She's So Brave!

Belen has always been scared to death of all the characters at Dland. Whenever we see a character she says how she wants to say hi to them and take a picture with them, but when the time comes for her to go near the character, she freezes up with fear. I totally understand this because I am.... I mean.... was, the same way. So anyway, we were in toon town a week ago and she spotted Mini walking towards a photo-op. Belen took off running after her screaming "Mini!! Mini!! Stop!!" I, of course, ran after Belen. So there we were running through toon town chasing minimouse and I knew that once we caught up to her Belen would chicken out and just want to stand and stare. So, we caught up to mini at the photo-op and got in line to meet her. The entire time in line I was giving Belen pep-talks about how nice mini is and how happy she is going to be to see Belen, etc. Well, it was finally out turn and Belen ran right up to her and gave her a big hug! I was so proud of her for not being afraid. Am I jumping the gun to think that maybe she'll like Santa this year?

Stuff

Well, I started subbing again. I did two days this week, 4th and 5th grade. I subbed at my old school so it was really fun seeing all my old co-workers. It's weird because when I'm at work, I think.. wow, I love this, I don't mind it at all. Then when I'm at home with the kids, I think, wow, I love this! I never want to work! I guess as long as I keep it a few days a week I'll like it.. a little time for me to do what I love but still be able to be at home with my kids most of the time. I applied for an on-line teaching job and I'm just hoping they have an opening... then I could do what I love- in my pj's!

Belen had her birthday party a few weeks ago- here's some pics from the festivities.

Christmas Day

We celebrated Christmas Day at Skip's parent's house in Rossmoor. Belen got her princess bike and blew out birthday candles on a pumpkin pie, how festive!

Happy 3rd Brithday, Christmas baby!
Grandpa Clause and Thyssen

Grandma Clause and Thyssen

Christmas Eve

A few pics from Christmas Eve at my parents' house in Palm Springs. For the first time in years, we had all five of us together with all our spouses and kids. What a great time!

This isn't the best picture to show it, but Mama is Thyssen's favorite person.. he cries if she walks by and doesn't pick him up!

Papa in the spa with 5 of his grandkids.

Chris and Alicia... I miss your faces already!
Belen and cousins celebrated her birthday... yum!

Seeing the lights on Candy Cane Lane with Nonni and PapaWe had all the grandkids dress up for the manger scene as Nonni read from the Bible. The boys got a little confused and started giving baby Mag a blessing... Pretty funny! The Stier Family caroling tradition lives on..... Ben's Family, minus baby Mag
Skippy, Brian and Chris just pouring with Christmas spirit

Catching up on weeks of pictures.....

Princess Wishes on Ice!

Bishop Durham from our old ward was nice enough to get us tickets to Disney Princess Wishes on Ice. We took our friends, the Ellsworths and had a great time! Carina and Belen have birthdays just weeks apart so it was a nice birthday treat for both of them.

Belen and Carina in a 3rd Birthday hug!

Whoohoo! Laundry time!

Thyssen has really been enjoying the spin cycle lately... he reaches in and tries to grab the laundry as it tumbles around. That darn glass is always in his way!

Viva Las Vegas!

We went to Vegas and visited some of our favorite people. I've known Jill since 4th grade and became everlasting friends with her in high school. She and her husband Don are chiropractors and live in Vegas with their new little baby-girl Hannah.

Here's Thyssen playing with Hannah... He's 2 months older, but Hannah is gaining on him.

Skip and the kids at the park by Jill and Don's house.

And here they are... the very photogenic- Jill and Don!

We went to a new out-door mall and it had an awesome playground in the middle of it.

Regan's Christmas Party

Today we went to Regan Presley's Christmas party.. No 3 year old can throw a party quite like Regan. She is such a gracious little hostest. She had ornaments to decorate, cookies to frost, and a stocking exchange. We had a great time. Thanks Regan! Merry Christmas!

Regan used more sprinkles than frosting

Abby showing off her creation

Nicholas just being cute.
Eli trying to move his cookie out of the way so he could finish eating his frosting.

Brooked placed every sprinkle just so

Belen took this very seriously..

I didn't get a picture of Lauren- but I love you!

Don't forget to Moisturize!!

So, Belen walks into the bathroom while I'm doing my make-up and she's got huge gobs of lotion in her hair. -- Five minutes ago I told her no more lotion, but stupid me didn't put it out of reach. Then, as I'm wiping it out of her hair, I hear Thyssen start to cry.. hhhmmmm "Belen, did you put lotion on Thyssen?" "no mommy" I went into the living room and found Thyssen absolutely covered in lotion, he had rubbed in into his eyes... ouch. I started to reprimand Belen but then realized that I needed a picture so I acted nice for about 5 seconds to get the picture and then I scolded Belen and put Thyssen in the bath. He's never been so soft. Notice Belen rubbing the excess lotion into the carpet... so helpful.