We have enrolled Peyton in singing lessons. She will be part of a group of girls called "Shine your light singers". It is a group of about 10-12 girls from the neighborhood and ward that practice at a neighbors house on our street. She is so excited!!!!! I thought this might be a fun and different activity for her to try out. I'm also hoping that we can have one family member that has the Edwards genes that can learn to carry a tune. :-) Hopefully she'll be able to help save the Edwards rendition of Happy Birthday to you.
She's only had two lessons, but is sure she is bound to be a star! After each lesson she's come home and done a short performance for me in our kitchen. Both times it's brought me to silent tears because she is so dramatic about the whole experience. She is so excited because after all of the lessons her group gets to go to the "retirement house" to sing for the really old people (her words, not mine). I can hardly wait, I'm sure it will be an experience to remember!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Guess what?
After much thought and consideration, we decided it was time to add to our little family. What, are you shocked? What could we be adding? A four legged, fuzz ball? No! A two legged pink, giggling bundle of joy? No!!!! What then could we have added to our family? FISH!
For most of us, this would not be an exciting experience, but for my little ones it was the greatest thing ever!! At least for a couple of days. We had promised the girls that we would get fish once we moved and were settled. We thought these would be easier, cleaner and cheaper pets. So last week while I had a meeting, Jeff took the girls to Petsmart to buy a tank. When I returned home they each had a small tank in their rooms, complete with plants and shells they had each picked out. Two days later we went back to buy fish.
Peyton took it very seriously and put a lot of thought into which fish she picked. Sydnie wasn't quite sure which ones to pick, so Jeff and I helped her out. I ended up talking her into a little frog to go with her fish. Guess which one of our new family members "croaked" first? Yep, it was the frog. We found him belly up on the bottom of her tank about 12 hours after we brought him home. She was happy to be the one to flush him down the toilet.
Later that evening when one of Peyton's went belly up in the tank, things didn't go so smoothly. She cried for about 30 minutes and was so devastated! We had tried to prepare her the day before that sometimes these things happen, but she is a tender hearted little soul. She was brave and flushed him down after many tears. She finally went to sleep after the promise to go back to the pet store for a replacement the next day.
Now we have 4 fish in each tank that have survived for 7 days. They have lost most of their appeal and serve as a good night light and white noise (from the filter). Peyton enjoys feeding them and is hoping one of hers is pregnant. I think it just eats the most, but the girl who sold it to us mentioned that she thought it might be pregnant, so Peyton is hoping she was right.
For most of us, this would not be an exciting experience, but for my little ones it was the greatest thing ever!! At least for a couple of days. We had promised the girls that we would get fish once we moved and were settled. We thought these would be easier, cleaner and cheaper pets. So last week while I had a meeting, Jeff took the girls to Petsmart to buy a tank. When I returned home they each had a small tank in their rooms, complete with plants and shells they had each picked out. Two days later we went back to buy fish.
Peyton took it very seriously and put a lot of thought into which fish she picked. Sydnie wasn't quite sure which ones to pick, so Jeff and I helped her out. I ended up talking her into a little frog to go with her fish. Guess which one of our new family members "croaked" first? Yep, it was the frog. We found him belly up on the bottom of her tank about 12 hours after we brought him home. She was happy to be the one to flush him down the toilet.
Later that evening when one of Peyton's went belly up in the tank, things didn't go so smoothly. She cried for about 30 minutes and was so devastated! We had tried to prepare her the day before that sometimes these things happen, but she is a tender hearted little soul. She was brave and flushed him down after many tears. She finally went to sleep after the promise to go back to the pet store for a replacement the next day.
Now we have 4 fish in each tank that have survived for 7 days. They have lost most of their appeal and serve as a good night light and white noise (from the filter). Peyton enjoys feeding them and is hoping one of hers is pregnant. I think it just eats the most, but the girl who sold it to us mentioned that she thought it might be pregnant, so Peyton is hoping she was right.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Ok, a few last pictures of Christmas gifts.
