Max's 5th Birthday Party

Since we were heading to Disneyland for the day of Max's Birthday we decided to throw together a little family party before we left. I asked Max what kind of party he wanted and he said "Skylanders!". I put it together so quick and it turned out really fun! He got spoiled by his grandparents and other family members. He got that awesome Darth Vader luggage for our trip and Jack got a R2D2 one. All his presents were Star Wars things, which is all he wanted.

Then the next week we headed to California!

Bathtime buddys

 I can't give the big boys a bath without Leon wanting to go in with them. He will cry and squirm until I undress him and plop him in the water. It is really cute and sometimes kinda frustrating when I was not planning on giving him a bath, but mostly cute. He is so crazy when he gets in and screams and splashes and almost face plants it in the water :).

 Max was asking me to get him out in that one

Just playing around

I have been playing around with my camera settings lately, we have a Canon Rebel T3i. I in no way claim to be a photographer but I want to get better at taking pictures of my family and moments. So here is just a few of me doing things with the ios setting:

Experiments

 Max is really interested in science(which we love) and so for Christmas we got him this child chemistry set, one of the best presents we have ever bought. He loves it and so does Jack. It came with these cool big cards with different easy experiments. We have already done them all but plan on finding more things to make. We did the simple volcano one in these pictures. Max loves doing the experiments with food coloring. 
You can find it Here.

New stroller

 We got a new single stroller after giving our old one to Mason's sister for their new baby. I wanted to find something light weight but nice looking and comfortable and not really expensive. So I went on Amazon and searched for a good single stroller with good reviews. I came across this Joovy stroller and I am so glad I did! We have taken it for a walk and to IKEA and it moves so smoothly and has some awesome features. Like an adjustable handle, foot rest, a really nice shade that comes down far, big lower basket, and it lays flat for them to sleep. Also it fits little Leon and my big boy Max. Just thought I would share for anyone else looking for a good stroller for a good price and I am just excited about it! I can't wait to try it out at Disneyland soon!

Christmas!

 Christmas was awesome this last year. I love the things Max and Jack are into so it made it that much more fun. Max asked for the Star Wars Rebel guys set for his Santa gift and Jack really wanted the cool Baymax action figure. And then some other little things like Lego's and stuff.
The only thing that was hard was Mason's whole family coming down with a cold/flu and so we ended up not going to his parents for Christmas Eve or Christmas day. I was pretty bummed because I though it would not feel like Christmas eve without doing all the traditions at his parents. But we decided to splurge and go out to Christmas Eve dinner at Bonsai(It is one of those restaurants where they cook in front of you) It was so good and the kids loved it. We got home, set out cookies and eggnog for Santa and the kids went to bed. Leon was our little elf while we set up Christmas.

 Santa Came!

 In our house the kids get to open up all their stocking presents, which has lots of toys and some candy from Santa. Then they get to play with all their stocking toys while Mason and I make a big breakfast. After breakfast we open all the under the tree gifts, including their BIG gift from Santa ;).
This year my sister Emily and my mom joined us for Breakfast and under the tree gifts.

 Scones, Bacon, and Sausage!

 Emily!

 bearing gifts!

 Tired parents faces

 Facetiming with my Brother Josh and his girlfriend in Canada

 Leon being super cute and excited for his gift

A little story about the picture below. Max got that gun from his Nonna(my mom) for Christmas but he already has one of them, I was afraid he would say something like, "I already have one of these..." but Max being the sweetheart he is instead said, so excited "cool now I have two! and now Jack and I can both be storm trooper guys!".

 He has his moments of being naughty and sometimes mean to his brother but goodness he has such a sweet sensitive heart.

 Jack got Baymax!

 Max got his guys!

 Since we didn't/couldn't go to Mason's parents for Christmas dinner we got Chinese food which turned out to be so fun!

The aftermath