We're Back!

Okay so I know that it has been a long time since I last blogged so I am going to try to catch things up and be better about it in 2011! So the last time I blogged was in August, since then Jack had a football season and did great. The kiddos had a fun Halloween as a vampire and Strawberry Shortcake. Thanksgiving was yummy and then Christmas was warm here and the kiddos were spoiled as always. Samantha finished the year off with three dance recitals and she rocked it out! Jack had his first reconciliation and he will has his first communion in May. New Year's was a lot of fun at the Brassell's celebrating Jason's 40th birthday as well. So that about sums up 2010. Now for 2011 we begin January back at school for the kids and they are so excited to be back! Chris is leaving narcotics and heading back to the road to patrol. Me, still trying to keep the house running and kids where they need to be, people at work happy and most importantly going to do a better job of blogging! We hope everyone is doing well and we miss you lots!

Samantha's Birthday

We can't believe that our baby is not a baby anymore! Samantha turned four years old on Friday the 27th. She has become quite the little lady. She shared her day with loving on Strawberry Shortcake, but her true excitement came when she got her American doll. We picked a doll that looked like her and she has not put her down since she got her. She had been wanting her for so long it was great to see her so happy. The time sure does fly by with the second child more than the first. They are both so big now and so many exciting new things to come! Happy birthday sweet princess, we love you so!

Back to School

Well the time has come when the kiddos head back to school and the days begin to have a little chill in the air. Summer seems to have gone by so quickly this year and it makes us sad. Jack is excited to start third grade because he is no longer considered one of the "little kids" at school. The third graders are on the upper floor with the fourth and fifth graders and that is a big deal. Samantha couldn't be more excited to be at the same school with Jack. She finally feels like she is part of the "school" kids and she is loving Ms. Peg! We think it is going to be an amazing school year for both of them and we are very excited!

First Dance Recital

It was a very exciting Saturday for Samantha. It was her first dance recital with her dance class and she couldn't wait to put on her dance costume and get all made up. She looked so sweet in her bright pink puffy leotard with the big skirt. She had to sit for a while to get all the curls in her hair, but she was not getting up for anything. Then the big moment a little bit of blush and some very shiny lip gloss. She was beaming with excitement. We were so proud of her because from the moment she got on stage she was in her element. The music started and she was off, she did all her moves and even finished with a kiss to the crowd (it was part of the dance). Daddy brought the big star some beautiful flowers (thanks Mimi) and she was so happy and proud of herself. We think we have a dancer on our hands! Can't wait for more recitals!

Fourth of July

We love the Fourth of July because its all about barbecues, family and friends, and lots of fireworks. We had a block party and all the kids were so great. Everyone was happy and there were no tears! The one that tried to ruin our great night was rain. It rained for some time here but that didn't stop us. The kids lit of every firework they could find. The some what "grown ups" had just as fun of a time, actually I think the Dad's may of had the best time. They were like kids themselves, but it was great to watch! It was truly a great night to celebrate the red, white and blue!

Day 2 Disneyland

Ok now that the kiddos now what Disneyland had to offer there was no stopping them today. Samantha started her day off getting made up like a princess. She was so in her element, they did her hair, painted her nails and then they put make-up on her. While Samantha and I were at the boutique Chris and Jack were off riding the Indiana Jones adventure, the bobsleds and Splash Mountain. Once Samantha was finished we all walked over to California Adventure because Samantha was having lunch with the princesses. Before that it was time for Jack to experience his first REAL roller coaster. The Screamin' Californian was awesome, it went really fast and upside down. Jack came off wanting to go again and again! While Samantha and I were off having lunch with the princesses Chris and Jack were all over the rides. Once we got back together it was time for the Tower of Terror and the Pixar parade. Then it was back to Disneyland to ride all the rides for the rest of the night. We rode Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear, Autopia, Space Mountain, Captain EO, Tomorrowland...needless to say we rode it all. At the end of the night while Jack and I were in line for Space Mountain they made everyone get off the ride because there was an earthquake. Yes were experienced our first earthquake, a 5.2 one I might add. Chris says we didn't because we didn't truly feel it, but the kids and I think that counts if they had to kick us off the ride because if it :0) So much fun and tomorrow we are moving on to San Diego!

Day 1 Disneyland

Well with school finally out it was time to hit the road and make our trip to Disneyland. Our first day there we went to the park and it was so exciting to see the kids faces as they got to meet the characters and they were part of the Disney parade Conga line and danced with Woody from Toy Story. Both kiddos got their first Mickey and Minnie ears personalized with their names, they looked so cute! We rode our first rides that night and the fireworks show at the end of the night was simply amazing! It was so so much fun watching the kids take it all in and be so happy to be at the park. We did not leave the park until about 11:00 pm and the kids were exhausted, but running on aderaline. Right when we got back to the hotel they crashed and dreamed about all they had left to see the next day at Disneyland. Can't wait for tomorrow!