This was the biggest hit of all the presents. I would highly recommend it to those of you with 3 year olds in the coming year. Peyton has figured out how to make it do video's, add funny faces to your pictures and do simple video games. Sydine just likes to take pictures and video. It's really durable and it comes in pink, yellow or blue. Ok, now I'm starting to sound like an ad, but we love this one!!!!!
This was the beautiful doll Vickie and Michael gave Peyton.
This one is Sydnie's.
Notice the are together in a high place where my little Sydnie can not reach. They are safe on the top of Peyton's shelf in her room. They are so detailed and very pretty. Hopefully the high place will keep them that way!
This was the beautiful doll Vickie and Michael gave Peyton.
This one is Sydnie's.
Notice the are together in a high place where my little Sydnie can not reach. They are safe on the top of Peyton's shelf in her room. They are so detailed and very pretty. Hopefully the high place will keep them that way!
And now for Christmas in Arizona.....
So I had a grand scheme to get an adorable picture of all of our feet in our flip flops next to some really pretty flowers or a cactus. However as you all know the Christmas card never arrived. Jeff tried a couple of times to get us to go out and do it so we would have time to address them and send them to all of our friends and family. As you can see this is what my Christmas card turned into, a pile of flip flops at the bottom of the stairs. The cool part is that we are still wearing them a couple times a week. Sorry for not sending Christmas cards out this year (or any other year as Jeff pointed out), but consider this our family card from Arizona. I won't be offended if you don't treasure it as much as the cute ones with Chloe and Jake. :-)
Christmas Eve just wouldn't be the same without new pajamas. Every year growing up I always got to open a new pair of pajamas on Christmas Eve and it is a tradition we have carried over with our girls. This year there was a snowman theme for both sets. The were so soft and cozy. Which was a great end to our cold outing to the zoo lights. After going to see the lights we came home opened new pajamas and watched the Polar Express. But we had to stop and pose for a couple of shots in our new jamas by the Christmas tree.
Silly girls in their cozy jamas and slippers.
Christmas morning..... Now I always remember going straight to the gifts under the tree and at the very end going through my stocking. Well my girls have decided to do it differently. They have to see what's in their stocking before they touch anything under the tree. Sydnie is happily showing she has found mimi M & M's in her stocking.
Wait there's more and although it is only chapstick she is sure it is lipstick. She was even more delighted to find blush in there too. That sneaky Santa brought her real make up.
Santa finally showed his sensible side and added a Sponge Bob toothbrush to use after all of the M & M's are eaten.
Peyton loves to see what surprises she will find in her stocking. She can't wait, the anticipation wins every year!
She got chapstick, blush, a Barbie tooth brush because she's too sophistocated for Sponge Bob. She also found some M & M's and playdough.
Then we moved on to the presents under the tree. This is of the "Tower of Gifts" from Grandma Judy. Her's were all wrapped in the same paper and then covered with a giant green bag. The tower is almost as tall as Sydnie. What surprises will be found here?
A big fuzzy I-dog for Peyton, just like she asked for.
Sydnie was so excited to receive a Walle toy that will also work as a speaker for an I-pod. However she's content to just play with him on his own. He talks, dances and moves his arms. She loves him!!!!
However, getting to him was a little frustrating. Grandma Judy likes to throw in a surprise every now and then and wrap somethings twice. This frustrates Sydnie to no end as you can see from her face below. Now imagine grunting and huffing and puffing coming out of the face.
Sydnie and Peyton found a new scooter way in the back of the tree. Who is it for? Well Sydnie of course!!!
Santa won for the biggest hit this Christmas. He brought both of the girls cameras. However after Peyton spent the entire day playing with Sydnie's, we took her Kodak back and got the same version as Sydnie's. They have had so much fun with these. Great job Santa!!!!!
And here is Sydnie's camera.
Christmas Eve just wouldn't be the same without new pajamas. Every year growing up I always got to open a new pair of pajamas on Christmas Eve and it is a tradition we have carried over with our girls. This year there was a snowman theme for both sets. The were so soft and cozy. Which was a great end to our cold outing to the zoo lights. After going to see the lights we came home opened new pajamas and watched the Polar Express. But we had to stop and pose for a couple of shots in our new jamas by the Christmas tree.
Silly girls in their cozy jamas and slippers.
