Zoo Lights

It's been an exciting couple of weeks as we gear up for the big man's arrival!  During this past week, we had dinner with Mrs. Claus and then strolled through the zoo to see all the lights.  It actually started to snow and that made the evening really fun.  Since we made our snowman, we haven't had any snow in December.  There's been a couple flurries, but hardly any snow on the ground and it seems strange.  The worst part is that it's very cold.  We'd rather have snow if it's going to be so cold!

I love the way these pictures turned out...the colors at zoo lights were awesome!

Merry Christmas Eve, everybody!  Mia got a phone call from Santa yesterday and he said, "We need to go to bed early so he can bring us a surprise."  Have a very, Merry Christmas!

Cuddle Bug

After a long weekend, this is the photo I snagged as Dad passed out on the couch with baby in arms.  If you flip on Dora, Zoe will snuggle right up to you.  It's a fun stage, she always wants to be right in your lap.  It's really fun when you're trying to write, address and stamp your Christmas cards!

Trying to get caught up...

Oh wow.  I almost feel guilty that I haven't posted since September!  I've tried many times to sit down and upload a few new photos (thus the photo of the carved pumpkins that showed up in the header), but lo and behold, something would always pull me away.  Could it be the 1 year old tugging at my pant leg or the 4 year old needing some attention?  Hmmm.  :)  You know the story.

Either way, I am sad that I haven't posted more because this is my online journal for Mia & Zoe.  I can only get better!  The good news is that we've been busy and celebrated yet another birthday party (Travis' was this past week), our first big snowfall, our 13th Anniversary, Zoe's first steps and Halloween.  For this week, we're getting ready to have Thanksgiving at our home with Travis' family.  Should be fun and action-packed to stay home this year and enjoy the holidays together.

We spent a lot of our time this Fall up at Snowbird.  They had some great activities for the kids (Mia loved the alpine slide!) and we stayed up at The Cliff Lodge for our anniversary.

Every now and then I find random snapshots like this on the hard drive when I'm going through the photos.  Not sure how Mia's face showed up in this photo, but I can tell you that this is a very typical scene in our home.  Two beagles, patiently awaiting the crumbs and sometimes the sweet taste of a Bunny Graham that either gets tossed or falls to the floor.  What a life!

We celebrated Halloween FIVE times this year.  It was exhausting! (School, church, work, family...and then the actually holiday finally showed up)  Once again...what a life!

Eleven years later (or 77 years old in dog years) and she's still got that spark to run in the snow!  Go Piper GO!

Here is Mia's FIRST EVER snowman.  Built with love and care by Mia and her mom in our backyard.  Mia named her, Foofa.

I had to post this other very typical scene in our home.  Zoe loves the fridge...inside and outside.  It's become a favorite pastime.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!  We love you!!

You know it's the end of a season when you catch Mia inadvertently singing Jingle Bells while running errands.  Grandma Cheryl hasn't helped by sending packages of snowmen that light up along with other fun holiday decorations.  Go QVC!

Since our last trip to Seattle, I've been trying to keep tabs on all the funny sayings and milestones that we've crossed with the girls.  Here are a couple that come to mind:

1. When mom lost her iPhone in a Seattle Target and was frantically searching the store shelves, I got the, "Well, maybe you should have left it at home" discussion from my 4-year old.  Thanks, Mia.
2. Zoe popped her first tooth on Sept 21st and it looks like the two bottom ones are starting to come in.  Yes!  It's right on time...14 months and some change and our girls finally have a smile without all gums.  :)
3. While driving home last night, Mia asked if she was going to be 5 on her next birthday.  I told her I would be sad when she turns 5 because she would be going to kindergarten at the big school.  Here was her reply, from the lips of Mia, "It's okay, Mom.  I will still be a kid.  One day I will be an adult, but I will still be a kid."  Gotta love her.

We're almost done with soccer, and we're starting to plan for a Happy Halloween!  Here are some snapshots from a recent hike up to Cecret Lake, swimming, Wheeler Farm and more.

Happy Fall, everyone! 

  

My Soccer Girl

I've officially embarked unto the world of a soccer mom!  Taking "healthy" treats, setting up the nylon chairs (with cupholders, of course) and cheering from the side lines.  I find myself looking around at the other moms and dads, wondering if they're really into it or just glad, like I am, that my daughter actually ran towards the ball and not away from it.  For 4-year-olds, I'm quite impressed that they actually do play competively.  We've never played soccer with Mia, but she ran right out there and tries to play every time.  Not to mention that she looks pretty darn cute in her over-sized pink uniform!  Go Mia! 

YOU ARE FOUR!

Miss Mia is turning 4 years old and she can barely wait for her princess party to celebrate!

She's been waiting all year for "Buttercup", the unicorn on Toy Story 3.  Thanks to eBay, mom was able to find several Buttercup's.  I've fallen victim to being the parent who searches high and low for the one, unique gift that a child requests.  I'm thankful that her requests have been practical so far...not sure how I will manage the requests one day for a new car!

It's been a great summer so far and sadly, it's coming to a quick close.  We have enjoyed swim lessons, 2 summer camps and a trip to Seattle and St. George.  Zoe has been growing like a weed and basically tells us, "No" to lots of things and then smiles and tilts her head and makes everything all better!  We went to the ABBA concert as one of our few date nights out and it was awesome!  It was a Swedish band that rocked the house and had all the blue-hairs dancing (sorry if I've offended anyone, but I know you can picture it).

Mia has one more year of Montessori and then we'll have to decide on where to send her for Kindergarten.  For now, I'm really enjoying this growing family!  Zoe is at such a fun age and her attitude is really starting to shine.  She's not walking just yet, but Mia is a wonderful big sister and for now...they love each other dearly.

Happy Birthday, Mia!

Travis' Big Day

It's quite the day when you can start off with a bike ride in the park with your family, then go skiing, golfing and end with a motorcycle ride.  It was crazy seeing the photos of everyone up on the slopes for the 4th of July...party central!  I would like to post some, but to be honest, they aren't really appropriate for a family blog!  It was all bikinis and Speed-o's and no one needs to see that! 

Here's our Dad, showing off his furry legs in none other than his favorite cargo shorts and a tie dye Grateful Dead t-shirt.  We love you, Dad!  Another testament that living in Utah is pretty fun.  ;)

More 1st Birthday Photos!

Zoe was quite delicate with her 1st birthday cupcake. She used her left hand to pick at it and hardly made a mess.  She loved the chocolate and was all smiles.  What a cutie!!

"Sniff, sniff," says Lucy.  ;)