HUG

Not only is HUG one of our favorite kids' books, but it was also one of G's favorite parts about seeing the characters in Disneyland. She'd wait in line. Hand them her autograph book. Then give them a hug. She seemed to be following their cues, because she stayed very quite. (Most characters don't talk when you meet them in person.)

This cuddle with Winnie the Pooh lasted longest of all. Despite the growing line behind us, this silly ol' bear just held on as long as G wanted, which was for quite some time.

Not to be left out...

The kids were arguing over whose turn it was to be Daddy's weight!

Baby bench press

Boy have our holiday activities changed in recent years!

Black Friday

Instead of fighting crowds for deals at the mall and Toys R Us, T and
I spent a good part of the day getting deals on wine (in the form of
case discounts). I'd rather stand in line for the tastes, cheese and
crackers than ties, sweaters and slippers.

Oh, the Power of Marketing!

Sorry we forgot your cool (and small and quiet) light toy back in the hotel.

Here, have this (huge, obnoxious, blinking) replacement toy.

Just please stop hitting the nice people in front of us.

Dessert in the Desert

While gone last week, we had the pleasure of spending some time with Pam & Don, our former neighbors and dear friends. We really miss seeing them across the fence out back or working in the yard out front. For the longest time after they moved, any time G saw a gentleman with white hair, she'd call out, "Hi, Don!" Oh, how we all miss them. They were the first adults (who weren't relatives) that B would really speak to on his own or ask to go say, "Hi." I know that friends like that are rare, and neighbors like that are one of a kind. They hosted us for the day in their beautiful new home in the California desert. Luck would have it that we got to help celebrate Don's birthday, including some delicious PB&J cupcakes.

Thank you, Pam and Don. We so enjoyed the day!

The Princess and the Frog

Disneyland was gearing up for the arrival of their newest Princess - Tiana - from their new movie "The Princess and the Frog". We had the pleasure of a meeting with the Princess and her Prince, Naveen. I think this movie will be G's first in theater experience.