Just another day in Pleasanton

I sat outside today to watch Meg, Kate & Sam ride their bikes around the court we live on.  It was so amazing to watch how the two oldest let Kate "win" and take "breaks" and tell them when to stop and go again.  I was really proud of them.  Even when they finally got tired of going slower than Kate they still tried to make her feel better by telling her she was still the champion  etc.  Of course Kate wasn't even riding her bike, she was on a radio flyer 4 wheeled no petals push scooter, which has to be the slowest choice she could have made.  Meg was on a normal scooter and Sam was on Kate's training wheeled bike.  It was such a beautiful day we were in short sleeves and jeans.  There is something about the sun that makes you feel good and happy.

Neslen Christmas Nativity 12/27/08

Neslen sledding day 12/27/08

Katybug(:
Sam and Erik ready to race Nick and Tyson!
Just mom and me!
"Who takes the child by the hand takes the mother by the heart" -Danish Proverb

Sledding with the Neslens

Meg getting ready to go down the hill at Churchill.
Grandpa Parputt, Joshie, Aunt Amy and Kate.

Kate getting ready to go down the hill all by herself!
Look what Sammy found hanging off of Grandma's house!

Christmas at the Johnsons

Grandma Patsy
Meg and Gracie
Sam and Sophie
Kate's new Curious George
Kate and Ruthie

Christmas

Daddy reading a Christmas story on Christmas Eve.
Who is having more fun with Sammy's new slot cars?Meg's fancy new soccer club shirt.  She spent the day taking videos & pictures with her new camera.

Kate's new baby.

After opening presents & enjoying ourselves we packed the car and drove out to Utah.  It took us 18 hours in a terrible snow storm.  After Beaver, Utah we were the first car making new tracks on the interstate!  We left around 11:30am & arrived at 5:30am.  It was miserable, but the kids were wonderful!

Nutcracker 2008

This year we went to the Nutcracker with Aunt Dyan in San Francisco.  This was Sammy's first time and he did great!  He has been wanting to go for years because Meg always gets to go without him.  They had changed the costumes a great deal from the last time we saw it in the city.  It seemed to have a more earthy/natural feel to it, whereas last time everything was candy and bright and bold.  I think I enjoyed the candy flavor more.  We had a great time!