Our Gingerbread House

Camden is eying the green candies.

Showing off their creation.

My first-ever homemade gingerbread house. It came out pretty well don't you think? It took all day to bake and construct and of course the kids could not wait to decorate and eat the candies. I have a whole new appreciation for the bakers on the Food Challenge Show. This was enough for me, let alone make a mansion or a pirate ship out of gingerbread. The kids left me to finish the roof but I'd say they did a fantastic job on the "lawn" and around the doors and window. It's fun to create special memories like these in the kitchen during the holidays. I'm aiming for a low-stress Christmas this year so this is one fun way to stay indoors and have some fun! This poor baby is getting more than his/her fair share of eggnog and cookies this month :)

The Polar Express - 2nd Year

For the second year we made the trek up to Williams to board the Polar Express and receive a bell from Santa. The only thing missing was snow, but the kids still enjoyed it. Camden once again did not eat a good dinner and proceeded to pig out on cookies during the train ride, then wanted McD's afterwards. So much for our huge dinner buffet. They wrote letters and mailed them to Santa and for the first time in several years, we even got pictures with Santa. I cannot figure out how to scan and post those but they came out cute. Once Santa gave Camden his bell, he said, "but I didn't tell him I wanted a Bumble Bee Toy." So we said to tell him when we take pictures on his lap. So he did, then later remarked, "but he didn't give me my toy." Gotta give it to the little ones, they call it like they see it.

On the way home we stopped again to feed the deer. They swarmed around us as usual. We learned that "Ella" was the smart deer who figured out how to turn the knob on the corn machine one click at a time and get a few nibbles for free. That really amused the kids. One of the deer grabbed Kaitlyn's food and tipped the cup up with her mouth which got us all laughing.
Going back to Phoenix we took Highway 89A (scenic drive) through Sedona and toured around a little bit taking in the beautiful views. We promised the kids to make another trip up North this winter when it snows.

Views from the shopping area.

Downtown Sedona.
Ella stealing corn.
Mostly dropping the food on the ground.
Camden is a bit freaked out. They tried to eat his jacket.
Laughing at the deer taking her cup.
Little deer thief.

Kaitlyn has this fascination with her "booty"
Ringing of the bells
Showing off her new bell
Arriving at the North Pole
Cookie #2
Looking out the window, waiting to see any sign of Santa and the elves.
Cozy with mommy on the train.
Kaitlyn being silly and not sure what Camden is doing but it makes for a funny picture.
Mailing her letter to Santa.
He's easy to please.
Making mommy color the conductor.
Kaitlyn's wish list.
Practicing her writing skills.
Pictures with Mrs. Clause.
Me at 22 weeks and getting bigger by the day. Baby's *First Christmas at the North Pole.*
Posing in front of the historic train.
So excited to finally be at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.

Here is that magical moment when Santa hands them their bell.

First Tooth Milestone

Kaitlyn lost her first tooth just before Thanksgiving. It was a very wiggly but eventually came out when Camden tumbled on top of her face while they were playing. The tooth fairy came and rewarded her for losing her very first tooth. We are waiting for the adult one to come up, so far not much is making an appearance. I was very happy it did not come out at school so I could be there, although I'm sure she wanted one of those little treasure chests from the school nurse. We were on our way to ballet when it came out.

Preschool for Camden

Camden being silly with his new Diego backpack.


I wasn't ready to send Camden to preschool just yet but I have accepted that I need a break. And since he is now potty trained, I seized the opportunity. Somehow being pregnant and a large house to care for along with a Dr. husband who works long hours wears on you. He is set to start next week and was very excited to go out and pick out a backpack just like sister. He will attend an in-home preschool twice a week in our neighborhood with a couple of his little buddies so that should ease the transition. Wish us luck!

Our Last Hoorah

We decided to throw a Halloween Party this year and it was a lot of fun. We figured this was our last shin-dig for quite some time with a new little one rapidly approaching. The kids looked adorable in their costumes. They spent most of the time in the bouncy tent while we all pigged out on pizza, goblin goodies and fresh popcorn. The eyeballs were a huge hit.

Cinderella, Mommy kitten and argh, a pirate.

Little bitty pumpkin.

Kachaow!

Little vampire.

The hunter and the hunted. You can't see it but Kristi has an arrow sticking out of her butt.

Witch and Geisha.

Jasmine, rocker? and race car driver.

Dee Dee, how adorable is she?

20 week Ultrasound

Here he/she is! We resisted the temptation to peek, however I must admit now I am a bit curious. I originally thought it was a boy but now it could go either way so I have no idea. You'll have to wait another 20 weeks just like us to find out what the tie-breaker is. Any bets? You can see a bit of Kaitlyn (larger upper lip, bigger/wider Filipino nose) and Camden (narrow face, pointy chin) in the 4D pictures. I think it's pretty cool. The baby kept putting his/her hand in front of the face so we didn't get a real good clear picture in 4D. Everything is looking great developmentally so we are very excited the baby is healthy. I guess I'd better get to painting that yellow nursery now....

It's Potty Time!

That day is finally here. I am free of Diapers, YIPEEEEEEE! Well, actually just a break from diapers for the next 6 months anyway. I'll take it. I have been doing diapers for 6 years!! I have to say, Camden impresses me with his willingness to try new things and assert his independence in a non-tantrum manner. I had not planned on potty-training him at all but started noticing on our Hawaii trip he kept saying he had to go when we changed to diapers that did not keep him dry. He was also dry at night so I knew he was physically ready. I also noticed several of his friends were potty-trained so I decided to just see how he would do one day. Low and behold, he took to it instantly. We had a few mishaps and it took a few days for him to go poop but he had absolutely no complaints about that at all. He picked out underwear the first day and got him a new little toilet that sings and everything. He only used pull-ups a few times and has no problems going in public toilets. He was totally trained in under 2 weeks. Considering the horror stories from Kaitlyn's potty training I feel soooooo lucky. That's my boy! Way to go Camden. Now, any tips to get him to pee standing up from those of you with boys? Or how to get him to stop playing with his wee-wee now that it is freely accessible all the time? It doesn't help when Kaitlyn laughs when he whips it out for all of us to see! Ah, the joys of little boys.