4 Years Later

Just as he learned how old he was and how many fingers, today my little man turned 4.

What a fun year it has been for you.

 

You started preschool.

You learned to use the potty.

You are just if not worse of a picky eater then Anthony.

Everything is on your terms.

Most days you still need a nap.

You can be super grumpy one minute and a happy little guy the next.

Your a strong, smart and the most amazing person.

 We had the grandparents, aunt, and uncles over for cake and ice cream today. Jackson was super excited to open his gifts. He also picked his Star Wars cake.

It took a few try's to get all four candles out. But he did it.

Can't wait to see what the next year brings.

Christmas Festivities

Wow this month went quickly. Here is a run down of how our month went.

 Jackson helped decorate the tree.

 TA-DAH All done!

 We also had our annual Christmas party. And what kind of party would it be with out Santa.

The Thursday day before Christmas, we headed to Zoo Lights.

Stood in line for Santa for about an hour, but the kids each wrote a letter to leave. And the Santa at the zoo really spends time with each child.

 We tried warming up with some hot chocolate.

The Saturday before Christmas we made Christmas goodies. Cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, and spice drops. Everything was very yummy.

I even gave plates away to a few neighbors.

 Christmas Eve, after dinner the kids opened their PJ's.

And the gift from each other. Anthony got Jackson a Jake and the Neverland Pirates sword and Jackson got Anthony a Angry Birds Star Wars kit.

 They picked perfect gifts for each other.

 They got cookies and milk ready for Santa.

Looks like Santa arrived.

We woke up at 630 to find the above. Come to find out Anthony woke up at 5 am and opened all his gifts from Santa. My mom caught him and made him go back to bed until we found the presents. 

Here is a glimpse of our Christmas morning.

 

All and all it was a great day. Great time seeing family and friends. 

Elf on the Shelf

This year was our second year having the Elf on the Shelf. Last year he arrived and Anthony named him Ki-Adi-Mundi (a jedi from Star Wars)

 

 He arrived just before the 1st of December.

Since he goes to report to Santa each night, Anthony thought it was a perfect way to get his letter to Santa.

 This year our elf did some fun things each night, and sometimes even left some notes.

 

Christmas eve he left the following note on the computer before heading home with Santa until next year.

 

Anthony and Jackson,

Today is Christmas eve and I will be heading home to the North Pole with Santa tonight. I have had so much fun watching you this year. Playing games with the stuffed animals, zip lining, playing with the storm troopers. You both have been good, though at moments you could do better. I will be recommending you both for the nice list. Remember after Christmas you still have to listen to your mom and dad, eat your dinner, and be kind to one another Santa is always watching.

I hope you get everything you wish for.

 

Merry Christmas!

Ki-Adi-Mundi



Thanksgiving Point

Last night after going to Fotofly for the boys yearly pictures, we headed out to Thanksgiving point for Fotofly Santa photos, and some lights.

 Here are the best of the Santa pictures.

 This one is going to be my Christmas card (above).

 



Yearly Pictures

Here are 14 out of 54 photos that turned out from today's photo shoot.

Amazing how much these two grow in just one year.

Soccer

Oh how I am slacking on blogging this year. This fall Jackson played soccer. Every game was different. I thought soccer would be better than baseball since he would be chasing the ball and not be sitting so much. Some he did really well and some he wanted nothing to do with.

He loved when it was his turn to kick the ball.

 It was nice when they had to do throw ins and corner kicks, the coach made sure every kid had a turn.

 

Jackson loved that he got a trophy from playing soccer.

Here is Jackson with most of his team, and the substitute coach.

 

After the soccer season was over, if you asked what he wanted to play baseball or soccer next year. His answer was baseball.





Oakland

We finally got back to another game this year. We went to the Monday night home opener in September. We spent Friday night in Reno, and drove into Oakland on Saturday.

 Shane had the opportunity to meet a few old school players like Greg Townsend, and Willie Brown.

On Sunday we signed up for the Raider Mecca, and a tour of the training facility.  

First they made a stop at the resting spot of Al Davis.

Next we headed over to the facility. We saw the locker room, the weight room, and the practice field.

We also learned they have a grass field they practice on and a astro turf.

We than got a media session with two people from headquarters. It was cool, you could ask any question and they would answer it. We also got up close the the Super Bowl trophies.

Such a cool thing to experience.

We of course got to meet the rookie, and get some more autographs.

Sunday night we headed over to the Raider rally. The "super fans" were all there, and Hazmat Boyz put on a short concert.

Monday was game. Everyone ready to head over to the coliseum.

Enjoying the day.

So much fun, tailgating with great people. Ice Cube put on a concert prior to the game starting (we got there in time for the last two songs since Shane got lost in the parking lot). And Gene Simmons from Kiss did the National Anthem. 

Manny and Felisa

The game itself was not great. But the trip overall was amazing!

We lost to the Chargers 22-14.