Christmas Eve

This afternoon we headed to the movies to watch The Princess and the Frog. Then we headed home for a yummy dinner with appetizer foods. The girls worked on a gingerbread house with Aunt Amber and did a great job. They loved putting their very own house together, plus they got to pretty much eat as much candy as they wanted too. We all sat and talked about the true meaning of Christmas. We watched some cartoon nativity movies, wrote Santa a letter, and got his plate of goodies to together.
Then it was off to bed to wait and see what Santa will be bring us.

Sledding So-Cal Style

My dad was outside cleaning up the yard and my girls were out helping him. Or so I thought...
All of a sudden my mom comes running in the house to tell me to look outside and bring my camera. I run outside to find my dad pulling the girls with his tracker and a panel of siding from the house that he made into a sled. Now that's what you call Sledding Southern California Style. The girls loved it! After a few runs Aubrey was getting all dirty from Ashlyn putting the brakes on with her heels. So my dad put Aubrey at the wheel with him. They ALL had a blast. I am grateful for such a creative father that knows how to entertain his busy little granddaughters.

Best Birthday Ever!

With the alarm set for 6:30 we dressed quickly and hustled down to breakfast. By 8:30 we had parked, walked to the Disney entrance, bought tickets (my free ticket + Disney money + free ticket a friend hadn't used that she gave us=$99), and checked our dog into the kennel. We had entered Disneyland and began to map out our day. Around 9am or so as when were getting off the Matterhorn Noah told me to look up. I saw my mom, Amber, and Aaron coming towards me. I was so surprised. They came to spend the day with me at Disneyland. We ran from ride to ride trying to get as much done by the noon hour.


Around 11am as we were getting off Space Mountain I saw Noah's mom, aunt Nancy , and uncle Craig they too had come to spend the day with us. As the day went on the crowds increased and our party broke off into groups. Our group ate lunch and rode a few rides but was not in a big hurry. We took the Disneyland train and enjoyed all the sites and sounds of Disneyland.We all met up again for the Haunted Mansion ride, dividing into small groups again.
At dinner time we met up at for a yummy BBQ. They not only serve you delicious food, but have entertainment too. I was asked to come up on stage with a few other Birthday kids and were sung too. We also rang the dinner bell. It was a lot of fun. As night came upon us we made our plans around the parade and rode our last ride small world. What a magical Birthday. Not only did Noah pull the wool over my eyes, but all my family and friends did too, because they all knew about it. I loved spending my birthday with family because it made it even better. This was by far one of the best Birthdays I have had. Thank You Noah and to all my family that came and made my day!

Driving to San Diego or so I Thought

We left around noon today to head to my parents. The girls and I were really excited and couldn't wait to see my family. I called them several times to give a heads up on our status. When we got to Bakersfield we visited with Grandma Kyle and headed out of town. I was busy talking with Noah when I noticed we were passing Anaheim. I thought it was strange to be going this way to San Diego we usually go a different way. Noah assured me the traffic was much better on this freeway. I pointed out Disneyland to the girls and we waved goodbye. We talked about going to Disneyland on Noah's Birthday(Dec. 29th).
Noah and I needed a pit stop and he passed the gas station. I said firmly "Where are you going? This is by the hotel we stayed at in the spring when we went to Disneyland. He said "Yes, I know this is a better place to stop at." I thought that was silly for him to drive all over just to get out at a hotel. We pulled into a spot and he said "I will be right back." When he came back he was wheeling out a luggage rack. I was a little irritated and said "What are you doing?" He replied "I'm tired, I don't want to drive any more, and I want to stay here tonight." At this point the girls started to cry and I was shocked not to be driving all the way to San Diego when were less than 2 hours away. I didn't argue with him, but I knew something was up. When we got up to the hotel he told the girls to get ready for bed, because we were going to be getting up early. No sleeping in for the Birthday girl either. I was told that we were going to Disneyland tomorrow on my Birthday! I love Disneyland! I was really excited and asked him how he did this. Apparently he had been planning it for months. I can't wait until tomorrow

Smith Family Christmas

This is the year that we are going to San Diego for Christmas to visit Anissa's family. That means we will be having an early Christmas with my family. Since our house is in the middle. We invited everyone over to have Early Christmas here. We got together around 1pm for a Mini Birthday Party for Anissa and I.Then
we started our Christmas. Everyone gathered in the living room around the tree. The kids passed out the gifts and from youngest to oldest we took turns opening up our presents. We got some really nice stuff. Once the gifts were opened we had our talent night. EVERYONE has to do SOMETHING, no matter how big or small. Kylee played her flute , Kelsie, Autumn, & Aubrey danced, Anissa, Mom, Rachel, and Art shared stories/thoughts Logan, Preston, and Kurt performed Jingle Bells and Logan & Preston also danced, Davis shared art (manger scene), and Ashlyn read her poem "A Brentwood Christmas". I played Christmas music on my guitar and everyone sang along. We ended the night with wonderful dinner prepared by Anissa, Rachel, Mom, and Becky. We were able to all fit around our dining room table. This will probably be the last year to do that at our house, but we had a great time together.