Erin's Baby Blessing

We had Erin's baby blessing while we were in California last month. It was special because we got to do with with Mike's side of the family, and almost everyone was there. We did it at their house. Here are some pictures of Erin's blessing day.

Erin & Daddy

Dad, Mom & Erin

Erin & Opa

Those that participated in the blessing: 2 Uncles, Dad, and Opa

L-R: Steve, Tim, Mike & Erin, Kyle

Trousdale clan - all but Kelli :(

Our Christmas with the Trousdales

On Christmas Eve we flew to Simi Valley, California to spend Christmas with Mike's family. Since Mike is the oldest of 7 and his brothers are between missions, its a rare opportunity that we all get to be together. But this year everyone was home for most of the time - so it was a full house, and so much fun! Elaina and Erin of course got lots of attention from grandparents & aunts & uncles. It was a good month for the girls! :) Here are some pictures of our trip

On our way to Grandma & Opa's house

Elaina & Aunt Kelli. Elaina claimed this crown as her own when it was really a gift for Kelli. She looks like a grouch in this picture, but I liked the crown, and at least Kelli looks cute :)

Mr. Illusionist himself - impressing everyone with his magic tricks.

I don't think Erin likes the mohawk Uncle Jonny gave her - thank goodness!

Erin & Uncle Tim

Going for a walk: Elaina & Aunt Staci

Feeding Aunt Staci's hamster

Erin & Grandma on Christmas morning

We love to go feed the ducks when we go to Simi Valley!


Helping Grandma make her oh-so-YUMMY cinnamon rolls

Monte Monte Caballo

My Dad started this thing when I was a little girl that now continues with the next generation. He made up this song (it's half in Spanish, half in English) that he sings while bouncing us on his legs, and then flips us over his head. Here's how the song goes:

Monte Monte Caballo
Caballo se llama Ducky
Ducky's legs go up and down
Little Elaina - she - flies - OFF!!

(when I was little I couldn't say Dad, so I called him Ducky, so now Elaina calls him Grandpa Ducky...so, that's why the "caballo's" name is Ducky...)

Anyways, I remember him doing this over and over with us as little kids and it's one of my favorite memories. I couldn't find a picture of him doing it with me, but here's a picture of my sister Jen getting a "Monte Monte Caballo" ride:


And as you can see, the tradition continues:

It's a good thing my Dad exercises regularly
because he's still got a few years of this ahead of him :)

Our Pre-Christmas Day

I'm so behind on our blog - I'm still posting stuff from December, but my Mom took SO many cute pictures while she was here and I just want to share them all - well, ok, I'll spare you from having to see ALL of them, but here are some! :) Even though these are almost a month late, I hope you all still enjoy them anyway!

These are pictures of our pre-Christmas. We were lucky enough this year to be with both sides of our family for the Christmas holidays - we were in California on Christmas day, and so we opened some presents with my parents when they were here the week before.

It's hard work opening presents!

This was a gift to both Elaina and Erin - and so we told Elaina to go sit beside Erin and have Erin help to open it. So, this is where Elaina plopped herself down so that Erin could help. And Erin just looks so thrilled to be involved in the present opening :)

Noisy toys! Mom and Dad's favorite! :)

Mike's usually more excited about building blocks than the kids, but that's ok :)

New pajamas from Nana M - a Christmas Eve tradition

Let's Go Fly a Kite!

My parents went to China this fall and brought us back 3 kites. Elaina had never flown a kite before and it's been so long for Mike & I, and my parents too probably. We had the funnest time - it brought back so many childhood memories for me.

Yes, Erin was included too - and she had the warmest spot of all:
cozy and happy in the stroller, and just content to watch! :)