what can be accomplished and to be patient about it. Aedyn was awake when we started putting on the ornaments. We must say we were quite impressed and surprised how well behaved Aedyn was around he tree. He even got the notion that we put things on the tree just by watching us.

Brayden's Birthday and Connor meeting more family

CuzAunt Nina and CuzUncle Brian with Connor

Birthday Boy
Cake, YUM!
Opening Gifts
Kaitlyn and Brayden
Willow practicing the flute
Birthday Lunch
Willow snuggling with Connor
Meeting Aunt Jen
Meeting Aunt Charity
Meeting Grandpa for the first time


This last Sunday, November 30, was our nephew Brayden's first birthday. My how time flies! Aedyn got to play with his cousin and Connor met family. It was actually our first big outing, meaning driving more than 30 minutes, since Connor was born. He surprised us and slept the entire 2 1/2 hour drive. It was a great day.

Our first Christmas event this season

Mommy's elves
Let it Snow!
Look Daddy it's snowing!
Little Elf
Big Elf

Well, because we were in the hospital during our town's Christmas tree lighting we decided to go the next week to experience the "magical" snow. We dressed the boys in matching outfits, the were so adorable! Makes my heart melt.