Disneyland

After all of the celebrating it was time to move on to the other birthdays. Michael turned 34 on December 6th and that's about all there is on that birthday. Once you have kids your birthdays just don't generate the same hoopla as they once did. Sorry Michael! Jacob's birthday was next and that was quite a big deal. This year he turned four and we promised he would get to go to Disneyland for the very first time. We went up and stayed at the Disneyland Hotel for a few days. Jacob got a button to show that it was his birthday and one to show that it was his first time. Everybody throughout the hotel and parks greeted him by name and wished him a happy birthday. It was quite exciting. He even got an autographed picture of Mickey and a birthday call from Goofy! There's a lot of pictures since it was such a great time.

Getting ready for the Buzz Lightyear ride, the first ride of our trip.

Jacob got a picture and kiss from Ariel, his new girlfriend as he calls her.

A picture with Buzz, Jacob was so excited he couldn't even talk.

All bundled up for a cold night with Christmas Mickey.

The next day we had breakfast with Minnie.

Saving Mom on the Jungle Boat Cruise.

Getting ready for the Haunted Mansion.

Poor kid wasn't having any fun at all!

At California Adventure Jacob got to see Mater from "Cars".

Lightning McQueen was there too!

Dad and Jacob at the "Bugs Life" bumper cars. Crashing into Mom was the highlight of the ride.

Mickey and Jacob at the hotel. What a great end to a fun trip!

Olivia's Big Party!

Olivia celebrated her first birthday in style on December 2nd. We had a backyard BBQ with family and friends. Olivia had a great time playing with the boys (we don't know many little girls) and of course eating cake and opening presents.

Birthday Girl

Joanna and Owen, Grandma Vickie and Aidan, Sharon and Olivia

Ice cream cake for the guests.

A special cake just for Olivia!

We moved outside to get ready for a mess...

....tastes pretty good....

....why waste time using my hands....

....let's have cake everyday!

My first ride on toy! Thanks Auntie Brandie and Uncle Sean....this was just one of Olivia's favorite presents.

Olivia Turned ONE!

Olivia celebrated her first birthday on November 30th! Sadly, Daddy was away on a business trip but Mom and Jacob helped her celebrate in style. While Olivia is a little behind Jacob developmentally, she passed him by a quarter of an inch in height! Back in November Olivia was cruising around the furniture and had just given up the bottle. Now she is walking everywhere, eats only grown up food, says a few words, and is showing interest in riding her little scoot around bike. It was an eventful first year from her very first day when there was concern that she had a tethered spinal cord, the appearance of her hemangioma at 1 month, fear of hip displaysia at 6 months, and surgery at 8 months to remove the hemangioma! Through it all she remained the happy little girl that she is now. We are all looking forward to a less stressful second year with a lot more wonderful memories!

Olivia's very first birthday present!

Pretty in pink!

Jacob helped with the candle.

Yummy!