Christmas '09

On Christmas Eve Katie got pajamas from my mom to continue the Sykes family tradition. It was started by my great-grandma and celebrated by my grandparents. It is one of my most happy Christmas memories as a kid. I felt very nostalgic to see her in the footie jammies. She kept stroking the fuzzy softness while chewing on her candy cane with the other hand.

Here we are on Christmas morning, visions of sugar plums still lingering in our heads. Jonathan surprised me with a kiss just as the camera's self-timer when off. Katie with another candy cane just for good measure.

Just the Three of Us

This was our third Christmas away from our families in Utah. We hosted a big Christmas dinner (turkey and salmon included) with members of our ward who stayed in town and didn't have family nearby. 18 adults and 9 kids were crammed into our humble abode with great success.

I would have taken pictures of the event, but I was too busy eating and having good times with my friends. So, I'll just say that it happened, and it was a great Christmas.

Happy New Year!

Katie's Dance Moves

Here is some footage of Katie dancing:

She loves the "horsey" song. It is one of those annoying kid songs that gets stuck in your head and leaves you humming it throughout the day....and I've posted it just for YOU! Enjoy!

I've taught Katie how to twirl at the end of the song. Sometimes she gets so dizzy she falls and can't get back up! At the end, she always claps and begs for more...

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Winter in Florida

Winter is in full swing across the country.

I hear about blizzards and freezing temperatures.

Then I open the windows and walk outside without a jacket.

It's pretty surreal.

I love enjoying the outdoors all year. Otherwise, I'd be dealing with a restless toddler who is stuck indoors. On this particular day, Katie got stuck in the kitchen drawer. At first she thought it was funny, then she panicked until I helped her out.

The winter flowers are blooming. Katie is frolicking.

Gardens are thriving. Katie is trying to pick the flowers.

Proof that Florida has autumn leaves...in December!

Everything is so green and vibrant

Plastic Snowman in 80 degree weather?

They are everywhere.

'Tis the Season!