Christmas Time

Christmas is almost here and I'm so glad! I'm so glad its almost over.
I know Christmas is about so much more than decorations, cards and presents but for moms...
it is mostly about that.
I took the girls to a live Nativity and it was so nice. For me. The girls were more interested in Santa and hot cocoa.
I talk about Jesus being the real reason for the day but they talk about what they want under the tree. Its really a holiday that becomes a bigger stress then I want to deal with.
Besides, Mom has to shop for everyone!
Unless you have a husband who likes going into stores and shopping for someone other then himself,
you also end up shopping for yourself.
I know exactly what everything under the tree is.
I wrote the tags for my own gifts.
Its okay, its just one more thing that distracts from the real meaning of Christmas.
I can honestly say I love Christmas. Its a wonderful time year.
The kids love it. They are mesmerized by it.
The lights, the gifts, the food.
It is all so fun for them.
Here is a little of what our Christmas season as looked like.

It really is a magical time of year for a 6 and 4 year old. 

I'll try and remember that when I am opening the pair of sneakers I bought myself. 

And there was the vacuum I got on Black Friday for myself. 

Because mom cleans the house, she deserves a new vacuum. 

To be honest, I prefer to get my own gifts. 

I know exactly what I want.

Merry Christmas!

Oh Alaska!

In no order, Our Trip to Alaska.

7/11/14 to 7/21/14

Grandpa and Cailyn looking over the Bay in Homer.

Hansens and Wrights are like Peanut Butter and Jelly! 

Very dear friends who come to fish with mom and dad every summer. 

Cailyn collected broken sea shells and added some lupin to make them pretty. 

We spent a lot of time smoking fish! It was so nice the whole time we were there!

Corey and I limited out and were so happy! The girls were very excited too!

One for everyone!

Up close of some bellies drying in the sun. 

In Homer enjoying the amazing weather. These girls love Grandma and Grandpa Hansen!

Wish I had been able to take more pictures. 

My silly baby announcement. Yes, baby #3 is due late February. 

This girl had to touch every fish we brought home. 

Corey caught the very first fish! He totally looks like a local Alaskan in this picture. 

He belongs on the Kenai. 

Oakley doesn't like kids but she LOVED my girls. They played with her everyday and they really became good friends. 

My dad teaching Corey the set up to catch sockeye. You actually just snag them in the mouth and its all luck and timing but whatever. Its a big fish and fun fight! I loved fishing everyday with my hubs. 

This trip was a dream. I was so happy to be home!

I didn't realize just how much Alaska was a part of me. I will always feel like Sterling is my home and have a sense of peace when I'm there. 

I can't wait to go back! 

Summer Fun in June

We kicked off summer with some new do's. Mostly just Carly got her hair cut though. Cailyn just got prettied up!

Everyday you can find us in the pool. Literally. Either at out neighbors house or at swim lessons. 

Girls had to show off their toughness on the first day of swim lessons. 

Turns out Carly is a fish and Cailyn isn't scared of going under water anymore. 

They have rocked the lessons so far. 

Carly jumped right in and even the teachers have a tough time keeping up with her. 

This was just too cute. Carly took this game very serious. 

My garden is doing okay this year. LOTS of bugs. We'll see what I'm able to harvest later in July. 

These 4 are just about inseparable.  Everyday they play.

Today was hot so I talked them into a movie and pizza. 

I think they need a bigger tv though. 

Spending Fathers Day with Dad

What would Fathers Day be without dad? 

Took the girls to Starvation Res to spend a few days with dad at work for Fathers Day.

They had so much fun picking up dad from work and seeing the big rig he works on. 

We stayed at the most beautiful camp ground and played by the lake. 

I sure love his roughneck of mine. Was very happy to celebrate Fathers Day with him.

He's an amazing father to our girls. 

The res was FREEZING and the weather turned a little south but they played anyway!

I'm glad they have such a love for life and fun!

Summer Vacation and The Little Mermaid

Ariel has some serious competition.

Carly got to attend Princess Dance Camp for the first time this summe!

She LOVED it. 

It was a three day camp and on the final day they got to meet Princess Elsa! 

They learned a sweet little dance and made crafts. 

She's never been shy before until she walked in front of all the parents and suddenly my little princess went very quiet and shy. I got to smile though for me. 

Her favorite part! Meeting Elsa was so great! 

She hugged her before leaving but I wasn't fast enough with my camera. 

Dream come true!

We also went to St. George to see The Little Mermaid at Tuacan! A real live play.

It was so amazing! Girls loved it!

Carly really wanted to walk through the water feature but Grandma kept a good hold on her. 

Had to get a photo op! 

Waiting patiently for the play to start! 

We had great seats and the girls were so good!

Summer definitely got off to a great start!