Decorating the Christmas tree

I love Christmas time and the tree and decorations with lights are a big part of that. I haven't been big in decoration my own apartment because I am limited with what I can do but the tree is something fun I can do now with Monica.

We rearranged our living room, put on some Christmas music and got to work.



Monica's eyes lit up with every ornament she pulled from the box and went from decoration to decoration.




Her favorite was our little snowmen that spell out N-O-E-L. She picked out the "N" as her favorite.

Carter was asleep during the transformation and woke up to his first Christmas experience and of course wanted it all! The look on his face when he first saw everything was priceless!

Monica is very protective over all the decorations and Carter is NOT to have any of them.

She has moved all of the decorations on the tables into a safe pile so he cant get at them. The organization didn't last long but it is so fun to have a little family to get excited with.



This will probably be one of the most fun Christmas' at the Allred home and I look forward to it with childlike anticipation :)

Most exciting post ever!!!

When most people get together to play cards, it is usually assumed that Poker or blackjack would be the game played. Not at the Allred House- they play canasta. Okay, I'm not going to deny I love the game and jumped at the invite.

Grandpa thought it would be fun to squirt whip cream in the kids mouths and that entertained us for a while.


I think the card game lasted four hours and we still didn't finish.


I am way competitive and so I enjoy anything that gives me the chance to taunt other people.

I ended up winning, but not by much and like I said we didn't finish so who knows how the game would have gone.


I'm feeling lucky though and maybe next time I'll dominate in rummy!

Thanksgiving 2008

I'm one of the worst bloggers. A few weeks will go by without any new posts and then I'll post about a few different things all at once and the cycle continues. I thought I would impress you all by blogging about the events that took place TODAY! I know- crazy huh!?

Thanksgiving 2008:


I grew up on Whidbey Island an rarely go back. Both parents still live over there but for the most part they come over to the "main land" for most family activities. I think the last time I went over was the beginning of summer so I was excited to go back today for Thanksgiving. Monica was thrilled as well and was so excited to see grandpa and her Nina (grandma Rosie). She loves the ferry ride and had to go up to the observation deck to, well.. observe.

The girls

The boys

Our Family


We made our way to grandpa's and of course the first thing I did was head for the kitchen! I found the rolls (which has always been my favorite part of any feast) but wasn't sure if it was taboo to dive in with out being invited to do so, so I was left with only one option- closet eat. I was 2 bites in when Rosie caught me. I was pleased to see she had a sense of humor about the incident.


Dinner was soon after our arrival and we all marveled like little children at the delicious spread that laid before us! Dad and Rosie did a fantastic job at preparing a wonderful thanksgiving dinner

the table was pretty with fall decorations. I have always loved the warmth and joy that comes with the winter holidays. It much appreciated because I hate the winter and would go insane if it wasn't for times like these.

It was Carter's first thanksgiving so we gave him a little bit of everything and he scarfed it down.

It even got in his hair.

The only thing he didn't care for was the ambrosia salad and spit it out.

After dinner we packed up leftovers (what kind of child would I be if I didn't bum food off my folks)and stashed it away for later. It looked really good though and I was tempted to do a second round of feasting.

The turkey kicked in fast and Monica fell asleep immediately after dinner.

I passed out on the couch with my rolls and bloated stomach.


We were reminded of how much Carter is like his Dad

and then Carter zonked out close behind and the rest of us enjoyed a little competitive game of Taboo.

When the kids woke up, my Dad took Monica and Carter and played a little guitar for them. Carter LOVED it and danced and tried to play a little himself. It had to be the sweetest thing ever.

We had the most wonderful thanksgiving and enjoyed being with family. We have so much to be thankful for and although we have faced many trials this year, we have been blessed with so much. Thank you for your support friendship and love!

Twilight

The much anticipated movie "Twilight" came out this weekend! I read the books a few months ago during some down time while sick and got hooked! Although I found the fight sequences lacking, I loved the story and characters that Stephanie has created. Like most mother/daughter duos around the country, my mother and sister have read the books as well and she treated us to see the first movie last night. My opinion: Awesome! I am always nervous about a movie that is based on a book but I felt the actors were good choices and the stuck very close to the story. Edward and Joseph were heart-pounding and I felt childish cheering with the numerous preteen age girls when they came onto the screen! Ha! I had a fabulous time getting back into the story and although I am sad the book series has finished, I look forward to the three remaining stories to make their way onto the silver screen!

Jumping Jellybeans part 2

So we had another fun day at "Jump Planet" in Bothell. Casey has had a few extra days at home lately and so he watched Carter while Monica and I had a play date. As you know already... I love it! I am sure the other mothers there find me very annoying while I jump, slide and giggle like I'm any other kid but I don't care - its fun!! Monica and I always have a blast and were happy the Ross' could make it as well. Brysen and Monica are good friends and always have fun together.

In training

Carter continues to amaze us in his physical growth and strength. At work he loves the walkers and can maneuver suprisingly well! Here are some photos and videos of our little quarterback in training!

pucky

The word "pucky" dates back in the Allred family to when Casey was a boy. I don't know how it started but I know Casey was the one who first came up with the word. It is used in reference to one's buttocks. We still use it in our family today and are the proud parents of two very cute and tiny puckies!

Madagascar Escape to Africa

Loved it! We saw it Sat night with the Marsons and thought it was hilarious! Monica makes us watch the first Madagascar movie almost every day so Casey and I were pretty psyched they made a sequel. Finally something new! We give it two thumbs up and recommend it to anyone, even if you're without kids!

After the movie went went to Red Robin to eat. What a fun night!