ROAD TRIP!!!

So Tuesday afternoon rolled around (finally) and we took off for California. Believe it or not we (or I should say Aaron) drove all night and we made it all the way to San Clemente. The kids did so well on the long drive. Could it have been the promise of things to come? I have to think it helped a little.






Once we settled in, Aaron and I crashed. But we were up early to get a move on to Lego Land.
If you were to ask Tyler, the whole trip was about getting him to Lego Land. He was so excited to go and hasn't stopped talking about it since (he keeps saying he can't wait to go back). I have to admit it was quite fun, I only wish we had more time to spend there.













Once we finished with Lego Land we headed over to San Diego for a few days to spend some time with the family. We even got to spend an afternoon at Mission Beach. It was 75 and sunny, which makes you want to move to California in a heartbeat. *sigh*










Our next stop was Knott's Berry Farm and it was so much fun! They had a lot for the kids to do and they did it all! I was surprised how brave they are when it came to roller coasters, they were more than ready to hop on.









We also got to eat dinner with the whole family! It really was such a special treat.










After all that we headed out to Palm Springs to stay with Mom and Dad. We were very fortunate to take a trip on the Tram (thanks to mom and dad) and we couldn't have asked for better weather.










Indian Canyon was just as beautiful as it was when we went a few years ago. The kids had so much fun hiking through the palm trees looking for things on their scavenger hunt.












We spent one day the Dinosaur Museum.



Before we knew it, it was time to head home. We left Palm Springs and made it all the way to Medford Oregon at about 1:00am. We were exhausted so we got a room for the night. Since we were close we decided to stop at the Oregon Vortex of Mystery. It was a fun little place to visit.



Since we had some extra time (ok, we didn't have any extra time but we did it anyway)we stopped at the Redwood Forrest. (Well a small corner of it) It was truly beautiful and the kids were blown away with how big the trees were.






























All in all the trip (in my mind) was a huge success! We truly made the most out of this whole vacation. I don't think we stopped for the whole 12 days. Obviously we came home exhausted, but I can't wait to get on the road again!

Lego Titanic

Here is Tyler's stop motion Lego Titanic mini movie.
Enjoy!

Through a Child's Eyes

For Christmas we decided to get the kids cameras. After much research we found some that were reasonably priced and that had quite a bit of features. Obviously Isabelle LOVES taking pictures of herself, and then giggling at them.







No one is safe from the kids camera. But I have to say it is funny to see myself and others through their eyes.
Aaron with his Rock n' Roll pose.












At least my hands are on 10 and 2. Dad taught me well, ha ha.













More random picture taking of each other.

























Tyler can't help himself, he makes Lego stop motion movies all the time.













The poor dog has been the subject of most of the kids' pictures.he's going to have flash burn...









You should see the videos these kids take. All in all it has been the best investment for the kids. This camera even has video games for them to play.












It's hours of entertainment, and for that we are grateful.

Christmas Time is Here Again!

Well we're back here again! Christmas time is upon us! And it's almost time to start another new year. Even though we've been through so many changes this year, we have a lot to be thankful for. We're so thankful to my family who, through everything we've been through, have always been supportive and never asked for anything in return! Love you mom and dad. We are truly blessed! We're also thankful for Aaron's family because with out them we wouldn't have the ability to laugh through some of the tough times, and it's Aaron's ability to make me laugh that has carried us through so much! We love you all!



We had the most amazing summer. The older the kids get, the more fun they are! I can honestly say we took just about every opportunity (and sunny day) to get out and do things.



Recap on the year: We sold our house on the lake but were fortunate enough to land in a wonderful house, with a playground next door (as the kids will excitedly tell you)! We lost our dog, Smokey, (who had been with us since we first got married), yet we've gained a new family member in our new puppy, Rocket.



There have been many ups and downs this year but as they say, what doesn't kill ya...

On a more positive note, Tyler started Kindergarten and is doing so well it just floors us how grown up he's getting. Isabelle is doing equally as well in Pre-K, and she's loving every minute of it.



Aaron started a new band, Can't Complain, and it's been so much fun going out to shows to support them and watch them play!


We're excited to get this new year started, as we always are! Looking forward to the new additions being made to the Germaine clan (congratulations to the Fennell Family). We can't wait to meet him (or) her!





Our Santa picture for this year was a huge success!
What a wonderful time mom and I had taking the kids to Seattle to ride the monorail and see Santa. It was something our family used to do when we were kids. It was super special to experience it with kids of my own, and we hope to make it a tradition once again. Continuing in the Christmas fun, this week the kids have been cooking up a little Christmas cheer of their own! (( Stay tuned))


So later, when all the wonderful Christmas projects and decorations have been taken down and stored for next year, it will be nice to have had good memories of 2010 as we move into 2011.
To everyone out there reading this Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Love and Hugs!
The Germaines