NYC - December 2016

NYC during the holidays always sounded magical so when our friends who live in NYC were going to be away for the holidays and offered us their vacant apartment, we happily obliged. NYC is within driving distance from us so we packed up on a Thursday night and headed out. The girls were great on the drive and settled into bed once we arrived.

On Friday we got up and headed straight to Macy's department store on 34th street to visit Santa in his wonderland. We wore every piece of clothing because it was freeeeeeezing! But these two happy faces made it all worth it :)

Heart melter!

After walking through the winter wonderland we made our way to the real deal, the big guy himself! Jayne was a little timid but did alright. Little Elle was scared, but let Phil step away briefly for a photo.

The Christmas shop area was beautifully decorated as well. Jayne loved all the snowflakes. She and Elle just danced around on the red carpet, in pure Christmas bliss.

Next we made our way to Times Square, chasing birds along the way :)

The Disney store was the perfect place to get inside, explore and warm up. Needless to say, our little princess was in heaven!

As a reward for being such a happy trooper in the freezing cold, Jayne got her very own bag of "PINK!" m&m's at the M&M store.

After naptime and dinner at home we headed back out to see Rockefeller Center in all its holiday glory.

The next day we headed out (in the falling snow!) to the financial district. The 9/11 memorial pools are beautiful and sobering.

Our September 11th baby

We visited Eataly (and happened upon the besssssst hot chocolate ever!) and then got our frozen-selves back inside for the night. We went to church the next morning and then headed home from our quick NYC trip. Until next time NYC!

November in Norwood

Phil (& Koda) arrived in Massachusetts November 17th while the girls and I flew in with my mom early on the 18th.  Mom stayed for a few days before heading back in time for Thanksgiving. We've had fun exploring our new home and its surroundings. The girls are enjoying seeing their toys again after having them packed away for a little bit. Jayne was excited that we "brought everything with us!" :) Here's a few snapshots of our first couple of weeks here.

Always a happy camper and loving princess "shooooz" lately!

Her voice goes up really high and she squeals in delight when she puts on princess shooooz

We went to the Norwood Christmas Parade/celebration, held in the center of town. They had a small (I mean tiny!) parade which was mostly girl scouts and Santa on a fire truck haha.

It was fun to get out together though and for the girls to see Santa. Jayne was ok about it, Elle was terrified! Bring on the Christmas season!

Disneyland - November 2016

After moving out of our house in Provo, we headed to California for a little Disneyland hurrah! My parents were headed to Anaheim so we decided to join in on their trip, plus, DISNEYLAND! We arrived and headed to Downtown Disney for the evening to eat and explore.

The next day it was go-time. Jayne was excited to wear her "pink princess dress" and to ride the carousel. She loves the carousel! It was our first stop, her request :) 

Elle LOVED the carousel too. It was so sweet. Her little grin and expressive eyes just lit up. She's such a doll!

Mickey's house was next up. These little sisters are just the best!

It was sweet to see Jayne with Mickey. She was so excited to interact with him. Elle wasn't too sure unless I stayed with her

We love Mickey!

Next door to Mickey, is of course, Minnie. I think at this point she (and Aurora) are Jayne's favorite characters. Minnie was so sweet and kept kissing Jayne's cheek.

 Back to the carousel...

While I don't love the movie, Princess Tiana is one of my favorite princesses to visit at both Disneyland and Disney World. She was so sweet with the girls and Jayne happily told her all about her cupcake game and that Tiana's cupcake is her favorite :)

As I go through our photos I'm realizing that we did lots of character visits our first day. Jayne had been eagerly anticipating meeting Aurora. She told her all about their matching pink dresses and sat right on her lap. Disney princesses are just magical for these littles!

The castle at Christmas-time was extra magical...Disney's Christmas does not disappoint!

Day one in the books!

Our hotel had a separate little room for the girls which they loved.

We hit California Adventure the next day. Cars land at Christmas was dreamy! Meeting the cars was fun too!

Food!! Clarabell's ice cream can do no wrong!

We had so much fun that our camera's only came out when the girls were meeting characters I guess! Jayne got down on her knees and chatted away with Anna and Elsa, telling them she had a sister too, just like they're sisters. Its funny the things kids decide to talk about :)

World of Color, the best!!

My parents arrived while we were at the park for our second day. The girls were eager to continue our Disney adventure and to share it with Grandma and Grandpa.

It happened to be my birthday too :) What better place to be than the Magic Kingdom?!

Birthday lunch!

The cutest!!

Small World is beautiful and totally transformed for the holiday season, both inside...

...and out!

We saw the Christmas parade and then headed back home to rest

Our final day we spent at California adventure with Grandma and Grandpa again.

Cutest critters!

Even though Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde couldn't talk, they had quite the fun interaction with Jayne: pointing to her matching ears with Jayne's pigtails and then they excitedly motioned/communicated that Jayne and Elle's hair matched Nick's, which the girls loved!

Meeting Red the fire truck

Grandma Jayne and Elle hung out on the wilderness trail to end the day. It was a hit, we'll definitely have to spend more time there next time! Our tired and sweaty bodies were ready for rest and sadly said goodbye to Disneyland for now. Until next time!!