Christmas, Take One (Aspen)

Christmas started off a bit early when we headed up to Aspen last week to see my new cousin Ryder. The drive was fast and pretty, and quite enjoyable thanks to my trusty portable DVD player. I had lots of fun meeting my cousin. I was especially obsessed with his "owie" on his belly button and when that would fall off (I pretty much checked it hourly). Mommy and daddy also loved snuggling up with a newborn. Great quotes from the trip include:

(during prayer time at night) "Mommy, Ryder has an owie on his belly button. When I was little I also had an owie on my belly button"

(when hearing mom miss a stair and crash down) "Daddy, did mommy hurt her hip like Grandma Shirley?"

(when Ryder was crying) "Mommy, is Ryder on Santa's naughty list?"

(pointing to mommy, then Lisa) "You're a mommy....and You're a mommy!"

William Ryder

I know I'm a little late in announcing this to my blog readers, but I officially wanted to introduce my new cousin, William Ryder Poole. He was borned on Dec 8th, weighed 5lbs 8oz and measured 20 in long. My Aunt Lisa was a real hero...mommy tells me that Lisa labored without meds for 13 hours before an emergency c-section brought him into this world. He is a little peanut and I even got to meet him (more on that later)....

But for now, an official blog welcome to my future bff Ryder. I can't wait to grow up alongside you and see all the trouble we can get in!

(Oh, and Ryder has a blog too - his mommy writes it because he's too young - but check it out HERE)

Merry Christmas 2009

Happy Birthday, Jesus!!! Our family is celebrating the miracle of Christmas today and we wish all of our blog readers a blessed day!

Santa's Baby

We did the COOLEST thing last night! We went to "Winter Wonderlights" an event right near our house. Santa visited there too! His real-life reindeer were also there and I got to pet them. There was also a whole village with santa's elves working hard to get ready for Christmas.

We first went to see Santa in his warm cottage with a fireplace and Christmas tree. Mrs. Claus was even there and welcomed us inside. Santa was so nice and mommy even got a video of the whole thing.

Then we went on a beautiful walk, just the 3 of us, around a magical path lit with thousands of lights...with beautiful Christmas music playing over the speakers along the path. It was a very special time with just me, mommy and daddy, and I hope I remember it forever.... I know mom and dad will!

Look Who I Met Today!

So cool! Today Santa came to Denver, and mommy took me to go see him. Standing in line wasn't all that fun, but I did wonderful and was so happy to see Santa!! I immediately told him my name and that I want a "dot stroller" for Christmas. I also told him that I have an elf at my house, and he flies every night to the north pole. I smiled really pretty for my picture and then gave Santa a big hug before I got off his lap. It was SO fun! I didn't even have to hold mommy's hand!

Afterward, I got to go on "The Polar Express" train. I especially loved pulling the rope to sound the horn, and the snowglobe at the end...snowflakes everywhere!

A Bit More Merry

Since I go to preschool two days a week, today I got to have a "redo" of the Christmas concert. I would have to say that today my efforts were much better - I wasn't quite as intimidated by the cameras, and it also helped that mommy promised me a treat if I would sing like a big girl.

I also took another picture with Miss Sandy and one with mommy. Can you believe how different me and mommy look? I'm definitely a dead ringer for daddy!

Not so Merry??

Today was part 1 of the "Birthday Party for Jesus" that my preschool class hosted. All the parents were there and we made crafts and then had a special singing performance for the parents. I got this cute picture with my teacher, Miss Sandy, who I LOVE!

Then it was time for our big performance. I was having a great time until I looked up and saw the paparazzi - about 40 parents all armed with flashing cameras and camcorders. I suddenly lost my instinct to perform and wanted mommy to hold my hand. She finally got me unattached for the last song, but I wasn't feeling it. Despite singing this song nearly EVERY night the last two weeks at home for mommy and daddy, my first public performance went....well.... not so hot. (Try not to laugh)

Pastry Chef

I went over to my Mimi's house over the weekend and got to decorate all of our family's holiday cookies! I was a natural ...but then I got distracted with the decorating and turned to licking the frosting right off the table!

Expert Traveller

One of these days, I'm going to give mom and dad a HUGE headache when they fly with me. But so far, I've proven to be the perfect little traveler (and trust me, I've probably flown about 30 roundtrip flights in my first 3 years so I've had plenty of opportunity to misbehave!). The first picture is of me on the flight to Arizona, watching my dvd with my headphones on. The last pictures were taken during takeoff on the flight home...and I stayed like this until landing. Perfection!

Where the Wild Things Are

After visiting zoos in Chicago, Denver and Salt Lake City, perhaps I've been a bit spoiled. We visited the zoo in Tuscon over the weekend and (no offense to Tuscon) - lets just say it made mommy and daddy appreciate the great zoo we have access to in Denver. To be fair, I told mom and dad that Tuscon isn't a big city, and there's more elderly there then young families... but still. I have to admit - if I can walk through it, start to finish, in 40 minutes, it is a little small!

I did get to see a giant polar bear swimming and flipping around in the water, a black panther, a couple giraffes eating out of a tree, and an elephant make a pee and poop that blew my mind. Seriously.

Mom found a cute photo-op spot by the flamingos but I wasn't in the mood. A girl can't always be "on", ya know?

Still Life

I was quite obsessed with all the Indian statues at Canyon Ranch. Each day I took a walk and said hello to all my favorite Indians... there must be 40 or 50 on the property so there was lots to see! Here's a few shots mom got of me on our last day, saying goodbye to some of my favorites!