outnumbered.

Mark has done the impossible. Another heir to the Williamson throne.To be honest, I had always had a feeling it was a boy. As strange as pregnancy dreams are, I dreamed that I developed an app that would shine a really bright light on your belly and you could see the sex of your unborn baby like looking through a lit up balloon. It was a boy then, and two ultrasounds later, still a boy. 

The most surprising thing for me was Mark's reaction. He was thrilled to be having another boy, but it was the thought of Mc being our only girl that sparked a different reaction than I had anticipated. He got a little nostalgic for all things little girl and it kind of sent me into a panic about frilly dresses, curlers, bows, and all things "little girl" that won't be making their way into our house this time around-this is it. I had wished for a boy, and I think Mark had too but secretly, I am going to miss the hair bows, the teensie mary janes and massive expanses of girl clothes at the Target.

Another boy. Can't wait to see his little face.

Sandy Eggo 2014

I have become a firm believer that scheduling a vacation in January is the only way to survive the rigors of the upcoming year. It was something to look forward to after holidays and before the seasonal depression is in full swing. We had a GREAT vacation! It was nice to wear sandals and capris and to really reconnect with the kids (read: not be more than two feet away from them for 7 days straight).

First plane ride for the Ston. He did....well, as good as to be expected from a 2 year old.

The condo was right on beach and within walking distance to lots of good food, a CVS and a grocery store with a Redbox. We had enough room, a view of the sunset and an excellent breakfast place right next door.

We went to Sea World on Friday and were surprised at the lack of crowds and the one Shamu show daily. The weather was overcast and really nice to be outside so we stayed the whole day but NOT without leaving the park with the pink stuffed dolphin Mc had been eying since we arrived.  I think that "Blackfish" for sure had impacted the quality of the shows- not nearly as cool as I remember when the trainers were in the water with the Orcas. Still, a fun day. The kids couldn't get enough of touching the sea stars or the rays and loved the Beluga whales.

The pink dolphin

Granpa had the luxury of a scooter while in the park but kids on the lap got us busted by the Sea World police.

Next up was the Mormon Battalion Museum and Old Town San Diego. We were fortuitous to be there on the actual day the battalion marched into San Diego in 1847 so we saw a parade (more like 40 people walking by after we waited for 25 min), dressed like pioneers and enjoyed the sunshine. There was a "Whale Festival" that lured us in under the pretense of "free family fun" but in the end, was a glorified Farmer's Market. On the plus side, that brought us to Anthony's Grotto for lunch. We did have dinner in Old Town and then after sat and watched a live Mariachi band that played a mean Santana rendition on the electric violin and that rounded out the evening.

Us in our pioneer garb. Mc makes one cute pioneer. Panning for gold and the crew.

Sunday we headed to Cabrillo National park to see if we could use our "noculars" to spot any whales. We were there for quite a while with no such luck but did see the oldest lighthouse in San Diego and had a nice picnic lunch in while the kids played in park that probably belonged in West Valley and NOT a ritzy neighborhood is Cali.

An unfortunate part of the trip was Mark and G getting sick. We planned to head to the aquarium that day but decided to make it a beach/hang out at the condo close to the toilet kind of day. The kids didn't mind- I think Mc could have spent every single day in the ocean.

We attended an Automotive Museum, visited La Jolla Cove to watch the lazy sea lions, walked down the beach, had gelato, found seashells, played a few feisty games of Phase 10, woke up every morning thanks to the children @ 6 am,  and really enjoyed being away from the snow and smog that waited for us in Utah.

The aquarium. The exhausted traveler. Riding the oldest Carousel in San Diego & the Automotive Museum.

A "cow"ch. The sunset. Watching the Belugas at Sea World.

Mc at the statue at the Midway.

I think the beach days were the best days. Right before we went home the tide was super high and washed up a lot of cool things. Mc was in heaven. Definitely a beach baby and fearless. A man tried to bring a starfish in for her in his wetsuit, we found sand dollars, shells, crazy seaweed and tried to keep Kingston from rubbing sand in his eyes. I think once in the ocean was enough for him- he mainly stayed and played in the sand. I loved watched Mc get so excited about being in the ocean and running from the waves. Grandma was an excellent sport and spent a lot of time being her "partner" as the waves rolled in.

