Lake Tahoe

Dave and I had a little weekend getaway to Lake Tahoe last weekend to attend my step brother George's wedding. It was snowing all weekend and it was a great time. We had a great time at the wedding and enjoyed our little time together.

The snow was beautiful

Dave excited to visit the cashier for the first time all weekend and it was Sunday- the chips

The money!!!!

Aunt Shannon and Grandma Toni Came to Visit

Aunt Shannon and Grandma Toni came to spend a night and day with the boys so Dave and I could escape to Lake Tahoe (next post). Aunt Shannon brought Garrett an early Christmas present that he is in absolute love with. As he approaches his third birthday he has become a "project" kid. Projects started with simple water colors and have now expanded to wrapping presents with mom and using his new easel!!! Any type of little art project he loves.

The boys had a great time with their aunt and grandma while they were here and we wish we could see them more.

Oh WOW were his words.
How exciting.

Drawing his circle - who cares that it never connects right! It will soon.

Yeah a Field Trip

Atwater FFA goes on a field trip every year to see the San Jose Shark's play and this year we decided to ride the bus with the kids for the first time. Garrett absolutely loves riding the big bus and Gannon did great too! Up was the movie of choice on the way to the game so of course Garrett was in heaven. Gannon took a little rest on the way and was perfect as always. We stopped at the mall in San Jose and I did a little more Christmas power shopping which was great. Gannon is my trooper tag along so we left Dave and Garrett at the kiddie land. The game was a great time with all the students and a lot of family. Aunti Gin and Uncle Bob joined with some friends at the last minute to enjoy extra tickets, Papa Gossman was there, Aunt Shannon and her family and the De Rose's joined also. We were a little pooped the next day, but it was worth it.

Leaving the school on the big bus
Gannon enjoying his new adventure

Garrett sitting with Aunt Shannon

Family shot - Garrett was too into the game to look

Aunti Gin and Uncle Bob joined us also

Little Sharks Fan

Uncle Bob's Celebration

Uncle Bob celebrated his birthday and we are always so excited to enjoy the day with any Hall having a birthday party. Dave was extra excited because the menu included Uncle Bob's ribs! They are the best. Gannon was excited to enjoy his first taste of birthday cake. I guess he will enjoy his first birthday coming up!

Ready to blow out candles
Waiting patiently for a piece of cake

Oh man that was good

Christmas Time is Here!

It has been our tradition to put our Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving. I can't remember the last time I celebrated "black Friday", but this year with two kids why pass that up! Dave and I bundled up the boys and went out for a couple bargains.

When I met Dave I don't think he understood had crazy I am so when we celebrated our first Christmas together and my tree had all matching themed ornaments he lost it! So now we have a very colorful random tree! The first couple of years we would buy each other ornaments, but since you don't get to enjoy them until the next year we started a new tradition last year. The day we put the tree up we exchange ornaments with each other and the kids. This gives us time to enjoy our new ornaments. Garrett loved Barney last year and he loved Toy Story just as much this year. Gannon got a cute Callaway golf ball with his picture on it for his first Christmas. Dave gave me a really cute glass dragonfly and I gave his an RV with our name on it! Such a fun tradition!

Putting the lights on

Gannon was contained during the process

Garrett wanted to be in the "rat pack"

So Much To Be Thankful For

Our Thanksgiving plans changed at the last minute, well a couple weeks before, so we spent the day with my side of the family because they are a quick drive away. We were sad to not spend the time in Southern California with Ickey Mouse (as Garrett says) and Dave's family, but we were thankful for the open arms from my Dad and Dianne at their dinner table. We also had breakfast with my Mom, Eddie, and Taylor which was also very nice. Gannon enjoyed his first turkey day and loves to eat so it worked out well.

This year has brought many challenges for our family, but we are so thankful to have each other, everyone of you, and good health!

Garrett's dinner
Dianne, Dad, George, and Ashleigh

Gannon's little meal

What a cute boy

New Home

As many of you know I lost my job in April this year and haven't worked since last December before Gannon was born. So with that and the decline in housing values we have our house in a short sale contract and hope the bank accepts. So...we moved! I as always was worried that the boys would not transition well and why our kids of the greatest! They actually both sleep better here than they did at the other house. We moved a few small trailer loads of boxes over a weekend and I unpacked them so come Monday morning the movers could come and move the big stuff in hopes to have the new place semi put together prior to picking the boys up from school. WORKED PERFECT!!! We are 98% settled in and are enjoying our new home. Garrett was very excited to help with the tools to put things together and hang stuff on the wall. Good luck getting a tool back from him! Gannon just loved to play with the boxes.

Check out our little stander
Garrett helping Daddy