I wish this were real life

I always feel a bit depressed when Christmas is over, but the days after Christmas this year did not disappoint. Carley and her family came back into town, and it is always a blast when they are there.

Chloe playing with one of her new toys - a shopping cart

watching Joel's basketball game

Carley is a miracle worker. She somehow got Tatum to take a binky! Tate loves it now, and it keeps her quiet and happy - I couldn't be happier.

The Shumways came into town for a few days, and we had a blast with them. They are the best! We spent a day at Pismo Beach riding ATV's. It was pretty much one of the funnest things I've ever done. 

Of course Chloe couldn't ride on them, but she was perfectly satisfied just sitting on them

Chloe with her cousin Shea

family pic

Chloe and her Grandma

I love my little Tate. What a trooper.

The whole group

Chloe was absolutely exhausted. Of course she just crashed on the way home.

And then, on New Year's Day, this sexy man turned 30! We did breakfast in bed, went out to lunch, and shopping, then he played basketball for a couple hours, then we had a party complete with pizza, games, and brownies.

Danny wearing two of his b-day gifts. A golf hat. And new headphones. Happy birthday, babe! I love you so much.

For the first time since Tate was born, Danny and I went on a date while Denise watched the girls. We went to see Life of Pi in 3D, and it was such a treat to be alone! And the movie was awesome. Thank you, Mom! You're the best.

Chloe loves Tate and is always asking to hold her

We were easily convinced to stay an extra day before heading back to Phoenix. So we went shopping and to the beach for one last time...

What a fun trip. We miss everyone already! Now, back to our real lives of Danny studying at school 24/7, and me being a single mom... the glamorous life a med student!

Christmas with my sis

I love my in-laws. They are the best of the best. And it was so fun seeing my two sisters-in-law (we missed you, Jenna!) before they left for Christmas. We had a fun shopping day and spent time chatting and catching up by the fire.

Carley, me, Bronwyn

Daddy cuddle time

Chloe loves her grandma

Christmas was great. My sister, Merrie, and her family came down from San Francisco, to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas day with us and Danny's family. It was a blast partying with them and watching the little cousins play together. We played lots of games, ate tons of delicious food, and stayed up late talking. On Christmas Eve, we spent the day at Morro Bay -- walking the beach, eating fish and chips, getting salt water taffy, and feeding the seals at the aquarium... 

Morro Bay 

I love my sis

Eating fish and chips 

choosing out salt water taffies... one of my favorite things to do here

feeding the seals

We came home, followed tradition by eating pizza for dinner, then we baked and decorated cookies for Santa. We then opened a gift (pajamas), delivered [in secret] a turkey dinner to a needy family, then we gathered around and talked about the birth of our Savior, and the events leading up to it. Merrie then sang a couple songs, and practically had everyone in tears by the time she was done. She has the most incredible voice. After the spiritual part of the evening was over, we all played games and ate treats 'til the wee hours of the morning. 

decorating cookies

On Christmas Day, we spent hours opening up gifts, then Merrie made us all a delicious breakfast of German pancakes, then we were able to Skype Danny's brother, Nate, who is serving a mission in Peru. The rest of the day was spent relaxing, playing with our new Christmas toys, eating, napping, and playing games. Such a great day.

Christmas morning - love you guys!

The day after Christmas, we visited with some friends, then spent the day in San Luis -- walking the shops, going out to dinner, and eating cupcakes. It was fun showing them the area that Danny grew up in, and where we spend so much time throughout the year.

These three had a blast together

The four little girl cousins together. Clearly, Tatum was thrilled.

Thanks you guys for joining us! We love hanging out with you all, and I seriously wished we lived closer. Love you so much, and thanks for making this Christmas so special!

'Tis the Season

We are just so excited for Christmas. Excited for Danny to have a two week break from classes, excited to go to CA, excited to see Danny's family, and excited to have some help with the wee ones. To get in the Christmas spirit we have been doing some festive things...

 Christmas shopping

 gingerbread houses with the girls

 a visit to see Santa

 thank you, pervy Santa for telling me to sit on your lap as well

walking around the farmer's market after visiting Santa

 Christmas brunch with the girls

 seeing the lights and nativities at the Mesa temple

Tatum stayed nice and cozy, while the rest of us were freezing

 Christmas party with our friends 

(Danny couldn't make it because he had to work at his clinic)

This is the best time of year. So much to be thankful for. Merry Christmas to you and yours.