Goofing Around with Dad

Saying Goodbye

It was a sad day when my 1995 Chevy Monte Carlo died. We decided that it was just time to let it go, and did not repair it. Nathan and I donated it to a charity. It really was a good car to us. It is just a reminder of how old we are getting, I guess. I remember when I got it in 1997 for my graduation present. Man, time flies!

Turning 30!

I tried to avoid it, but there was no way around it. I turned 30 on the 22nd. I thought I would be a little more depressed, but Nate planned a great weekend to help me celebrate. We went to the Great Wolf Lodge. It is a hotel with a water park inside. When we got there, he suprised me with my closest friends from work and our neighborhood, and a cake. We all had a great time with our kids and spent the day going down the waterslides. Addison had a blast. She was in the water for about 6 1/2 hours on Saturday! Unfortunately, she was so worn out that she didn't want to stay very long on Sunday :( Oh, well. Here are a few pictures from the weekend. It was difficult to take pictures, because water was shooting everywhere!

Nana

My mom came to visit this month. Addison had a great time with her Nana. She loved her hat from the Rainforest Cafe, and she insisted on wearing it backwards.

Make-Up!

Addison decided it was time to learn how to put on mascara (without me knowing it, of course). She got a hold of a tube and tried to apply it. She came running to me saying, "Mess! Mess!"

Clamming

We took Addison to the beach last weekend to go clamming. She had a blast. The weather was a little chilly, but that didn't stop her from playing in the sand and trying out the clam gun.

Addison got a pair of rain boots to wear at the ocean. She calls them her "monster boots", because they have eyes and a mouth on the top of each foot. They are suppose to be frogs, but Addison thinks they are monsters. It is pretty funny.


Snacking on chips during the car ride


Reading to herself to help pass the time


Getting a lesson on how to use the clam gun from Dad


Trying to dig for a clam all by herself!










"Addison! Come back here!"

Shopping with Daddy!

Nathan was making a quick trip to the grocery store one Saturday morning, and Addison decided that she just had to go with him. Of course, she had to wear an outfit that SHE picked out!

Zoo Lights!

We bundled Addison up last Friday and took her to the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma to see the Zoo Lights display. The lights were great, and Addison was happy that she got to see the sharks and other fish in the aquarium. We also took her on the carousel. She was really nervous at first, but once it started moving, she didn't want the ride to end!





This tree was BEAUTIFUL!

Christmas in North Dakota

Nate and I weren't planning on going back to North Dakota for Christmas this year, but my parents managed to convince us to come home :) So, we headed to the airport on the 18th, thinking we would fly standby on the red-eye flight, and arrive home about 8 hours earlier. Along the way to the airport, the weather got worse with rain and snow, a semi jack-knifed on the road, and Addison was not happy about being stuck in the car waiting for traffic to clear. After 45 minutes at a stand still, we were directed to another exit and made it to the airport without a second to spare just in time for the attendant to say all the flights were over booked. We decided to chance it anyway, and pay the standby charge. Luckily we did make it, and it was nice to arrive in ND much earlier in the day. It was nice to be home for the holidays!

Addison playing around a few days before we left.


She put these in all by herself. She kept saying, "pink, pink". I guess she was getting reading for her Nana. My mom always puts curlers in her hair.




She opened her presents from us the night before we left.




Addison loves to draw so we got her a Dora doodle-pro.




Here she is saying, "TRUCK!"


Helping Papa put candy canes on the Christmas tree


Watching TV with her cousin Avery


Having a snack with Avery


She always has kisses for her Papa.


She loves her Strawberry Shortcake doll.


"Man, this doll sure has big feet!"


One of her favorite gifts..her 4-wheeler!


Cousin Bailey got one, too!


Nathan was shocked that "Addison" bought us new Blackberry phones. He didn't have a clue he was getting one.


Cousins Bailey, Mason, and Avery waiting for their Santa presents. Addison wasn't cooperating.


Talk about a sugar rush!


Nate, me, Matt, mom, Addison, and dad


Addison spent most of Christmas Eve downstairs watching Backyardigans on the big screen TV at my parents house. We couldn't find her for quite awhile, but when we went downstairs she was sitting in the chair watching TV all by herself.


Getting kisses from Tyler


Waiting patiently for Santa to arrive


Santa was a little confused this year. He gave my dad Nate's favorite beer.


Santa brought Addison a baby stroller. She loves pushing her dollies around the house.




Opening her snow suit


Riding on the 4-wheeler!


"Cheese!"


Tired girl! Resting on Granny Arlis.


Another one of her favorite toys from Great Granny and Papa. Unfortunately, she won't be signing a record deal anytime soon!


Addison gave Granny Arlis a blanket with her picture on it.




It's Pablo!


ELMO!




Showing off in a silly Santa hat with great aunt, Dinah.


Coloring at her princess table.


"I think I would make a pretty good Santa. Don't you?"


Dinner at the Olive Garden before going to the airport.


Papa, Addison and Nana


Coloring with Papa