November

Ellie started off the month with wanting a hair cut.  Its funny because she got this same haircut at the same time last year.

She had a week of school where they learned all about Native Americans and she was spouting facts for weeks.

We also hit up the safari park, which is an extension of the San Diego Zoo.  We don't go here as often because it is farther away, so its always a fun time.

Penny refused to be in this picture

For Thanksgiving we went up to Andy's brothers house.  Andy's parents were also there and came home with us to spend a few days with us before they went back to Utah.

But most importantly Penny turned 2!!

She is the biggest daddy's girl in the world and so sweet to everyone! She wants to do everything that Ellie does.  She loves music and likes to sing along.

On her birthday we went to Bass Pro Shop and saw Santa.  She was not interested in being on his lap, even though she kept saying "hug Santa" while we were in line.  That night we went out for dinner and she loved getting her own meal, and most importantly the ice cream sundae at the end of the meal.

The next day we went to Sea World with Andy's parents.  They were so nice and upgraded our tickets to season passes as a Christmas gift.  We had a great time with Grammy and Papa, and the girls loved being with them.

Penny First Birthday!

Penny's birthday fell on Thanksgiving this year.  It was a laid back affair this year with just the four of us and we had a great time.

While I was cooking dinner, Penny got her little scooter from us, we watched the parade and had some appetizers.

Dinner was delicious and after we all took naps, Penny got her cake.  She didn't really eat much and was trying to share it with Ellie.

We sure love our Penny girl.  She is light in our family and brings so much joy to us.  Her first year went by so fast and I am still having a hard time believing that she is one!  How appropriate that her first birthday is on Thanksgiving.  We are so thankful for her!

Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving was a wonderful day.  Anna and I split the tasks up between us and that made it a lot easier. 
I started the morning out with a jog, to offset all the eating that was going to be done that day.

I made the turkey and it was beautiful and delicious!

Cousins!

 We had plans to go and see a movie after dinner but when we got to the theater they were all sold out, and Ellie was devastated.
After I was done shopping on Friday we went to the first showing of Big Hero 6 and she loved it!  We also decorated that day and Ellie was flipping out with every thing that we brought out.

We went to Gardner Village and did the scavenger hunt for the Elf's and then went downtown to see all the lights at Temple Square and the candy displays at Macy's with Chris and his family.  It was so packed with people it was hard to appreciate everything.  We'll have to go back and see the lights again.

Little Chris

I love the Joseph Smith Building

My best friend!

Thanksgivng 2013

We had a really great Thanksgiving this year.

Wednesday was spent in full baking mode, with 2 pies, rolls, banana bread, and pizza being made.  It makes me tired just thinking about this day again.

Thursday we woke up really early and drove up to Augusta Georgia to be with Paige and her cute little family.  We had a great time with them, and her Uncle and his wife.  We ate, and laughed a lot.

On Friday Paige and I did a little black Friday shopping.  We aren't into the big crowds so we left at 8 in the morning and had a pleasant, non stressful time shopping.  With this trip I can officially say that we are done with Christmas shopping.  Then we went and picked up Ryan, Andy, Vince, and Ellie and we all went to Costco and enjoyed the free samples, and had lunch.

On our drive back to Florida we stopped in Savannah and St. Simon's Island Georgia.  Also we drove into South Carolina just to say that we've been to that state.

Savannah was kind of a bust.  Just really worn down, kind of scary and not really worth the 15 minute detour.  There was a big bridge that Andy was excited to drive across, and so we did that.

What Ellie thought of Savannah

The Bridge!

St. Simon's Island however was SO beautiful!  We got there just as the sun setting and it was breathtaking to see the sunset.  We played at the park for a little while and I had the best, most comforting feeling.  Usually when we do something fun as a a family I feel sad, because Thomas isn't there, but this time I felt completely happy.  I could feel that he was there with us and that we were all enjoying this beautiful place together.  It was so wonderful. 

Ellies first thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving we went down to Utah to be with Andy's family.  We had a great dinner and then we all went and saw "Happy Feet 2".

playing video games with Uncle Matt

Watching Sesame Street for the first time, she was glued the entire time it was on.

Leo at the head of the table

 Carving the turkey, yum!

I don't really have any pictures of Ellie on Thanksgiving, which is too bad because her dress was so cute, but she slept most of the day, like she had eaten a whole bunch of turkey.

Lately Ellie has been talking to us a lot, and when she gets going she has a lot to say.  Here is a video of her talking to us.  Also I think I felt a tooth tonight.  It seems kind of early to me, but I guess I don't really know, as she is my first baby.