Christmas 2010

Christmas morning came, and we were surprised that the kids actually slept in. We heard A.J. open his door about 7:15 and Isaac started stirring around 7:30. When we got up, A.J. was already downstairs and yelled that Santa had come and brought like 100 presents! Needless to say, he was more than a little excited! We opened presents and the boys made quite a haul!!! A.J. was worried he would only get one present because he only told Santa he wanted Star Wars Legos. Isaac kept saying "Santa--Elmo?" All he wanted was Elmo! Isaac ended up getting a water table...I don't know who liked it more--Isaac or the dog! The boys had a great Christmas and played with their new toys all day long!

Christmas Eve

Isaac got his Elmo!

A.J. was so excited to tear into his presents that I couldn't get him to stand still!

Yay! Legos! (He got Star Wars Legos too)!

Dominoes!

Yay! Elefun!

Love his cheesy smile!

The boys and Abby playing in the water table

Abby loved the water!

Merry Christmas 2010

The Tumbleweed Tree

Yes, you heard right. Only in the desert would the Christmas trees be made out of tumbleweeds! We've been saying since we moved here that we need to go and get our picture taken in front of the tree. Of course, the one day we decide to go downtown, the lights on the tree were not on! Anyway, there are about 1500 tumbleweeds that make up this tree. It is then painted with 65 gallons of white painted and sprinkled with 60 gallons of glitter...I don't care how much glitter and lights this tree has, it's hard to make tumbleweeds pretty!

Our cute little downtown Chandler

Christmas Baking

We're not doing a lot of Christmas baking this year, as we're afraid we will eat it all! However, we did decide to make some dipped pretzels. Mommy did the dippin' and the boys did the decorating! A.J. did good by just adding a sprinkling of colored sugar to the pretzels...Isaac, on the other hand, liked his completely coated in sugar!

A Day in the Life...

Poor Abby...our boys love playing with her but sometimes it's hard for them to realize she is a dog! Here, both boys decided to cover her in her blanket and bring all her toys to her. Luckily, she didn't mind ;-)

Doggie Play Date

We've had a couple of doggie play dates to help "socialize" Abby...I was not even aware that dog play dates existed until we got the dog! One of Abby's sisters lives about 7-8 miles away, so every once in a while, we will get the dogs together to play. The two mostly chase and tackle each other and wear each other out! It's fun to watch them play, but I'm glad we only have one puppy right now!!!

Abby (left) and Ava, sisters

Ava and Abby

One Stuffed Turkey!!!

Today was Thanksgiving, and I cooked up a big feast! Isaac had never seen so much food, and I think he was on turkey overload! This was just too cute not to take a picture of!

Soooo stuffed!

At least he still gave me a smile :-)

Little Abby

We are getting settled in with our little Abby the Labby! We've started getting on routines, knowing each others schedules, and having lots of fun playing! The boys are no longer afraid of her nipping...in fact, I think Isaac likes having someone smaller to boss around (little does he know in a few short months, Abby will be full grown)! Here are a few pics of her first week with us.

Our beautiful pup

Trying to play on the slide with the boys

Her favorite sleeping spot...on Andy's foot!!!

Happy 5th Birthday, A.J.!!!

On Tuesday, our little Austin Jacob turned 5! We let him open his presents from the family. I love that he still gets so excited when he gets something he really likes!!! And to tell you how sweet he can be (but not always), he told me he wasn't going to ask Santa for any presents for Christmas because he got so many on his birthday! We love you, little man!

So excited!

Even more excited!

He loved the Lego Police Station

Even Abby got in on the action...eating wrapping paper!

Welcome Abby!!!

Yesterday, we finally got to take home our puppy! We came up with several different names, but narrowed it down to a few and the boys decided on Abby. She did quite well on the car ride home. She only whined for about 10-15 minutes, then she slept the rest of the way (another hour and 15 minutes). When we got home, we took her out back and she had a heyday playing with the boys. The boys quickly realized that puppies like to nip! A.J. learned real quick to say no and not let her bite. Isaac, however, would run away every time. Then the puppy thought he was playing and would run after him and tackle and nip more. Isaac was not very fond of that and would scream and cry, but today he is much better with her. He does not run away and she is not nipping at him. She also did well in her crate last night. She whine for about 10 minutes, then slept all night and went potty outside this morning. She loves to play with the boys and they love to play and pet her. I have a feeling they will all be best buds very soon!!!

Abby exploring outside

She loved to play and tackle A.J.

She quickly found the new toys to play with...

...as well as the socks!!!

Isaac, me, and Abby (it was hard getting her to pose for a picture)

Smart dog! She already knows to sit under Isaac's chair at the table!

All tuckered out!

Bowling Party

A.J. is going to turn 5 this coming Tuesday, so we had a bowling party for him over the weekend. He invited all his friends and had a great time playing Cosmic bowling, dancing the "Cha-Cha", and participating in the Congo line. He had pizza and cake for all his friends. The best part...no clean up for us!!! He had so much fun and was really glad all his friends could help him celebrate his birthday!

The birthday boy and his Star Wars cake

The kids bowling

Dancing the "Cha-Cha"

Mmm...pizza!

The Congo line

Happy Birthday to you, A.J.! We love you!!!

Our Puppy is 6 Weeks Old!

Today, we got to go and pick out our puppy! There were four girls to choose from and it was a very hard decision to make! There were two puppies that were a little more active and two puppies that were a little more mellow. We narrowed it down to one of each and finally decided on the pup that was a little more mellow. I think she will be a great addition to our family and be good with the boys. We get to take her home for good next weekend...wish us luck!

My Baby Turns 2!!!

Today, my baby boy turned 2!!! My, how the time flies! Isaac is my bright-eyed boy that keeps me on my toes. He is definitely full of life and all boy! We kept things pretty low-key, as we had cake, opened presents, and ate dinner at Buca di Beppo, complete with birthday dessert and singing waiters! Isaac loved his new slide, as did big brother A.J. They are still playing on it! Happy Birthday, Isaac!!!

Isaac waiting to open his presents (nice wrapping job)!

Whee!!!

Opening Follow Me Thomas from Grandma and Grandpa D.

He loved the Doodle Pro from the Grahams!

Getting ready to blow out the candle

(after he kept singing Happy Birthday to himself)!

We love you, Isaac!!!