Christmas in Oregon

Papa Bear had 3 weeks off from work, so we got to go home to Oregon for Christmas! Here are some of our memories from our trip.

Fun hanging out with Grandma

If I put my finger on the side of my nose and wish really, really hard, maybe I can transport myself magically back to Oregon and see my uncle again!!

Grandpa looks happy!

Opening presents!

Grandma & Grandpa gave Panda a kimono! 

Panda tried ice skating for the first time. She was a little scared, and Mama had to get out on the ice with her. She got half-way around the rink before they cleared the rink for the Zamboni, and a staff member had to come out and "save" her!

Watching the ice skaters!

Besides the ice rink, Lloyd Center mall in Portland has a play area. Gummy found the perfect place to hang out!

Panda skillfully executes the crane.

Pretty Flower

Honey Bear never wears anything in her hair for very long, so after her big sis put this pretty flower headband in her hair, we rushed to get her picture taken before she took it off!

11th Birthday!

Panda Bear just had her 11th birthday! Hooray! The Saturday before her birthday, she got to invite a friend to go with us to see the movie Frankenweenie, followed by Wendy's Frosties at the food court. On her birthday, she was just getting over the stomach flu, but by afternoon, she felt good as new and able to enjoy cake and presents!

 

She got lots of books (Goosebumps Horrorland series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, National Geographic Angry Birds, Pokemon guidebook), a magic 8 ball, candy, a Sponge Bob Mad Libs, and DS games. She's also getting in the mail her very own scripture set (not the cheap-o economy edition) with scripture tote. Yay!

 

Cake designed and made by Mama for her little Goosebumps girl!

 

 

Making a wish

 

Ooooh....smoke! (From the birthday candles.)

Papa got off of work early for Panda's birthday (he's been staying until 8 o'clock almost every night), so we headed to the mall for dinner at the food court, kiddie rides, arcade games, and (of course) a stop at the pet shop to see the cute puppies.

Cars!

Well, if you don't know yet, Gummy Bear LOVES cars--anything cars. Disney Cars. Books about cars. Hot Wheel cars. Race cars on TV. Trucks, tractors, cars, and more cars. He's even got a race car bed! This year, we decided to feed his obsession a little more with a Cars-themed family birthday party. And he got lots of cars and trucks for his birthday!

Licking the Bowl

Princess Tea Party

Cinnamon planned her 6th birthday party a year in advance. She pestered Mama about it all through the months. At last, her birthday came, and all her dreams came true. She got a perfect princess tea party. There was a dress-up table, with dresses, lip gloss, nail polish, and bling. There were balloons and pom-pom flowers hanging from the ceiling. There was a princess dance lesson. There was a table laden with delicate sandwiches, luscious fruit, crisp crackers, smooth cheese, pink lemonade, and cold Korean barley tea. For dessert, there were princess cupcakes. And there was lots of fun and play with friends. She was a very happy little lady!

First Day of School 2012

Yes, three kids in school this year! A 5th grader, a 1st grader, and a pre-k'er! Honey Bear gets a little time to herself with Mama each day! Gummy Bear only goes to pre-k for 2 1/2 hours each day.

(It may look like Gummy is crying, but he's actually smiling with his eyes squeezed shut.)