a snow day...

We didn't have a white Christmas, but a couple days later Raegan announced, "It's snowing!" And this time, it really was. She had wanted to play in the snow so badly, and we had the perfect amount to cover everything in white!

Raegan even helped Grandpa shovel the driveway!

Pregnant together~

We had our old friends over in Ellensburg for a yummy dinner and play time! Megan and I, so far, have had our kids exactly a year apart: Ava is 3, Raegan 2, Beau 1, and now we're prego together! She's ending her first trimester while I begin my third...

Our girls only see each other a few times a year, but it takes just minutes before they are running around giggling uncontrollably with each other.

The girls were dancing and singing "Ring around the Rosie" and falling down and cracking up together!

Christmas at "home"!

This year we all made it home to Ellensburg for Christmas! It's been a pretty mild winter, and I'm grateful. Raegan definitely knew what was happening this year, and that made it even more fun for the rest of us! Before I get any further, I must post this photo of the tree my dad "harvested" from our backyard!! In recent years he's purchased living, potted Christmas trees from a nursery and planted them in the yard after the season's over... well, this one was too close to the house and quickly became a candidate for a repeat visit indoors!

We all helped decorate it...

Ok, so a favorite "when Danielle was little" story is the memory of me, around Raegan's age, assisting in the unwrapping of every gift under the tree, and pushing people out of the way, saying "sobby" to get to the next present... well, it wasn't an exact replay, but my little elf was a pretty great present deliverer/un-wrapper this Christmas morning:)

She got an amazing kitchen from Santa (my parents) and was awestruck at the sight of it. Cookies, mac 'n cheese, and "dipping sauces" are her favorite items to whip up:)

I cannot believe how many presents she got!

My parents are the greatest! They are professional toddler entertainers, got constant "check-ups", woke up early with her, cooked for everybody, and waited on this pregnant lady! So thankful for them!

A Living Nativity

Before Christmas we went with a group of friends to see a Living Nativity in Gig Harbor. It was amazing! It was just like walking through the streets of Bethlehem~ animals, characters, and even baby Jesus! Raegan and I especially loved the baby goat...

Third trimester!

Although the wretchedness of daily vomiting seems like forever ago, this pregnancy definitely feels like its gone by much faster than the last. I'm 28 weeks today, which officially puts me in my last trimester.

I kind of can't believe it. I'm going to be a mother of two little girls. Plural. SisterS. PrincessES. DaughterS. I'll have just enough arms/hips. And we'll be one adult per one child. I'm ready... I think. The house isn't ready, her bed's not ready, but my heart is. And, not to mention, so is my body!

Uncomfortable would be a great word to describe how I feel these days. Head diagonally down, her legs have plenty of hot tub room to get a good wind up, and... the KICK! Yikes. Always right in the same spot, and it's starting to feel pretty tender. She's due to keep growing, however, and her vast gymnasium will soon snuggle in on her, giving those jabs a little less punch. :)

I cannot wait to meet you, dear one. Raegan is going to be an amazing big sister, I just know it. Can you keep a secret? We got Sissy a cradle for her baby doll for Christmas to help her practice for your arrival!

California dreamin'...

Raegan and I traveled with my dad again this December to visit his family in the Bay area. Traveling with a super active 2 year old presents its challenges, of course, but she did so well! Mommy was proud.

The right side of my body was a bit numb by the time we landed from her constant wiggles and squirms! As the plane was taxing into the Oakland airport she stands up, turns around to the folks behind us, and exclaims loudly, "we made it!"

Ok, and turns out Danny Glover really WAS sitting a few rows ahead of us! My dad and I both did a double take, then looked at each other and whispered, "is that... Danny Glover??" as the poor guy was walking back to the bathroom. So... we ended up standing near where he was sitting at baggage claim and that's where this photo was taken during a fun conversation with the movie star.

Anyway, Raegan played with her great-grandparents and loved visiting their condo each day. Get this- My 83 year old grandfather was playing on the floor, getting pretend shots from Dr. Raegan! And my Grandma, despite her recovering hip injury, was doing the Hokey-Pokey and getting checkups too! Love you guys!

My wonderful cousins, and Aunt & Uncle came down for a night as well, and we had a fun dinner party together. (Along with two more old friends.) Matt and Liesl made my job so easy that night, making Raegan laugh, reading books, rolling on the floor, etc... Pretty much everyone had dozens of "shots" and "checkups" by the time goodbyes rolled around.

It's officially a tradition. I adore traveling anywhere with my dad. Always great places, yummy food, easy going attitude, and FUN! Thanks for the wonderful adventure!

Sweet friends:)

We got to have Ava spend the night last week, and the girls had such a fun time together! We love Ava's sweet demeanor and brilliant comments! The girls were just too cute in their red and green, so I snapped a few shots.

Cocoa dates under the tree~

This year, we've started a fun little tradition of having hot cocoa "dates" under the Christmas tree. Raegan adds marshmallows and sprinkles (lots of sprinkles!) to her yummy drink. I let her pick out a Christmas mug and we make the treat together, then we lay a blanket down and sip away:)

A Star is Born!

After 12 weeks of rehearsing with the kiddos, last night was our co-op Christmas Program. It was a complete success!

Raegan and her 2 year old class even appeared for "Away In a Manger." So, our little angel got all dressed up for her first performance: I was so proud.

Here she is with the rose that Grandpa brought for her!

The girls before the show!

Giggling with Daddy!

Thanks for coming Papa~ you're the best!

A few shots of the kids on stage.

It was called, "Tails from the Manger."

We had some funny sheep, a mighty angel...

...cute cows, and an awesome Mary and Joseph and a few donkeys!

We get to perform one more time during our church service this weekend. These kids are so talented- I can't wait to watch them SHINE again!

Tree adventure

This weekend, we went on a family adventure to a Christmas tree farm in Auburn called "Trees 'n Bees" (apparently they harvest honey there as well). After a yummy McDonalds breakfast in the car, we arrived in the middle of nowhere. Raegan led the way as we searched for the perfect tree. We found it together, and immediately knew "our tree" when we saw it! Our home smells like Christmas and it fits perfectly in our front window. I love Christmas!

Raegan found some animals along the way! She is so fearless- look how she just reaches right in to pet them... The llamas were so friendly, and the goat was pretty nice too, until he gave her hand a little head butt. Fortunately, Raegan thought it was hilarious!

Family photo! Next year that bump under my shirt will be another little Princess! Oh, and that's not our cat! It just followed us through the farm.

Raegan and Daddy putting the tree into it's stand at home...