Saturday, December 24, 2011

Party Time!

This year was Nicholas' first big boy party where the kids stayed without parents.  I wasn't necessarily planning on that... I was more used to being friends with the kids moms and the parties are a chance for all of us adults to chat too! Oh well.  The kids had a lot of fun and I felt a bit more relaxed, but the kids did still need help with getting their food, cleaning up, and moving between activities. I think 4yr olds are probably still a bit too young to be left.

Anyways, we had a great time at Nicholas' fish party.  The invitations read: "You are o-FISH-ally invited..." and Nicholas was really into the theme.  For food we had sandwiches in star shapes (so much more appealing than regular shapes), fish in water (Swedish fish in blue jello), of course goldfish crackers, fish eggs (grapes), and a few other things.


Nicholas was so happy to have his three school buddies, Kellan and Cade (twins), and Jack, in addition to his church friend Savannah, and other friend Andrew (who came later).  Ryker had a great time too, especially finishing off everyone's leftovers.



 They played a fun Go Fish game, went fishing for treasure in a shipwreck, and even watched some of our favorite parts of Finding Nemo.




  Nicholas loved his special Nemo cake and was so happy to be with his friends.


Monday, December 19, 2011

Happy Birthday Keke!

Four years ago today Jared and I became parents.  We were so worried our baby would be born on Christmas, that my mom would not be able to attend his birth (she was living in Holland at the time), and that Jared would not get much time off from his new job.  We were so blessed to have everything work out alright: my mom arrived on time, Jared's job was very accommodating and he was born 6 days before Christmas. 
We had struggled to choose a name for months and ended up naming him Nicholas after the incredible Saint who performed so much charity for others.













The last four years have been an adventure for us, learning all about this little guy and watching him grow.  He is stubborn and strong-willed, funny, and friendly and becoming very empathetic.  He is a great big brother full of patience, and always wants a hug when I raise my voice. We love our little boy!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Feeling Grateful for Goofy

This year for Thanksgiving we tried something new- not doing the typical Thanksgiving. Let me tell you, it was awesome! No slaving for hours in the kitchen (while the men watch TV) just for a meal that lasts 30 minutes! I fully agree the holiday should revolve around family time, togetherness and feeling grateful for all we have. What a better place for all of those things than Disneyland?
One might wonder why we would chose somewhere we've been a hundred times, and its exactly because we have been there so much.  We knew exactly what we wanted to do, where we wanted to eat, and how to get around.  Despite having a big group, the whole Cordon clan, we had a relatively easy time getting out and about each day.  
We spent three days at the park, the last being Thanksgiving.  The boys loved being back in our favorite spot, and were also good sports about waiting while we rode some of the bigger rides.




The big boys and the little boys


Minnie loves Nicholas


Keke being a daddy's boy

We watched the Christmas parade one night, World of Color another, and the Fireworks the last night.

Two mornings I had some quiet time with just the two little guys!

Keke loved driving the bumper cars, despite barely seeing over the steering wheel


A cute spot in New Orleans- I have a great shot in the exact spot of my brother and I from years ago



















On the third day he became Nemo- he was a celebrity, with kids and parents everywhere saying hi to him.


Our Thanksgiving dinner at Goofy's kitchen

We ate all together. (And no, I'm not pregnant, just looking it!)

Nicholas loved being with his little cousin, Everett.

During the dinner different characters would come up and say hello.



The last morning we woke up, the girls went shopping, then we exchanged our Christmas gifts.

 We had so much fun!  Now I have to figure out if I want to renew my Disney pass.... 

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Another Cordon!

Introducing 

Nemo Cordon


1 oz, 3 inches long. Black eyes and purple scales. 4 weeks old

and

He's not dead yet!