Gaily Party 08!

As festive as you can get, this party has become a Ramones tradition as much as a Gaily one. Its quit an event.  The night starts out with Adrienne frantically throwing out more appetizers than anyone could ever eat, followed by an awesome pasta dinner, a visit from Santa, a cut throat adult gift exchange, and a dishes (and more dessert) after party. Our kids go absolutely nuts with excitement, and since they hire a few babysitters to watch the kids, the adults can also have a somewhat of an enjoyable evening too, while still watching their kids have a blast and get a present from Santa. Santa of course is the highlight every year. The part played, rightly so, by my brother-a 6' 4" Giant who makes for one terrifying, and frankly a bit creepy Santa. Tatum last year sat quietly on the couch in amazement, and dared not move an inch when Santa called her name. This year, I thought for sure she would echo her same Santa phobia. He came in and both kids sat star struck on the couch their backs pressed up hard against the pillows. Santa started calling names. Jimmy. Johnny. Timmy. Lucy. Tatum waited. Most kids hesitated. Few kids stood. Rarely did one sit on his lap. "Is there a little girl named Tatum?" as soon as she heard her name she popped up from that couch as I looked on in sheer amazement. She walked a few feet, and then stopped. Arms crossed, eyebrows down, Contemplating her next move. A face off with Santa as the room stood silent. I could then see the courage rise within her, and then, in a burst of pure courage and wild recklessness, she flung herself into his arms and closed her eyes as she hugged him. Then grabbed her gift quietly and slid away. She really is her own little person. I never know what this girl is going to do! Brady, on the other hand was quite intrigued, but preferred to stay at a close distance. His own bad luck though led him to be standing too close when his name was called, and Santa swiftly plucked him out of the crowd and plopped him on his lap. He got his present alright, but he ran away balling. 

Oh to be a kid. These moments I pray I will never forget! Thanks Gailys for a great night(:

We Got it!

Our tree that is. Woo Hooo! Christmas is officially here!

All By Nyself

Bradys following in his sisters footsteps for sure in this case. At 18 months, one of her favorite phrases was "By nyself!" At 16 months, he cant say it yet, but his independence is surely rearing its stubborn head. This mornings breakfast was yoghurt and oatmeal. Go for it kid.

We said YES to Grass

A Project List Topper (on Riley's list that is), and is nearing completion! This has been one gnarly task. It all began for Riley with pulling out giant Rose bushes (ouch!), then nearly killing himself when he rented a gigantic sod cutter from Home Depot (one of my biggest regrets in life will always be not getting pictures of this-quite a sight!), then researching how to install a do-it-yourself sprinkler system (looked pretty complicated to me!), buying fencing, ordering sod. Then suddenly towards the end of what seemed like an endless one man job turned into an "I can do this! " job when Riley's Dad and our brother in law Cody came flying in to the rescue, armored with tool belts, and who knows what kinds of high tech drills and what nots to aide in our poor yards completion. So thanks guys for your help. The kids absolutely love it. Now all we need is to paint the fence white, get a dog, a cat, and I think half of a child and then we'd officially be living the American dream.

Thanksgiving 2008!

So usually we head down South to celebrate Thanksgiving with our Ramones side of the family, but unfortunately Riley had to work..but FORTUNATELY, because of the schedule dilemna, I was actually able to host Thanksgiving in our new house! This of course made me So very happy (: We just had it small with the family and Heather (who is pretty much family too!) It was a great time. Our day begun around 1pm with appetizers, kids playing, making a thanksgiving craft (their own place mats), watching the game, reading about next day sales in the paper...then dinner when Riley got home, followed by a moonlit walk to the park and tennis courts, pie, and a fierce game of Tripoly after the kids were nestled all a snug in their beds. We are so thankful this year for the Lords continued blessing upon our family! We love all of you and hope you too had a great Thanksgiving..heres a few pics of the day (:

Cone

So today on our way running some errands, we pulled through the McDonalds drive through for a couple ice cream cones.

As Tatum was almost finished silently devouring hers in the back seat, I turned around and she was holding it out to me, politely asking if I could please "roll up her Ice cream " for her...

She was bummed to find out that no, ice cream doesn't quite work like a tube of lipstick. I think she might be onto something though...

P.O BOX

Everyone in Spreckels has one. I think its because the post office doesn't want to employ more than one person, so they make everyone come get their own mail. But we don't mind though. In fact, our daily trips to the Post Office have become already a sacred event for the kids. Its pretty cool though-the P.O boxes haven't changed since..? Inevitably though, our Post office trips turn into a trip to the park too, and of course a roll or two down some grassy knolls.