1. Just go about your business, picking your nose!
2. Hide your face and pretend that you don't see them.
Disneyland is, of course, always magical, but there is a little extra magic during the holiday season. We love going to see all the lights and Christmas decorations; as well as hearing the Christmas music. Two of the Spear guys (the really tall one who knows a lot about renting cars and the short one who knows a lot about eating chicken nuggets) think the Christmas parade is the best part. It definately puts you in the holiday mood. We were lucky to get to head out in the middle of the month before it got too crazy. The Carruthers were in town to enjoy the night with us which made it extra fun. The boys really love hanging with their cousins. 
I always love it when the camera actually captures a bit of someone's personality. There is just something in Sam's eyes which makes you think he is plotting to take over the world. We headed to Goofy's kitchen for a tasty, kid friendly dinner.
Minnie was really trying to get Jake's attention by kissing him, but he continued to eat as if no one were there.
The little ones made the hot chocolate look so good. The adults were only a little embarrassed to ask for one too!
I was getting a shot of the Carruthers boys for prosterity when Mr. Max jumped into the shot eating his 7th dessert. We always get value for our money when we take Max to an all you can eat buffet.
It was standing room only at Jake's first band concert. The teacher splits his time between three elementary schools in the area; so all three got together for the performance. We had to stand up in the back of the room to see the concert. As you know this only works when you are very tall. At least one of Jake's parents could see the show. (If it wasn't for the telephoto lens we would never have gotten a shot.) We could hear just fine from the back though. The teacher did a great job. On one song he had each instrument group play the song through solo, so that we could hear. Of course we all thought the clarinets were the best, but we are a little biased. 
Jake was so funny the day of his performance. He would be fine until he heard us discussing it. Then he suddenly would say he wasn't feeling well. He had a big case of denial about his big case of nerves. Jason was so great with him. He explained how it was natural to be nervous, and that he always was before he performed. He assured Jake that he would come through with flying colors, which he did.
The famous "snow puffle".
The boys got to play around for a little bit and then it was time to head home. They took off ther wet socks and snuggled in for the long drive. It is always fun to visit snow, but we were glad when we came home to 73 degrees and a beautiful California day!
No matter how many times I have seen it, it still takes my breath away. I always get a bit philisophical when I see all the colors and layers and think of how long it took to make such wonder. 
The day after Thanksgiving we trekked to Northern Arizona to Williams. Williams is an adorable "Route 66" town, and home of the Grand Canyon Railway. During the holiday season they have a Polar Express adventure for the kids. Nana had been working overtime to make matching pajamas and robes for all the boys. (You can't see in the picture, but their names were embroidered on their robe pockets, too cute!) All the kids have to wear their p.j's on the train.
They all looked so cute in their matching ensembles. They were chomping at the bit to get over to the train. It was frigid outside and we had to huddle up for warmth waiting for the train.
The Polar Express is made up of railway cars from 1923. It was very charming inside decorated with evergreen around the top. It was warm and cozy as we took off for the North Pole. The chefs danced up and down the aisles and brought everyone hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies. We listened to a reading of the Polar Express storybook and then stopped at briefly at the North Pole where Santa boarded the train. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and gave each child a jingle bell from his sleigh.
We sang Christmas carols all the way back to the station. Sam, Nattie and Max were hanging out singing Jingle Bells.
Santa giving Zach his bell. Sam and Zach were especially impressed by Santa. Everyone, including the adults, had a magical time. It was such a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season.
Everyone selected a pumpkin. Afterward the conversation went like this: Me - "This year can we paint the pumpkins?" Jason - "sure, and then we'll make some chocolate chip cookies without chocolate chips". Me- "Easy for you to say. I am the one stuck doing all the cleaning and carving." Jason- "I always do it, don't I guys?" Guys - "um, no Daddy, you never have." 
Max and Jake in the Corn Maze. The maze was supposed to take 45 minutes, but with Dad the expert map reader they were out in about 15! They did protest about having to stop to pose for a picture, of course.
Max, posing by the "Big Max" pumpkins. (which could be yours for $80!)
Jake and Max sported their favorite color in their hair for "crazy hair day" at school. While food coloring looks cool in your hair; it is not so cool all over my beautiful, fluffy white towels. Jake took it upon himself to rinse his out after school and used one of my lovely bath towels. (I guess that is what bleach is for...)
The boys ready to start the first day of school.
Jake is pedaling off to start the 4th grade.
Our annual trip to Point Mugu....Max, Russell, and Jake pose on the beach!
Max riding the waves.
Sam mad at the photographer. He wouldn't stop and build him a sand castle.
Jake and Max getting clobbered!
Jake getting brave in the ocean.
Jason, Jake, and Max went to a Dodger's game. They got to see a Grand Slam, eat lots of Dodger Dogs, and see the Dodgers win.
Sam likes to admire the ocean from afar. He will sit and play in the sand all day, but generally keeps clear of the waves. Jake dragged him out to the water to see if he would play...no deal!
Max had won a place in the Pineword Derby finals. The whole gang from Arizona came for the weekend to watch Max's Bank Truck heat up the tracks. It was a great weekend!
Wow! Look her turned nine at the beginning of April. It is always amazing to me how quickly time flies with kids. I mean wasn't he just kicking me from the inside? Wasn't he just having his first birthday party? 
As you can see by the Pokeball cake, Jake loves Pokemon. He also loves playing Mario Kart on the Wii, riding his bike, and playing with his brothers. He pushes Max's buttons frequently, and dotes on Sam. He loves researching intriguing myths and legends. (Big foot, the Loch Ness monster, haunted houses and such) He will research something on the computer for hours if it interests him. This includes checking out what newest games are coming out, and he can tell you the date every game did come out. He loves to read big thick books, and reads them freakishly fast (where did he get that from???). He says the word "poop" way more times a day than I care to hear it, but he thinks it's the funniest word. (Doesn't he look cute in his glasses? He just got them recently.)
I am sure they are watching Spongebob, or Bob Bob as Sam calls it. They each got a piece of fleece to take camping, and boy did that come in handy when we were freezing in Yosemite! Jake and Max were just given their piece and decided to cuddle up to watch T.V. Two seconds later here comes "monkey see, monkey do Sam" with his blankie.
