Sea World

We decided to take advantage of our season passes and Taylor's days off and head out to Sea World San Antonio. The boys love seeing the animals and the shows and we really enjoy it too. We spent all day Wednesday and a couple hours on Thursday before heading back home. James was finally tall enough for Shamu Express...so we went for a ride on Wednesday.


On Thursday I had to carrying him kicking and screaming into the Shamu show amphitheater and show him the tank of water and the lack of a roller coaster before he would calm down. I doubt we will be riding Shamu again any time soon...at least until Matthias hits 38 inches. =]

Also on Thursday we were able to have some great interaction with the dolphins. They were getting fed by other park visitors and we were able to get them to come close to us even though we had no food. The boys loved it and I got to touch a couple of them...James wouldn't.



We saw a killer whale show on Wednesday and on Thursday...the boys love 'em. Matthias was completely entranced both times. We went to other shows and had to wrestle him, but both times at Shamu he just stared intently the whole time.


James really loves the sharks and got his picture with the one up top. Taylor and James both love the funny sea lion show. We still have a whole year before our passes expire so you'll be seeing more animals from the sea!

Airplane Video

Christmas 2007

Well, my boys finally woke up and we had a great celebration. First we ate some oranges and muffins...


and then headed into the family room.


(For those wondering, they were lined up in age order, James just overtook Matthias on the run in.) James first words, "Oh, look a dinosaur." Then he proceeded to walk right past the dinosaur and head to his stocking. He has thoroughly enjoyed Big T though, he was just overwhelmed by the whole stocking idea.


Matthias loves the wooden wagon daddy made for him.


And everything else. Thanks to Grandma Urie for the cool airplane and Grandma Harvey for the bee mask!! All the gifts from the grandparents were a big hit! Thank you for everything!!



Taylor got a ton of books, suprise. And I got WAY too much stuff...including a stereo that attaches under my kitchen cabinets so I have even less stuff on my lovely, spacious counters! I love it.

What a cuddly looking fellow...

I think it is safe to say, James loves the dinosaur...Big T as he has been named. The morning was just as great as I imagined!

More pictures, videos, and commentary soon!

Merry Christmas!

He, he, he...

After lying awake in bed for the last hour I finally deemed myself too excited to sleep. I thought after joining the realms of parenthood and taking on all the Christmas 'responsibilities' of being a mother I would be past this. Not so. I am sitting here grinning at my computer as I type because I am SO excited. I cannot wait to see James' face when he finds the dinosaur Santa left him (I know because I peeked in the family room...) and to help Matthias opened the wooden wagon Taylor made for him. Okay, now I am laughing...I really need to grow up. But until I do, I think I will continue Urie tradition and play a game. By myself. Do you think my kids will think I am weird if I start waking them up on Christmas?

Silent Night, Holy Night

The children are nestled all snug in their beds...at 8:15 on Christmas Eve! We didn't allow James a nap in order to accomplish this amazing feat of parenting. And while we had an emotionally charged evening, I think it worked out for the best.

We did all the usual Christmas Eve traditions that ended up being anything but usual. Christmas dinner was much like any other dinner in our home...Matthias readily eats anything you throw his direction, James runs around the house and occasionally stops by the table for a bite to eat.

After this was baths (which Matthias pooped in) and opening Christmas pajamas/slippers. The spoon was an intricate part of Matthias' evening...we don't know why.




Then we moved on to my dad's Christmas song. Each year he writes a song and sings it for us on Christmas Eve. This year he emailed the words and music, so I sight read and sang while Taylor wrestled Matthias on the floor and James ran around the kitchen opening cupboards. It was a very beautiful song with a wonderful and personal message. Thanks dad!

Taylor and I then sang Christmas hymns...him singing the bass, me alternating between melody and alto (we really need another singer). And the boys ran around the family room. As we came to the traditional last hymn, Silent Night, we made it until "all is calm" before Taylor and I busted out laughing. We are very blessed with two extremely active boys. =]

The nativity came next and was very uplifting and inspiring. We can't decide which was more hilarious...Joseph stealing baby Jesus' binkie or the wise man ghost. Matthias is a crack up. When we told James we were going to do the nativity he said, "I will be a shepherd. I need a blanket." The boy has natural instinct!




After putting out cookies and stockings, regular bed time procedures ensued and now, all is calm.

Merry Christmas!

Don't you just hate these things?

Yes, it is 6am on a Sunday and I am blogging...sometimes after being woken up 6 times in an 6 hour span it is just better to give up and try again later. At least I went to bed at 10 last night. =] Thought I would fill out one of the hated surveys before jumping in the shower.

Two names you go by:
1. Mom
2. Kristi

Two things you are wearing now:
1. underclothing
2. robe

Two of your favorite things to do:
1. be with my family
2. sleep

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. to see the boys open their Christmas presents
2. to clear my beloved counters of all the cake, cookies, candy, gingerbread houses, etc

Two favorite pets you have had/have
1. Mr. Snail
2. Fin

Two things you did last night:
1. folded laundry
2. learned a great lesson from my mother

Two things you ate today
1. being 6am I have eaten nothing
2 I did have a drink of water

Two people you've talked to today
1. I have already spoken with three people today
2. Taylor, James, and Matthias (in that order)

Two things you're doing tomorrow:
1. making cookies for Santa
2. opening Christmas pajamas!

Longest Car Rides you've been on:
1. Salt Lake to Nauvoo
2. Provo to Oregon

Two favorite holidays:
1. Christmas
2. 24th of July

Two favorite Beverages:
1. milk
2. Dr. Pepper