It's off to grandmothers house we go..

Malyn loves adventures so we decided to go to Nama Dotty's house.

 We went over the river...

 and through the woods...

 and found Nama Dotty and her house.

 We found a big rock and called it the "picture rock"

After the picture up the stairs we went and into her house

 

 where there was a surprise of hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies waiting for us.

 

After our treat the girls made some Christmas Dr. Seuss Christmas trees.

 

Mattie Sue and Malyn helped Nama Dotty decorate her house

 and then themselves.

Thank you Nama Dotty for a fun afternoon.

Arnold-Party of Five has arrived...

 Airport picture. All ready to get on the plane.

 Nama Dottie with Ryan (above) after his wonderful singing and dancing on stage for his Day Care Program.

 Nama Dottie with Eli. Our little bundle of joy.

 Cousins, having a bowl of cereal (just like their moms) for evening snack.

 Didn't take long for all the toys to appear all over the house. What fun for Nama to watch as the went from room to room discovering things I'd put out.

 As soon as I learn how to edit pictures on my new computer the pictures will be better. Above is Ryan, in the gray and red shirt, at his school program. Front and center singing at the top of his lungs and dancing to the music of Felic Natividad. sp?

 Malyn looking at the ornaments on the tree. What a precious sight to see.

 Our neighbors always put out this scene and Mattie Sue remembers it each year. So we took a walk around the "true meaning of Christmas.

 The girls and I took a walk around the neighborhood. Love experiencing Christmas through children's eyes.

 And the new addition: Eli, all swaddled up.

One year ago

My precious little grandchildren. Hopefully we will get a Christmas picture again this year when the Arnold's come to SA.  Sammy, in Mattie Sue's lap is now one year old...

 

All grown up and almost walking on his own. Hello sweet boy.

And watch for our newest addition born 10/20, 2010. He'll be featured in our 2010 Christmas card.

I am actually testing/playing with my new Mac to see if I can get pictures on my blog. I did it!!

Santa Barbara, CA to see the Benders

 What better than to visit cousin Chris in Santa Barbara while Chesley and I were there. Baby Eli was there, under the table fast asleep. Arnold's, and Benders: Chris, Jill, and Natasha. Always a fun time when we are together.

 View from the pier where we ate lunch.

 View from the park we went to after lunch.

Cousin Chris with me, Stacy and Eli. 

Trip to the Library in CA

 Stacy decided we all needed to get out of the house and take a walk to the library on this beautiful day. So with baby in tow...

 and Nama pushing the stroller with library book bag in tow..

 we made ourselves at home right away. The girls all picked out books or puzzles and then settled on 4 books each to check out.

 Malyn showing mom and Eli how to put a puzzle together.

 Mattie Sue lost in the world of books. What a precious picture this was. How great to see my grand children's love of books.

 Mom helping review some of the many books the girls picked out.

Then it was home and a special time with the books right away to read. Just look at the girls faces. Mom is the best reader and puts a special touch into each story.

My favorite thing to do is read to the girls. They probably could listen to books all day long. We read a book morning, noon, and night some days.

Trip to the Library in a little town is such a fun thing to do.

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY MALYN AND HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY SAMUEL

Fun Weekend at the Arnolds

Paint the box. 45 minutes.

 Meatball and Tomato Soup. Malyn singing a song about it. 10 minutes

 Playing ball with Dad. 15 minutes.

 Getting Mom outside with family. Good medicine.

 Barbie on the scooter.

 Father and Son  Priceless!

 Old McDonalds lunch at the beach.

 Playing in the sand.

 Paintie face.

Eli

 In the hospital seeing their baby brother for the first time.

 Mr. Eli already counting on his fingers. He's counting how many hours old he is. :)

 Here is the room Eli and I have our slumber parties each night. We have milk and swing and listen to the Baby White Noise app. We like the Doppler heartbeat sound, it puts us right to sleep.

Hey Hey Hey, Nama, watch the flash on the camera. I know I have to get used to it but really, right after a 4 hour nap, it's not the way to be woken up.