A Visit from Danielle

The kids with Danielle at one of our favorite resturants - Streets of New York
Lauren was having fun getting to eat out.
Danielle went to school with Spencer, and this was in the morning before they left. As they were getting in the car Danielle said "aren't you excited Spencer?" He said "I have already been to school Danielle, this isn't my first day". I guess Danielle was more excited than Spencer. He did enjoy having her at school with him and I know she loved it!
We went to the park to feed the ducks and they just about attacked us. We decided because of Christmas, they were not fed much and they were just hunger. Spencer loved it. He thought it was great that they here right there. We did have to run from them more than once.
This goose would not leave us alone. It was right on top of us the entire time. We were afraid it would bite one of the kids, but it just wanted the bread!


We packed a picnic lunch and went to the park to play. The kids always love a picnic.
We got to ride the train. If it were up to Spencer, he would go to the park everyday and ride the train. The train takes a 10 minute ride around the park and the kids love it. It really is a neat little train ride.
We all had a great time at the park.
Spencer and Lauren riding the Bat Mobile
Spencer feeding the goose. He thought it was great. He kept calling it Papa goose.

This was right after we ran away from all the ducks behind Spencer and Danielle - Spencer jumped up on the wall so they wouldn't get him.
It doesn't get any better than this!
I am not sure who had more fun playing at the giant playground, Danielle or Lauren. I think it was a toss up.
Danielle and our little rock star on New Years eve. He was so excited that it was New Year's eve. He wanted to be the entertainment for the evening.
Danielle and Lauren on New Years Eve

We all had such a wonderful time with Danielle here. The kids of couse love to have her around because she is so much fun. We had a great time running to differnt parks and around town. Danielle loved it here, or so she said. We tried to talk her into staying, but I guess she does need to finish college. Danielle and Sue are coming back for a visit at the end of Febuary, so we are looking forward to that. We have a few more places to visit next time. Spencer is planning it already!

Christmas in Arizona

Spencer was so excited to get his new guitar from Santa. Playing his guitars has become on of the things that he enjoys most!
Spencer and Dad showing off the new guitar
Spencer playing us a tune in Lauren's Rose Pedal Cottage
It doesn't get any better than this does it?
Lauren wasn't opening her presents fast enough, so Spencer thought he would help her out. She actually was very happy to have the help.





Lauren was excited to get all her babies that she got for Christmas. She spends a lot of time walking them around the house in strollers.




I love games!
We still can't figure out how to keep the chair from tipping over.
A new Dora Tricycle for Lauren, not many of the stickers are left on it already!
I wonder what else is in here?

A quick picture before we left for church on Christmas Eve.
Of course Spencer got a lot of Cars items. These are great Cars lego's.
Spencer was so happy to get everything that he got. After every present that he opened he would say "this is the best life ever, I can't believe you got this for me". It was by far the best Christmas we have had with him. He really understood what was going on and was very grateful for everything that he got from everyone.
More Cars Legos.
Lauren got this Rose Pedal Cottage from Danielle. Lauren loves it and plays in it everyday. It is her little spot in the world.

Although Christmas was in Arizona without snow, it was a wonderful day just the same. It was very different for us to be alone. We spent Christmas day just relaxing and playing with the kids. One of the most moving moments was Christmas morning when Spencer woke up and came out of his room, saw that Santa had been there and came into our room to wake us up. He came in and said that Santa was here and left presents. It was a little early so Lauren was not up yet. I asked him if it would be ok if we waited until Lauren woke up before we opened any presents. I fully expected him to say no, I want to open them now. But instead he said sure mom, and climbed into bed with us and waited over an hour for Lauren to wake up. He truely is one of kind! We hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas!