ZOO

Since New Year's Day is a sacred holiday for all football fans, the girls and I left the boys at home and decided to take a trip to the Santa Barbara Zoo. (We really couldn't do a whole day of football watching.) Melinda and our friends the Clinton's came with us and we all had a great time! Anna's favorites were the giraffe's and penguins.

Carly sat on our Zoo map and slid down this grassy hill.

Carly's favorite was the flamingos.

Such a fun day!

Christmas!

We had such a fun Christmas! The girls got a dollhouse and Mac got a big dump truck from Santa. It was super fun!

Christmas Eve PJs.

Carly's Preschool Party!

Parents were invited to the last few minutes of Carly's class party so we went. Carly has never been interested at all in Santa Clause so we thought we would try Mac. He did ok for about 1 second...then he was done.

Although she doesn't do Santa Clause (he is totally welcome to leave her presents on Christmas Eve, but she isn't going to talk to him) she still loves treats!!

Here she is with her friend Marissa and favorite teacher Shea-Shea.

Visit from Travis and Rachel

We were lucky enough to have my brother Travis and his wife Rachel come visit us for a few days! Luckily the weather cooperated and they got to spend some time out of the snow and in the sun. They had planned to come around the Tiger Woods Golf Tournament so Travis and McKay went and had a great time. These pictures are taken from McKay's phone (then stolen from Rachel's blog :)). Sorry but I don't know who any of these people are, but I was assured they are all famous and cool. I have seen the spiderman guy on TV before. I am sure that was awesome to see in person. Rachel was a trooper and hung out a lot with me at home while the guys ate, slept and drank golf.

The kids had a blast and thought they came just to entertain them! The kids figured out that Travis was a good 'spinner' and kept asking for 'spins.'

It is always so wonderful when family comes to visit! Thanks so much for coming! We love you guys!

Mother Goose's Goose is Loose

Here is Anna wither her gingerbread house she made at school. She was a little sad to throw it away but understood how disgusting it would be to keep it. It was definitely a kindergarten highlight.

I was having some serious camera malfunctions on the day of Anna's play at school so this is the only semi-decent picture I got. She recited the poem "To Market, To Market" with her classmate Tess and did a wondeful job. No nerves or anything!

Yup! It's official, baby boy Barlow is due April 15th! We are super excited!

Bye-Bye Mullet

So after numerous comments from family and friends we decided Mac's mullet had to go. The curls in the back were cute but it was time. Doesn't every kid have the classic stick your finger up your nose picture?

Mac and McKay, both just days before they got haircuts.

Mac was super good for his haircut.

He didn't love it but he hung in there.

Here is Mac - all grown up now!

Welcome Home Brock!

We made it back from Utah the day before Brock came home from his mission in El Salvador. A Barlow homecoming at the airport is not something to be missed (nor can it be missed if you happen to be in the airport.) It was lots of fun and we are so happy to have him back. Way to go B-Rock!

Here are the new babies that were born while he was gone.

McKay was so proud of his long hair and beard. Brock says he isn't jealous at all but McKay knows he secretly is. :)

Waiting for the big arrival.

Carly starting crying when he came through the gate. I think she was a little overwhelmed by the whole situation. She says she remembers Brock but we are pretty sure she doesn't since she hadn't seen him since she was just over 2. But now they are BFF. :)

Mac's new best friend

Mac made a new friend in Utah, Sadie! Mac loves her! Anna and Carly were both scared of her when they were little but not Mac. He followed her around all day. It was hard to get him to look up for a picture. Sadie was super great and let Mac lay on her, ride her like a horse and poke her. Mac was in heaven!

We tried to get Mac to leave her alone while she ate but it was pretty impossible.

Party at Grandma Thompsen's

We had so much fun in Utah! McKay got to go to the BYU Utah game (sad ending but he still had fun.) He got to golf a bunch too. The kids got to play with their cousins everyday and loved every minute of it.

Anna and Greg both have November birthday's so we had a party for both of them. Greg let Anna steal the show. :)

Anna opening presents. Yes, she has her birthday crown on again from school. Thanks everyone for making it a fun trip and for all of Anna's presents!