Daddy and Mc on the beach.

Sea Port Village provided a day on the Seal Boats (Duck Boats). Kingston was really excited about that part but, oddly enough, five minutes into the tour he conked out and woke up right as we got back to ask, "Are we going to go in the water?". Missed the whole tour. Good thing he was free. Mc slept a while too but was up in time to see the Sea Lions and the dolphins.

The green dinosaur next to Mark was Kingston, asleep.

And then there is this guy. Not every day you see a dude running his bike to the ocean. This guy rode his bike from New Jersey to Mission Beach, Cali. Took him four months! Pretty amazing. Cute dude with orange painted toenails and a desire to ride across the country on his bike, "just because". I put on actual pants that day. I think that counted as an accomplishment.

Grandma and Mc.

G & Chris, thanks for inviting us! We had a great time and loved spending time with you! The kids still want to ride in "grandma's car"and ask about how grandpa's foot is doing. You guys were troopers. Nightly you braved the off-schedule children at dinner with patience and love :)We love you! Thanks again!

One day you're in, the next you're out.

Lately, Mckinley's existence revolves around those who will be in attendance at her birthday party...in October, 2014! Almost daily, we are discussing what presents she will be getting and the guest list. It seems that the birthday party has become akin to a living Will for a 90 year old lady. At any given moment, I will be removed from the list (for asking her to clean up her room, telling her the nightgown she is wearing is not outside attire), re-added and Kingston (poor kid), he has never made the cut. It just got me thinking about where this phenomenon came from. How does a five year old little girl decide that a Birthday Party is the epitome of inclusion and that she can strike fear into the hearts of others as she declares, "Fine, you are NOT invited to my birthday!"? Keep in mind, this kid has had ONE birthday party in her whole life and she was three. It hardly included the grandeur she has conjured of bounce houses, oodles of friends and Hello Kitty lip gloss party favors.  Alas, tonight will be attending a party for a friend from preschool. She carefully selected a gift and came down at the crack of dawn this morning saying, "I am all rested up for Teegan's party."

We live and die by the birthday party. I live for the excitement that comes daily in knowing whether or not I will actually be allowed to attend the party I will be paying for.

Miss Sass.

ChristNEWYEARSmas

Christmas was almost a month ago and here I am just updating the blog. Awesome. I was a failure at taking pictures this year- oh well, there's always the video. The kids slept until 8:00, whipped through their presents in 15 minutes and the morning commenced with the busyness of the day. We headed to Mary Ann's for heart attack casserole, G's for lunch and Mom's for more eating and what we lovingly call our "Second Christmas".

Christmas Eve was a little more exciting this year. We knew we wanted to tell our families that we are expecting kiddo # THREE! Yep, we're nuts. The Ellison Christmas party usually concludes with a talent portion- usually kids singing or playing the piano but I decided to share my talent, "Mark and I made a baby. Due in July!"- Mary Ann and Grandma Irene's face were priceless. We told my family after our white elephant exchange and it is always a good time to see Mimi get so excited. It was nice to tell everyone just to feel less awkward about leaving the room due to an offensive smell and now having a reason to look like death warmed over all day, every day.

Mark and I both took the two weeks between Christmas and New Years off and it was divine. We (meaning I) got lots of naps, we saw "Frozen", went to breakfast, Fat Cats, stayed in our jammies one whole day,  did puzzles, went to dinner with the Williamson siblings, and just enjoyed chilling with no agenda on the horizon.


New Years we partied it up with Dave & Marianne, the Petersons, Mary Ann and Grandma Irene. Busted out some Just Dance, Guitar Hero and the usual 9:30 "midnight" countdown to ring in 2014.


The highlights:
1) Mc opening her coveted "soup case" and filling it with all the goodies of the day. We still pack it full every day of things that she thinks she will need when we head to San Diego next week (pictures, a robe and toys.)
2) Kingston rocking out to the song his excavator plays.
3) The hybrid bike Mark picked out for my present- nothing like an 8 month old preggo lady riding a bicycle! Can't wait!
4) Hearing Mc's feet shuffle to the kitchen to see the milk/cookies were eaten and then running downstairs yelling, "He came! He came!"
5) Once again being reminded that being with family and having small kids make the holidays the best.