Christmas morning..... Now I always remember going straight to the gifts under the tree and at the very end going through my stocking. Well my girls have decided to do it differently. They have to see what's in their stocking before they touch anything under the tree. Sydnie is happily showing she has found mimi M & M's in her stocking.
Wait there's more and although it is only chapstick she is sure it is lipstick. She was even more delighted to find blush in there too. That sneaky Santa brought her real make up.
Santa finally showed his sensible side and added a Sponge Bob toothbrush to use after all of the M & M's are eaten.
Peyton loves to see what surprises she will find in her stocking. She can't wait, the anticipation wins every year!
She got chapstick, blush, a Barbie tooth brush because she's too sophistocated for Sponge Bob. She also found some M & M's and playdough.
Then we moved on to the presents under the tree. This is of the "Tower of Gifts" from Grandma Judy. Her's were all wrapped in the same paper and then covered with a giant green bag. The tower is almost as tall as Sydnie. What surprises will be found here?
A big fuzzy I-dog for Peyton, just like she asked for.
Sydnie was so excited to receive a Walle toy that will also work as a speaker for an I-pod. However she's content to just play with him on his own. He talks, dances and moves his arms. She loves him!!!!
However, getting to him was a little frustrating. Grandma Judy likes to throw in a surprise every now and then and wrap somethings twice. This frustrates Sydnie to no end as you can see from her face below. Now imagine grunting and huffing and puffing coming out of the face.
Sydnie and Peyton found a new scooter way in the back of the tree. Who is it for? Well Sydnie of course!!!
Santa won for the biggest hit this Christmas. He brought both of the girls cameras. However after Peyton spent the entire day playing with Sydnie's, we took her Kodak back and got the same version as Sydnie's. They have had so much fun with these. Great job Santa!!!!!
And here is Sydnie's camera.
This is another one from the tower of Grandma Judy gifts. It is a playdough ice cream maker set. We had to have ice cream for breakfast as you'll see a little farther down.
This is a beautiful doll from Grandma Vickie and Grandpa Michael. I'll add those to the top.
This was how Sydnie's pile started.....
Pet shops from Santa. Apparently they didn't go over as well as the camera.
Peyton got a bright pink I-pod! Rock on Sista!!!!!
Peyton was a little more excited about the pet shop on line pets from santa. It's her new favorite web site to play on.
Alright, we've found Sydnie's smile again. She is holding a princess plug and play video game. Jeff picked this one out. He did good. That is until we opened it and she tried to play it. He says Sydine has the patience of her mother when it comes to techincal stuff. He's so right!!!!!
Oh Yay!!!!! Swimming puppies from Grandma Judy, just what we wanted. They'll have to use the bathtub or the hot tub for now, but it won't be long before they can go in the pool.
This is the damage after the gifts have all been opened. There are lots of toys, paper, boxes and two very happily spoiled little girls. They couldn't wait to play with all of it!!!
Here is Peyton later that day modeling the nightgown/robe ensamble from Grandpa Dan and Grandma Dorothy. These have been a big hit with both of the girls but I couldn't catch them in the outfit at the same time for a picture.
Here Peyton displays a tiny martian she has made with her Martian Matter. It's surprisingly easy, fun and a lot less messy than I had anticipated! Way to go Grandma J!
This was a fabulous little server. She made me chocolate ice cream cones, strawberrie sundaes and lots of other treats. What a nutritious breakfast! Another good job goes to Grandma J!
SShhhhh..... Making martians is serious buisness. One wrong move and I don't even want to see what happens next!!!! Peyton was so serious about making them just right. Careful not to get too much slime on the child.
This is Sydnie the day after Christmas when it finally stopped raining long enough to take her new scooter out for a spin. However we quickly retreated to the closed garage because of the chilly wind.
This is Sydnie after bathtime with her swimming puppy. Note, the goggles are for the dog, not the four year old. Sometime we have to experiment in life and I had to capture this one on film!
This is a beautiful doll from Grandma Vickie and Grandpa Michael. I'll add those to the top.
This was how Sydnie's pile started.....
Pet shops from Santa. Apparently they didn't go over as well as the camera.
