A mommy moment

While TJ, Russell and I took out the Christmas decorations, TJ came across a big stocking. He stepped inside and was hopping around when I realize it was the same stocking the nurse put him in after he was born three Decembers ago. I admit a few tears escaped as I remembered the best Christmas gift ever, motherhood.

Decorating the Tree for Family Home Evening

TJ and his baby stocking

TJ in his baby stocking three years earlier

What a Christmas present

ZOO LIGHTS

We went to Zoo lights with the Williams Family for Family Home Evening. We two years ago and wanted to make it a Christmas tradition. The lights were amazing. It was well worth bundling up in the cold.

A fun friend picture with Shareen

Trevor and the boys on the train

We loved the animal shaped lights

Russell always wants to look at things up close

Potty Training a Christmas Special

When we came home from California TJ came across a blue lightsaber in my suitcase I had bought on Black Friday. He was not supposed to find it in there. It would be his reward for getting potty trained. He had a fit when I told him he couldn't get potty trained yet because he wasn't three yet (I started telling him about two months ago that when he turned three he would get potty trained). After many tears we decided to start potty training a few days early. Seems like the brainwashing and bribery worked. It's now been over two weeks and TJ goes on his own without reminders. We only had a few accidents.

Carol came over to help me decorate for Christmas and TJ got a little decorated himself. Holiday mittens and Christmas stockings go well with the red Incredible Hulk underpants.

Mission Inn Lights and Dancing

A favorite holiday outing is visiting the Mission Inn at Riverside. There are lights and figurines everywhere. It helps to get into the Christmas spirit.

Jackie and TJ hug by Santa

A nutcracker as tall as TJ

Everyone smile and say cheese:)

Grandpa and the Bartell boys

A little dance video of TJ, Russell and Jackie

Thanksgiving Day

We spent the day preparing a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. I was in charge of the sweet potato casserole. Some of the siblings enjoyed a game of Monopoly with their dad or soon to be father in law. Grandma Andrea did a beautiful job with dinner.

Andrea hides behind the turkey because she hasn't had time to get herself ready yet

Grandpa Tom always makes Monopoly interesting

Russell enjoying the Thanksgiving Feast

What a spread!

All the kids are at the "kids" table so the adults can enjoy their meal

Professor Penny Pickles Museum

We spent an afternoon at Professor Penny Pickles Museum in California. The kids loved it! The big aunts and uncles did too.

Grandpa with TJ and Jackie

Russell is inside a hot air balloon basket

Everyone enjoyed the museum

Grandma and Jackie make music

Dad built TJ a castle in the toddler room

Russell just loved this experiment. He kept going back to it.

California Beach

We spent a day at the beach while we were in California. It was a little cold but the kids still had a great time in the sand and water. We also climbed on a few rocks around the beach.

Typical Grandpa Tom beach apparel (we all secretly wish we were as well clothed and warm).

The Bartell Cousins huddled under a big rock

Cousin Joshua in the sand pit Uncle Trevor dug

Aunt Lindy and Jackie staying warm

Trevor and TJ on top of the rocks

Helping Uncle Trevor dig a sand pit

Family photo on the rocks by the beach (do we look a little cold)?

Water Hugs

What is this cold stuff under my feet?

Playing on the beach and rocks.