Harbor Cruise.

We went on a Harbor Cruise for brunch the Sunday morning we were in NY. Despite the unbearable freezing wind that nearly knocked me off the top of the boat, it was a really fun way to see the Statue Of Liberty and admire the NY skyline...and the food was good. One nice thing about vacationing in NY is that you can pretty much eat whatever you want because you walk SOOO much and burn a ton of calories...cheesecake anyone? Yes please! While we sailed past the Statue Of Liberty and Ellis Island, I couldn't help but think of the people so long ago that sailed across the ocean in search of a better life. I wonder what they must have thought when they saw the Statue for the 1st time and realized that they had made it to this country. I am certainly glad to have been born and raised here.

I love Central Park.

Next time we go to New York I hope to go in the fall and be able to spend hours hanging out in Central Park. I can't pinpoint exactly why but I think the park is truly amazing and magical (the film industry may have something to do with it.)

It was brutally cold the day we were there so we didn't get to explore it as much as we would have liked but we definitely hit some of the key spots.

We did see some cinematography going on. I'm not sure we will be seeing this footage on the big screen any time soon (a rapping Santa Claus?!) but at least we can say we saw "something" being filmed in NY.

One day I want to take Taylor ice skating here. Ever since she saw our New York pictures she has informed me on more than one occasion that she wants to go ice skating in New York.

Happy New Year!

Last year on New Year's Day we went to Balboa and had a fantastic time. It was one of the most beautiful days I have ever experienced there so we decided to make it a tradition. However, this year we had to postpone our little outing a few days because of sick kids. Thankfully it didn't rain on Saturday like it was supposed to so we were able to go and my mom and Reid joined us. Once again the California Coast did not let me down. It was another fabulous day!

This girl could swing ALL DAY LONG!

Andy has become Mr. Independent lately. It is a tad annoying especially when he wants to climb to the top of a playground structure (is there a "real" name for those things?) all by himself and he screams at you or moves about frantically if you try to help. He was happy as can be though when he made it to the top but then the question was "Now What?" With some fancy maneuvering and me halfway up the dang thing, we got him over to the landing but not without him pouting the ENTIRE time because I HAD to help him. AGHH! I should clarify though that he is actually a pretty decent climber but this particular ladder thing, not so good for our little man.

I am an atmosphere girl. My environment and the people around me affect my mood greatly. And if I could look out my window everyday and see this, I think it would be safe to say I would be in a good mood everyday (ok, that might be stretching it just a tad..everyday, maybe not, I am a mom of 3 little ones that drive me crazy from time to time....but it would definitely be more often than not).

Things I'm looking forward to in 2009!

1. Andy and Ashlyn's 2nd birthday: Despite my request for them to stay young and small longer, they have decided not to listen and are officially not babies. We need a new name for them because "The Babies" just doesn't seem to fit anymore.

2. Ascension Financial continuing to grow and be successful.

3. No more diapers! However, I am not looking forward to the process of getting to this point. Anyone with suggestions on how to potty train a boy and girl at the same time, please feel free to share your wisdom.

4. Taylor starting Kindergarten: This event comes with mixed emotions.

5. Lots of trips and fun.

6. My house completely decorated.

7. The birth of my sister's first baby!

8. Tyler continues to blow me away with what he wants to do with his life and what he wants to accomplish. I think this year he will "wow" me.

Top Memories of Christmas 2008!

1. Taylor went on a date with Grandma P to High School Musical on Ice where she was royally spoiled and definitely created a lasting memory with Grandma.2. Making Christmas cookies. I let them just have at it with the sprinkles and didn't think about the mess until after. Too fun!

3. Andy yelling Choo Choo Train EVERY time he opened a present (he got a lot of trains) and LOVING the train table Grandpa J built for him. He did not want to leave it Christmas afternoon to go to Grandma P's.
4. He was also obsessed with Grandpa P's train! 5. Taylor thoroughly enjoyed the unwrapping of the presents more than what was inside. If you didn't hurry she would open yours too.
6. Conversation between Grandma J and Taylor prior to Christmas.
Grandma: So Taylor you have so many toys, I don't know what to get you.

Taylor: You can give me a cowboy hat.

7. Ashlyn kicking her legs and screaming every time she saw Christmas lights...such a fun age!

8. Ashlyn cared more about the M&M's in her stocking than anything else.

She had them gone in record time.

9. Andy and Ashlyn needing all the toys out of the box as soon as the wrapping was off.

10. Russ and Trisha making an ANNOUNCEMENT.

Baby Jacobson, we can't wait to meet you July 2009!!!

11. Christmas Eve at our house where Russ introduced the kids to Mr. Fuzzy and when I first suspected my sister was pregnant...didn't take long, I know her too well to believe she would drink milk for dinner just because.
12. Record snow fall in Wrightwood: Taylor was in heaven!


13. Tyler making up for not sleeping "Christmas Eve Eve" in order to finish all our shopping. Thank goodness stores were open 24 hours!!!
14. New York!

15. The bottom half of our tree was ornamentLESS due to some active toddlers. Please take note of all the red balls on the top half.
This was such a memorable Christmas for our family. The kids are at such fun ages and it makes me so excited for the years to come.

One more catch up post...

and I think I'm all caught up.

Tyler's grandfather passed away Thanksgiving day so Tyler and I flew up to Northern California for the funeral. I loved hearing stories about him during the service. I discovered where Tyler gets some of his personality. His grandfather was a top salesman, making more money than the managers. He desired to be his own boss though and bought his own chicken ranch. Aside for the farming aspects, that is my Tyler.

Here are all the Grandsons that were present carrying his casket.

What a great legacy of men.

After returning home, I took the kids to Scandia. Only $9.99 for the month of December, quite the deal!
Taylor rode the roller coaster all by herself over and over and over.... its nice to be the only ones there.

It was then off to buy our tree.

Taylor absolutely LOVED everything about Christmas this year. She wanted to the know the story behind every ornament and was pretty much bouncing off the walls the entire month. She definitely brought the magic of the season to our home.

I can't believe it is over. However, after reviewing everything that has happened this month, no wonder I have sick kids. I think we wore them out!