Polar Express

Last night we drove up to Williams, AZ to go to on the Polar Express up to the North Pole.
We headed on a carriage ride before dinner...Bert was our horse and Bella thought that would be a good name for her brother...if we have a boy...not so sure about that.After dinner we put on our pjs and got on our train.Gabby loved the hot chocolateBella was so excited when we got to the North Pole. Her face was smashed on the glass in awe. When Santa got onto our car he started at the other end. She was so excited bouncing on her seat. He handed them bells and Gabby now like Santa. She didn't touch him, but she didn't cry either.We sang carol on the way back and even shy Gabby joined the other kids at the front of the train. Bella of course was one of the first out of her seat if you can see her little face in the back. Bella didn't know the words, but it didn't stop her from singing. The conductor came and punch their tickets so it would snow on their heads.
We had a lot of fun...and can't wait to go back when Gabby's a little older and the baby too.

Thanksgiving

The night before Thanksgiving we headed up to Pinetop and when we woke up the next morning it was snowing. "Hundreds of snow" according to Bella. So we got the girls bundled up and headed outside.

snow angelsWe came inside and warmed up with some hot chocolate and marshmallows...or marshmallows.The girls helped Nana make the pumpkin pie and pecan pie. The girls had made place cards and place mats for everyone. They set the table and were such big helpers. Bella asked if we were having Moose or Turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.We went on a walk after dinner...some of the snow had melted.The next day we went sledding. Gabby was not a fan of snow getting in her face, but Bella loved it and would have spent all day there. She even went down by herself.Bella helped Nana make a snowman...possibly the world's smallest snowman.Having a snowball fight with Papa

Soon to be a family of 5

So we found out last week that I'm pregnant with our third (probably another girl). I'm still wrapping my head around this soon to be reality, but we are all so excited. I'm due July 17th and I'm hoping I'll be early like I was with both girls...not sure about having a baby when it's 115 outside. Bella wants a brother and Gabby wants a sister, so at least one will be excited. Gabby is so funny...I don't think she really knows what this all means...she keeps asking if the baby is going to come to Target and the grocery store with us. Both girls keep hugging and kissing my tummy. One thing is for sure...this is going to be a very loved sibling!

Our growing girls

I can't believe how fast our girls are growing. I just bought Bella size 6 jeans thinking they'd last through the winter, but then she grew again and back to shopping for size 7s. Luckily I was able to find a few pairs of shorts left. She is going to be tall.

Their personalities are coming out more and more. Bella is definitely the drama queen and LOVES animals. She says she is going to be a horsey girl when she grows up. Gabby on the other hand would be fine seeing them from a distance. I'm not sure if it's because Bella was around with Cosmo and Zona, but Bella has my love of animals.

They are both sensitive and caring. They pray for anyone who is hurt. It is really cute. Gabby's teacher hurt her hand and the next day she told Miss Katie that she prayed for her thumb to get better. Sometimes Gabby's prayers are funny. The other night she said, "Thank you God for my people." I'm not sure who her people are.

Bella also loves to clean and pick up. It is actually nice as she will pick up the entire playroom. Gabby (our little sassy pants) put herself in timeout the other day so she wouldn't have to pick up. Needless to say, she still had to pick up once she let herself out of timeout. She is so smart. They both are, but Gabby seems to process through final outcomes more than Bella.

Gabby loves to run around. She is in gymnastics at school and has been doing jumping jacks everywhere. She would rather wrestle or play catch. She also loves her dolls. Bella loves to run around but she loves dressing up and puzzles and coloring. She has about 8 pictures in her cubby every day at school.

They are both very independent, but Gabby seems to be a little more strong willed than Bella...I didn't know that would be possible. Lately when I ask her anything if it's the 2nd time to clarify she'll say "I already told you mom I want milk" or "I already said..." She is also quite a clown. Her laugh cracks me up...sometimes it seems like a curiosity laugh. She found Nana's scary Halloween wolf the other day and won't stop talking about Nana's wolf. She keeps saying Nana's wolf went back to the forest.

October Recap

So I can't believe October is almost over, so I'll try to give a brief recap. It was a crazy month to say the least. Pappa and Granna came out the first weekend to celebrate Bella's birthday early.

The next weekend, Joel and I took the girls to Disneyland for the weekend to celebrate Bella's 4th birthday. We had so much fun. We had breakfast with the princesses again. This time we got to meet Cinderella. Gabby was not a fan of meeting any characters except Ariel and Tinkerbell. They loved the rides and fireworks, but I think we spent most of our time in line waiting to get autographs...yep we filled up the books. They also loved the parades. Bella even went out and danced with Goofy...she's so not shy.

My grandpa passed away while we were gone. We got to spend a few days with him before we left and I will miss him dearly. When we got back Sunday, everyone came over to celebrate and open presents. We even got sprinkles cupcakes....mmmmmmmmmm.

Then Auntie came to visit! We went to the state fair. Once again Bella wanted to go on everything. She had a blast, but then saw the adult one and wanted to go on that Gabby kept standing on her toes so she'd be tall enough.

I think Bella would have taken this goat home if we'd let her. She sat there feeding it and hugging it. Gabby wanted nothing to do with the animals.

However, she did love the corn! We raced down the big slide by the time Gabby and Joel got to the bottom her shirt had come up and her belly was hanging out.Last weekend we got pumpkins on the way to Papa and Nana's house to celebrate my 33rd birthday and Uncle Chad's birthday...as Bella says "that's a lot mommy"

Ryree helped Gabby make her pirate pumpkinand Nana helped make Bella's princess one, she even sewed a tutu on itDaddy's pumpkin

Well I will try to be better about posting. It has been one crazy summer and that has turned into one crazy fall and winter.

Grandpa Shotton

My grandpa passed away 10.9.10. We happened to be in Disneyland for Bella's 4th birthday; however, we were lucky to spend several days with him before our trip...they are memories I'll cherish forever. His services were a beautiful tribute to his life and how many people loved him and his service to others. He was amazing and lived 90 years. We are glad his is now pain free.

Grandpa Shotton

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