Christmas Eve Jammies

Before the carnage

Kingston and the excavator

The packing begins.

Mc's favorite cheetah outfit.

Princess cape for Disneyland from Mimi.

It's practically here!

 
Christmas is upon us! It has been full of all the things little kids find exciting and magical. The daily advents, Christmas lights, and the never-used-enough "you better watch out, you better not cry" to lure them into cleaning their rooms and behaving at church.

We have had fun listening to Mc mispronounce the traditional carols: "good tithings we bring to you and your kids" and keeping Kingston from touching all the ornaments on the tree. We have watched countless hours of the original "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", made sugar cookies, delivered neighbor gifts and played in the snow.

Mc wants a "soup case" (suitcase) and the Ston is asking for motorcycles and "struction site" (construction trucks).  Mark and I wish for a day to sleep in past 7 am and maybe, just maybe a potty trained little boy before the end of 2014! Here is hoping Santa brings you all you ask for!

Cindy Lou Who. Alex far exceeded herself with this hairdo.

Dickens Festival 2013 with Father Christmas. Mom brought a picture of me from 1984 to show him. He is still the best and cutest Santa around.

Preschool program poser.

Snow lady made with Alex. As you can see, Kingston was totally interested.

Filling in for "The Man in Red"



This is what happens when I say, "I need to take one to see if this works".



The fam- minus Brayden and Alina. They had left for the night.

For the past few Christmases, we have had the chance to buy gifts for children who are part of the Adoption Exchange of Utah. Kids who don't have homes, or families and move from place to place with everything they own in a garbage bag. My friend Lindsay heads up the project and every year, I wait for an email to carefully pick a family of kids that we can support. It has been a fun tradition and it always gets me that even my brothers (the gangster, too hard core for Christmas type) always get involved. This year we had a family of 4- two boys (6 & 7) and two girls (5 & 11 months). We had dinner and then hit the Target to buy their wants and needs from a list. My favorite part is thinking about these kiddos on Christmas morning. My brother Tyler says he always wishes he could "be there to see them open their presents"- I couldn't agree more.
We are SO blessed- my kids want for nothing and our family is so close. It only seems right to want to help these kids have what we have all had (gifts and people who care) since we can remember.

“Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

It is impossible to believe that Halloween 2013 could have gone any better. The weather was perfect, the candy was plentiful and the kiddies had a blast. Mc was Miss Polite wishing everyone a "Happy Halloween" and yelling "Thank you!" as we ran from house to house. Kingston tried to keep up with the big kids (Mc, Brynlee and Devon) but in bell bottoms, that is hard for anyone to do.

 

The costumes were a hit. Only once did Kingston get mistaken for Captain America but the older crowd knew exactly who he was. Mckinley, as Alice was a perfect match and I have decided that I will gladly go as the protagonist to her costume every year as long as she will let me. This year, my friend Stefani, from Hawaii, allowed me to borrow the Queen of Hearts costume she had made. It was a fun costume and the make up was a treat. It is always fun to be someone else for a night, even if it is a murdering Queen with a love for blue eye shadow.

 

The kids carved pumpkins, ate mummy dogs at Mimi's, saw "Hocus Pocus" for the first time and stayed up WAY too late hopped up on sugar but in the end, this is what it's all about. And, if it wasn't for my kids, I wouldn't have had a breakfast of 100 Grands, Babe Ruths and Twix bars the day after.

Alice and the Queen at the Trunk or Treat

Evil Kneivel- this get up won him "Most Creative" at the trunk or treat.



The kiddies with Mrs McGonogal

Evil and Uncle TyTy.

Carving some punkins.

Mimi and her Halloween spread.

The Halloween tradition of napping in the car on the way to Mary Ann's. This year, Alice in Dreamland.

Now, Mark had a perfectly good Mad Hater costume that he opted not to wear but did find time to pose to be sure to make it on the blog for "posterity".