Peyton got a bright pink I-pod! Rock on Sista!!!!!
Peyton was a little more excited about the pet shop on line pets from santa. It's her new favorite web site to play on.
Alright, we've found Sydnie's smile again. She is holding a princess plug and play video game. Jeff picked this one out. He did good. That is until we opened it and she tried to play it. He says Sydine has the patience of her mother when it comes to techincal stuff. He's so right!!!!!
Oh Yay!!!!! Swimming puppies from Grandma Judy, just what we wanted. They'll have to use the bathtub or the hot tub for now, but it won't be long before they can go in the pool.
This is the damage after the gifts have all been opened. There are lots of toys, paper, boxes and two very happily spoiled little girls. They couldn't wait to play with all of it!!!
Here is Peyton later that day modeling the nightgown/robe ensamble from Grandpa Dan and Grandma Dorothy. These have been a big hit with both of the girls but I couldn't catch them in the outfit at the same time for a picture.
Here Peyton displays a tiny martian she has made with her Martian Matter. It's surprisingly easy, fun and a lot less messy than I had anticipated! Way to go Grandma J!
This was a fabulous little server. She made me chocolate ice cream cones, strawberrie sundaes and lots of other treats. What a nutritious breakfast! Another good job goes to Grandma J!
SShhhhh..... Making martians is serious buisness. One wrong move and I don't even want to see what happens next!!!! Peyton was so serious about making them just right. Careful not to get too much slime on the child.
This is Sydnie the day after Christmas when it finally stopped raining long enough to take her new scooter out for a spin. However we quickly retreated to the closed garage because of the chilly wind.
This is Sydnie after bathtime with her swimming puppy. Note, the goggles are for the dog, not the four year old. Sometime we have to experiment in life and I had to capture this one on film!
Captain Snowman Girl!!!!
Let me introduce you to a new member of the super hero's you've all heard of over the years. She is up there with Superman, Batman, Wonderwoman and many other "greats". She is Sydnie Captain Snowman Girl!!!!!
As some of you may remember my Christmas decorations are a theme of snowmen. Sydnie found one of my decorative towels and decided to transform herself into someone new. So for about an hour one day she ran around the house holding this little blue dish towel around her neck yelling about how she was going to save the world. It was the adventures of Captain Snowman Girl!!!! We had to stop to pose for a few shots so everyone could enjoy her imagination.
I'm not sure why she is modeling the cape on her head in this picture, but she insisted that I snap the shot this way. Who am I to argue with a super hero????
She is flexing her muscles and oops, the belly and underpants snuck right into the picture.
Look at the beautiful blue cape. It matches her eyes perfectly! She is a fashion deva as well as a super hero.
And finally as you can see the reason behind the name..... A littl snowman on the bottom of the cape.
Doesn't she command your attention in her bright blue cape. Believe me, if the picture had sound, she would demand your attention!!!! What a cutie!
As some of you may remember my Christmas decorations are a theme of snowmen. Sydnie found one of my decorative towels and decided to transform herself into someone new. So for about an hour one day she ran around the house holding this little blue dish towel around her neck yelling about how she was going to save the world. It was the adventures of Captain Snowman Girl!!!! We had to stop to pose for a few shots so everyone could enjoy her imagination.
I'm not sure why she is modeling the cape on her head in this picture, but she insisted that I snap the shot this way. Who am I to argue with a super hero????
She is flexing her muscles and oops, the belly and underpants snuck right into the picture.
Look at the beautiful blue cape. It matches her eyes perfectly! She is a fashion deva as well as a super hero.
And finally as you can see the reason behind the name..... A littl snowman on the bottom of the cape.
Doesn't she command your attention in her bright blue cape. Believe me, if the picture had sound, she would demand your attention!!!! What a cutie!
We're going to Disneyland!!!!!
We woke the girls up at 5:30 a.m. to suprise them with an early Christmas present. I had a theme. Notice the wrapping? Is that a princess I see? Yes, I think it is!
Inside the white paper was a tiny necklace with Tinker Bell.
