Christmas 2008

We had such a great Christmas this year! Emma could hardly wait for the big day to arrive. This was the first year that she tried peeking at her presents through the slits in the wrapping paper, so by the time Christmas morning came most of her gifts had been torn open a bit on the under side. But that didn't decrease her excitement at all. She got lots of arts and crafts sets and a Star Station (kids karaoke) from Santa. I think her favorite present was the Play dough Ice Cream Maker that Nana and Papa sent to her. Dan's favorite was an engine for his garden railroad and mine was an LCD TV for our bedroom-yay! We spent the day just hanging out and enjoying our new toys.

Emma's Loot

From Nana and Papa...THANKS!!

From Santa

We spent most of the morning baking sun catchers....I had forgotten how fun they were!

Santa brought Daisy a new and much needed bed. She had been sleeping on an old blanket that she would scratch at until it was in the shape of a nest. I think she will like this one much better!

Emma made Dan this mermaid book out of plastic canvas and embroidery floss...I think it turned out really great for a 4 year old!

Add some more Playmobile to the collection baby!

The sunday after Christmas.

Trip to the Firehouse

On Christmas Eve some friends of ours invited us to come with them to see the firehouse that is just up the street from us. I guess someone in their ward works there or something. Emma and Dan headed over and had a really good time. Emma got to sit in the fire truck and dress up in the fire gear. Their visit had to be cut short though because while they were there, a fire call came in and the firemen had to leave. Emma said the bells and sirens were SOOOOOO loud!!! I didn't go because I was busy finishing up the neighbor gifts. I wished I had gone when I saw the cute photos of Emma. By the way, she doesn't have a bad rash she was eating red candy just before they left!

9th Anniversary

We spent the weekend in a quaint little town called Ferndale which is on the coast of northern California. It was about a 5 hour drive from our house, but the scenery was beautiful!!






We stayed at an AWESOME bed and breakfast called "The Gingerbread Mansion"



It was supposed to be the most romantic in the area. Besides the TV not working, the power outage, the internet down, cold water in the tubs, a clogged and overflowing toilet and a burnt out light in the bathroom when I needed it most, we were able to find a little romance there.






On Saturday we explored the coast and did a little hiking in an area called Patrick's Point. It is places like these that really make me enjoy living here.





One of the highlights for Dan was a stop at the Humbolt Fort State Historic Park. They've got a huge collection of old steam motors and locomotives on display.


On the way home we drove through Humbolt Redwoods State Park. I couldn't believe how HUGE the trees were!!!



We had so much fun just being alone together. It is nice to remember why we got married in the first place.

Point Reyes Lighthouse

Grandpa Duane and Emma on the way down

Duane and the lighthouse

Emma needed a break

We made it back up!

Grandma, Grandpa and Emma

Pretending to be a deer

It was so windy and COLD!!

Deer

Tree Bench @ the visitor's center

Thanks mom and dad for coming out....we had such a great time!

We took a trip to the Cool Patch to pick out Emma's "punkin". Grandma Mary, Grandpa Duane and our friends Brandy, Ava and Addy came too.

They wished they could get this one!

Emma and her "punkin"

Being reverent in a teepee

Master Dan

Duane and Mary with a straw man

Emma in the corn bath

The fam

Action....
Emma and Ava enjoying their corn bath. Dan wanted in on the fun too! Addy was trying to figure out if she liked it or not....maybe not! Last but not least...Emma crack corn and she don't care!

Family Funny Faces

Crazy people!