Scottsdale

In February Kate and I went with my family down to AZ. It wasn't super warm but it was better than the blizzard at home! One rainy day we went and rode some rides in the middle of the mall. Kate thought they were the coolest things ever and I didn't even put money in them!

Lizzy is the best entertainer! We call her the "cruise director" cause she will take all the kids and set up activities that last for hours and everyone is happy! Lizzy got this little kit that makes balloons and Kate LOVED her cool hat!

It was heavenly to go on walks with a blue sky and sunshine!

and of course we did a lot of shopping! Kate likes to think she is one of the big girls.

Kate's FAVORITE thing in Scottsdale that I am pretty sure we talk about every day still is the train park. It really is the cutest park with an outdoor train that goes all the way around the park.

Little Gym

Little Gym has been such a great thing for Kate this winter. Not only has it helped her branch out and not be so timid but it has also been something fun to look forward to each wk while it is gloomy outside.

Kate's teacher was adorable and actually just left on a mission. We are so happy for her!

the Minnie Mouse Party

We are ready to go to the party!

BELIEBER

Happy Birthday!

Kate is so blessed to have two AMAZING grandmas! On her actually birthday she had a very busy day having alot of fun! It started with Mimi taking her and Mark to the Children's Museum.

Then that night we went with the Perrys to Build a Bear where Kate got to make her "Birthday Bear"

Then we ended the night at Incredible Pizza where we ate, played games and open presents!

I think she started to run out of steam by the end........

We are so in love with our little two year old it is crazy! She seriously is light in our lives. She has become my little buddy that I have conversations with, shop with, and play with all day long! I am so lucky I get to be her mom and I can't wait to see what the next year brings (even though I really wish I could freeze her in time and not let her grow up anymore!)

Let the celebrations begin!

On the Chapman side there are four January birthdays so we decided to do one big birthday bash! It was so fun! They each got to pick out there very own cake. Kate of course chose Minnie Mouse. This is the best picture I could get of the 4 of them. Kate-2, Claire-3, Mark-3, Max-5

Of course after dinner out come the dress ups! Kate's went very nicely with her Minnie Mouse theme....



sneaking frosting....

This was just the beginning.......

Christmas Day

This is my beloved tree. I have sorta worked on my tree for the last few years and I finally feel it is perfect! I love the tree we found this year and all the new fun ornaments I got. I was actually quite sad to take it down.

Santa definitely made his way to our house.... he just forgot to bring me a NEW house to fit it all in!

Kate took quite a long time to get through all her presents cause she just wanted to stop and play with each one!

This girl loves Minnie and Daisy

Literally had to vacuum each room before she could go on to the next present... Luckily there aren't that many! :)

Tea Party at her new table Grandpa and Grandma showed up with on Christmas morning!

My only decent picture at my mom's celebrating. I think we were all a little exhausted from the last month of activities and the excitement of the morning!

Our Christmas was amazing this year with Kate! She is at the funnest age and has so much personality. I think I was more excited for Christmas morning than she was just to see her response!

Christmas Eve

Before we left for the party... gotta love Kate's "cheese" smile

I copied Martha Stewart and added hearts to the pastry. I am pretty happy with how it turned out!

Johnny stayed in character the whole night... he is saying "yee-haw" in this picture!

Checking to see where Santa is on the map. So cute!

Homeade Gifts

I know I know.... We have all moved on from Christmas but I still have a lot to talk about so please bear with me. The Chapman family did our usual stressful, dreaded, fun, hilarious, awesome tradition - homemade gift exchange. And as always it didn't disappoint!

I made Andrea "Happy Birthday" decor to hang and use in her house.

Greg put together a nice little homemade date for Tyson to take someone on.

Tyson gave my mom some personal computer lessons.

Rachael and Frank gave my Dad and Greg some homemade stationary

My Dad gave Ty my Dad's old bbq new and improved!

Andrea painted Brecken a collage about her life for her room

Ty made Rachael an online scrapbook of 2010 (blog)

My mom made Kate and I matching aprons!

But what is so fun about the Homemade Gift Exchange is it is one of the few times all of us are together without our kids! What a good time we have!