December Whale Watching

While Grandma and Grandpa were here they took us on a fun whale watching tour.  We had a beautiful day and had the great opportunity to see multiple whales.  Even the girls were able to catch some glimpses of the tail flukes!

 Such a gorgeous day to be on the water!

It was even warm enough for some sunbathing

One of our first glimpses of a spout

Olivia was content to snuggle with mommy for the beginning of the trip

Our favorite fluke shot of the day

Olivia enjoys some Grandma time

All that whale watching sure does work up an appetite!

We had the rare sighting of 3 whales right together!

Some more triple play action

Looks like we have shark infested waters

Never fear, it is a huge bunch of dolphins frolicking all around

A cool dolphin shot (minus the thumb)

Happy little girl!

The tour ended with smiles all around!!

Two cutie-pie sisters!

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for the fun tour.  What a great experience!

Merry Christmas!!

With all the Christmas prep behind us, it was time to get ready and enjoy the day.

I love Madeline's drawing of Santa and herself

Olivia decided she wanted to write to Mrs. Claus.

Not a creature was stirring...

Christmas morning brought the excitement and joy that it so much fun with these two little girls!!

I love how she is snuggling and peering over his shoulder!

This year was especially fun, as Madeline really got into giving gifts, too.  She chose this helicopter for daddy all on her own!

Girls hard at work...these "Boogie Boards" were the hit of the Holiday!

 

Grandpa's gift of a magic towel - picked with care from the $1 store!

Big hug for Grandma!!

Olivia checks out all the goodies in their new baking kit

Madeline models her new apron handmade by Grandma

Sneaky gets in on the action by opening his own gift

Olivia tests out her new Hot Wheels

Grandma and Grandpa James join us for the afternoon and evening

Olivia loves reading her new books

Fun cousin time on Christmas night

We had such a great time celebrating with family!  Thanks to everyone for making the Holiday so special and for traveling to spend time with us!!

Pre-Christmas Fun!!

Grandma and Grandpa Handl made the journey from MT to spend the Holidays with us.  The girls enjoyed some fun time with grandparents while Brian and I took care of last minute work.

 It seems that its becoming tradition to host a parade whenever they come to visit.  This time was no different...

 The individual participants...

Madeline the bead girl

Grandpa announces the coming of the parade

Grandma adds some music to the bunch

Bringing up the rear we have "Olivia the Girl" and "Olivia the Pig"

There was also time to bake and decorate a batch of gingerbread cookies!

We had a special VIP tour of the Helen Woodward animal shelter and the girls brought the animals some special gifts they picked out. 

There was time for snuggles and books

 and the weather allowed for some late night marshmallow roasting.

 Which all brought us to Christmas Eve.

Two excited girls ready for Christmas!!

Madeline models her new PJs

Intently listening to a story

Two tired girls ready for bed!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas