So...

...I am not very good at keeping my blog updated! I just really haven't been motivated to write anything. My life just isn't that interesting right now. The usual stuff has been going on, getting ready for Christmas, decorated, put up the tree, almost done shopping, etc. Last night we went over to my parents and made Christmas cookies, so that was fun. (And messy!) We made a special batch for Kaylin that were dairy and egg free, but she doesn't want to touch them--she has such a strange aversion to sweets. Maybe that's good. And I was bummed because I brought my camera, but it died right as I was trying to take pictures of the three of us in our aprons. I got some with my dad's camera though. Tonight we're going to take some of the cookies over to our neighbors, which will be good because I've already eaten way too many!

On a seperate note, my sister is coming into town tomorrow and I am very excited! Kaylin loves seeing her auntie and Karen does a great job of playing with her and keeping her occupied so that I can get stuff done. It never feels like fully like Christmas until my sister is here and we can watch Home Alone, go shopping, and make even more cookies. It's been interesting now that I'm married and have a new family, with new traditions. I don't have my sister waking me up early so that we can open our stockings before our parents get up. And then eat pancakes while listening to Christmas music after opening all the gifts and then spending most of the day hanging out in our pajamas. I miss it, but am excited to see what kinds of traditions Tim and I will make with Kaylin.

What kinds of traditions do you guys have/had that you will be carrying on with your families?

Jumped on the bandwagon...

I jumped on the bandwagon in the trend for short hair. (But I've wanted to do it for awhile now, and finally got up the courage.) I haven't had it short in a long time, so it's going to take a little time to get used to. And it's going to force me to actually style my hair instead of throwing it back in a clip or ponytail, so we'll see how that goes. I've had it for two days now and am really starting to like it; it's fun to finally have a "hair style." And I think I finally look older than 21!

Bedhead!

Hey Dad--you woke me up!

But it's okay, I still love you!

Billy Joel

Went to see Billy Joel on Saturday with my mom and sister. It was a lot of fun! He is such a great performer and I'd been waiting a long time to see him in concert. He doesn't tour often, and only had two stops in California, so when I saw that he was coming to Oakland, which isn't that far away from Davis, I knew I had to go. My sister and mom are also big fans, so the three of us drove over while Tim watched Kaylin. It was so fun to get dressed up and not be in "mom mode" for a night. We had great seats (we decided the $$ was worth it--plus my mom chipped in for most of it), but I was so bummed because I didn't bring my camera in (they said they weren't permitted, but of course everyone else had them) and I couldn't find my cell phone, so I couldn't even get a picture on that. Oh well, I guess i'll always have the memory. Such fun!

Portrait shot after coming home.

Happy birthday Tim!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband! Wish we could be together today and that you didn't have to work. I know it's been a bit crazy lately and that we won't be able to celebrate til maybe Friday. I hope that you know how special you are and how much I love you. You are such a wonderful, caring husband and father, who always puts his family first and himself last. I am continually amazed and blessed by that. I hope that we can spoil you a little bit and that you can relax and take it easy for a change. Thanks for being my perfect soul mate and partner. I love you!

Toys

So I've started thinking about toy ideas for Christmas and I wanted to get some feedback from other parents on what they recommend. I want to get some things she can use outdoors, that will keep her busy, like a play structure, sand/water table, or a sandbox. She loves water and slides and is finally liking sand, so I thought once the weather warms up a bit she can play in our backyard more. I think I will get two of the above mentioned items, but where I am stuck is (1)whether to get just a slide or a small play structure with a slide, and (2) whether to get a sandbox or a sand and water table. Does anyone have any experience with their kids really liking one over another, or one that they love playing with? Does that make sense? Also, any tips on specific brands and what works (is safe or not) would be great to know too. Thanks!

Shark Attack!

Here are a few pics from tonight. We took Kaylin around to just a few houses to get some use out of her adorable costume. She had fun ringing the doorbell and gawking at some of the kids in costume. (She kept signing "more" when they left.) I'm glad she wasn't scared of any of them. And she surprisingly left her shark "hat" on until we took it off later on in the evening. Hope everyone had a fun Halloween! And don't feel too guilty about eating too much candy!

Our little shark

She was upset because I kept trying to pose her on the doorstep and wouldn't let her get up to run around.