Spear Boy Guide to Impressing the Ladies

1. Just go about your business, picking your nose!

2. Hide your face and pretend that you don't see them.

Whenever any princess or girly character comes within ten feet of the Spear boys, we don't get a lot of excitement. They are usually ducking under napkins, or heading back to the buffet.

Christmas at Disneyland

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 look on Sam's face when he saw Goofy (from afar, of course) was pure joy.

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.

Posing with Chip only briefly interrupted his eating regime.

Jake's First Band Concert

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.

You know we also thought he was the cutest kid there, but I am sure we are a little biased about that too!

Williams, AZ - Snow!

It got colder and colder on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. In the evening it really started snowing. The kids were already in bed but not quite asleep. They all ran outside and played in the snow in their pajamas. The next morning there was a small blanket of snow on everything. It wasn't quite enough to make a snowman, so Jake and Russell made a "snow puffle" (all you Club Penquin experts know what that is...). 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!

Grand Canyon

It was a short drive from Williams to the Grand Canyon. It has been forever since we were there, and the boys had never been. It was very cold, but still suprisingly busy. We took in the amazing view and then got souvenirs and hot tea/cocoa. When Max and I were in line to pay for his purchase, he looked out the window and said "Mommy, what is THAT?" Of course he knew what it was after our spring break adventure at Yosemite; it was snowing. Here are my four favorite guys in the whole world posing for me slash huddling together for warmth.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.

Polar Express

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.

Jake and Russell were enjoying their cookies.

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.