Winter in Parma

We had a great quick short trip to Parma. Iva loves being outside and papa wanted to check on his property so to Parma we went. Iva love walking on the frozen pond and refused help. She had a slight breakdown, but recovered in time for a lunch stop at Taco Time. Food seems to cure all with her.

Charlie was there too. He stayed nice and warm all bundled up in the baby carrier (one of the best presents ever- I love the Ergo.)

It's Beginning...

To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

 

Sledding...

While we were in Eagle, it was cold and snow wasn't melting- which meant perfect weather for sledding. 

Carrie was an awesome big sister and stayed outside all Saturday morning with Morgan and Levi.  She swept the pond clear so they could sled down the hill onto the frozen pond and "skate" on it. 

I finally braved the cold and took Iva out to sled. I lasted one time down the hill and was back inside because it was too cold. Iva loved it though and would have been happier to stay outside and sled. 

Charlie Lately...

Is, also, a cute little pill. He loves to be held and hates being alone. He is still figuring out the whole sleeping thing. He has slept through the night twice :) He has to sleep with the lights on and music playing. He loves his swing. He loves eating (usually every 2 1/2 hours.) He has chubby cheeks and an awesome double chin. He is officially a smiler! He smiles the most at dada. You have to work really hard to get him smile- he is a serious little dude. He is incredibly cuddly and loves to snuggle. He is cozy and a space heater- the perfect winter baby. 

Iva Lately...

Is an incredibly cute pill. She has learned that when I am nursing she can get into anything and everything. (Yes, I could stop nursing Charlie and "discipline" her, but I think Charlie needs my undivided attention every once in awhile and she needs to explore a little. Sometimes she just explores a little too much.) Iva is incredibly curious and independent. She still isn't much of a cuddler, but has some cuddly moments. She loves animals- especially Dug the pug. She loves to steal Charlie's blankets and binkies. She has only touched Charlie once by her choosing. She loves music and dancing. She is always one to put on a show. She loves being outside and hates coming back inside. She knows her Grammie and Papa are most likely to take her outside. She is a daddy's girl. She loves wrestling and spinning in circles with him. 

Extended Vacation

When we got home from Florida, we were greeted with snow and lots of it. Shawn was supposed to be driving to Arizona for an interview, but we both decided it wasn't a good idea to drive. We were lucky enough to find reasonably priced flights out of Boise. So Shawn flew to Arizona and I stayed in Eagle for an extra few days. Iva loves Grammie and Grampies house so it worked out perfect for us. (Minus the fact Charlie was fussy and wanted to be held all the time.) We celebrated birthdays, went to Allison's basketball game, got free yogurt because Morgan was well behaved at school, went shopping, ate yummy food, and played with cousins.

 

Watching TV in Grammie and Grampie's house.

Too much partying for this one.

First time, choosing to "touch" Charlie all on her own.

Of course, she went for the soft spot.

Little guy sleeping after he was a pill the day and night before.

Good thing Levi "likes" to share.

Missing our daddy.

Grammie is nicer than mama... Doesn't she know computers are off limits.

Snuggly little sleeper.

So tired, but not sleeping on the way home.

Baby Cousins.

We gave them the Wii controllers to try and distract them for pictures.

I love this one- their personalities really show :)

 

Iva 07/28, Luke 11/19 and Ward 08/14.

Why so serious, Lukey Guy?

Still no smile...



And back to the controller we go...

Sea World

The Catmulls (including Jamie), Sookhoos, and Shavers all decided to go to SeaWorld. SeaWorld was probably my favorite. I loved Journey to Atlantis (the ride) and the shows were awesome. We mainly watched the shows and did a few rides. Iva loved the shows and dancing. A stranger told us Iva was a go go dancer after the show. She really got so into them. It was awesome. Our favorite show was the dolpin/bird show and somehow I have no pictures of it?

Christmas Tree and Palm Trees... reminds me of growing up.

More Christmas trees.

Drew and Grammie checking to see if it was real ice...

Leah and Drew... cute kiddos watching Shamu.

Waiting for the Sea Lion show to start.

The Sea Lion stage.

Look closely and you can see Clyde and Seamore.

A walrus... I think? It was huge.

Shamu's stage. Watching them jump out of the water was amazing.

The poor penguins... The new ride was a flop.

Disney World

We were lucky enough to have Grammie and Grampie offer to watch Iva and Charlie so we could go to Disneyworld childless. Well, without our kids, but with the Sookhoos and Hornes.

We had a lot of fun being with the nieces and nephews and riding the rides together. It made us pretty happy to know that Leah and Drew hadn't forgotten who we were and wanted to ride the rides with us. Note to self: Don't ride the racecars with Leah. She drives like a maniac :) And that the Horne children can still be bribed to ride with us.

We had a lot of fun with the kids and still managed to find time (probably because we were there when the gates opened and there when the gates closed) to split up and ride some of the big rides.

Splash Mountain is still my all time favorite big ride, Buzz Lightyear is my favorite overall, the Laugh Floor is the perfect place to rest and laugh, Carousel of Progress is still the best place to nap, and fastpass is awesome.

Buzz Lightyear was definitely a favorite ride.

Ha, Laura looks thrilled.

Firework show for the second time.

Cinderella's Castle with Christmas lights and smoke from fireworks.

Disney at night. Shutting down the park.