A very tired Sydnie found a necklace with a very tiny Minnie Mouse. And where can we find all of these things? It took a little coaxing since it was so early and our brains weren't quite awake yet, but finally they came up with Disneyland. Both girls were a little confused and hesitant, but after some convincing, it was off with the pajamas, down to the car and we were headed to the airport!!!
Sydnie was such a good girl on the plane. She played with her toys the entire hour and fifteen minutes. She loves the little ponies.
Finally after some grumpy faces and a little bit of attitude waiting in line we made it through the front gates.
This gigantic tree greeted us just inside on Main Street. It was the biggest tree we've ever seen. I'm glad I didn't have to decorate it!!!!!
Just to give you an idea, Jeff is standing at the base of the tree and he is 6' 1". The ornaments are bigger than his head!!!! It was amazing! However, as you can see from Peyton's expression a little bit of the grumpiness followed us into the park.
The decorations continued throughout the park. It was amazing to think about all the work and hours that must go into decorating the entire park with such detail.
This was my favorite!!!!! The Haunted House has always been my personal favorite at Disneyland. I was in for a real treat to see it decorated as the Nightmare Before Christmas. The outside of the mansion is decked out as well as the inside. They change the paintings on the wall and put Christmas decorations throughout the entire ride. Jack meets you at the front gate.
Wreaths adorn the front of the mansion.
This is the castle decorated with snow. At night it is all lit up and it gives it a new magical look.
Sydnie's very favorite ride of all, DUMBO!!!!! She could ride this all day.
Small World was another ride that is totally decked out for Christmas. It was decorated inside and out. They also sing Jingle Bells as you go through the ride. The little mermaids have their own version and sing Jingle Shells. So cute!!!!!
Peyton, Jeff and Sydnie on a ride in Bugs Life. It was similar to the tea cups so I sat this one out. It was another favorite for both Sydnie and Peyton.
Overall it was a great trip. The weather was cooler so we were all happier. The lines were long, but once Jeff mastered the "fast pass" strategy we had a system. Over 3 days I think we did just about everything there was to do. It was a great early Christmas gift for the girls.
Inside the white paper was a tiny necklace with Tinker Bell.
A very tired Sydnie found a necklace with a very tiny Minnie Mouse. And where can we find all of these things? It took a little coaxing since it was so early and our brains weren't quite awake yet, but finally they came up with Disneyland. Both girls were a little confused and hesitant, but after some convincing, it was off with the pajamas, down to the car and we were headed to the airport!!!
Sydnie was such a good girl on the plane. She played with her toys the entire hour and fifteen minutes. She loves the little ponies.
Finally after some grumpy faces and a little bit of attitude waiting in line we made it through the front gates.
This gigantic tree greeted us just inside on Main Street. It was the biggest tree we've ever seen. I'm glad I didn't have to decorate it!!!!!
Just to give you an idea, Jeff is standing at the base of the tree and he is 6' 1". The ornaments are bigger than his head!!!! It was amazing! However, as you can see from Peyton's expression a little bit of the grumpiness followed us into the park.
The decorations continued throughout the park. It was amazing to think about all the work and hours that must go into decorating the entire park with such detail.
This was my favorite!!!!! The Haunted House has always been my personal favorite at Disneyland. I was in for a real treat to see it decorated as the Nightmare Before Christmas. The outside of the mansion is decked out as well as the inside. They change the paintings on the wall and put Christmas decorations throughout the entire ride. Jack meets you at the front gate.
Wreaths adorn the front of the mansion.
This is the castle decorated with snow. At night it is all lit up and it gives it a new magical look.
Sydnie's very favorite ride of all, DUMBO!!!!! She could ride this all day.
Small World was another ride that is totally decked out for Christmas. It was decorated inside and out. They also sing Jingle Bells as you go through the ride. The little mermaids have their own version and sing Jingle Shells. So cute!!!!!
Peyton, Jeff and Sydnie on a ride in Bugs Life. It was similar to the tea cups so I sat this one out. It was another favorite for both Sydnie and Peyton.
Overall it was a great trip. The weather was cooler so we were all happier. The lines were long, but once Jeff mastered the "fast pass" strategy we had a system. Over 3 days I think we did just about everything there was to do. It was a great early Christmas gift for the girls.
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