That's SnOw Fun!!

Right before Christmas we got to enjoy a little company from Auntie Janis and her dog Emma.  Janis was on her way to Elijah's grandparents house (Janis' parents) and made an overnight pit stop with us.  We will see her again right after the new year on her way back to Texas.  We always love having her come and it's so nice because Audrey just adores her!  Janis got to enjoy a little bit of snow while she was here and had to wait it out a bit since all the interstates were closed to and from ABQ.  We headed over to the park for some snowman making and a little playground fun!

Emma waiting to go out and play

Janis waiting while Audrey gets dressed up in multiple baby layers

Ready.....

Set......

Snow!!!!

Tightly wrapped bundle

Mini snow man

It's not good to ride down a slide with slick pants on.

Because this is where you end up.  Audrey enjoyed it though!

Daddy and bug

Pink and purple snow monster

The mountains were all covered with clouds in the background.

Janis trying to force Emma down.  She wasn't having it.

We were glad Janis made it to NM safely and can't wait for her return in January.  Hopefully this next time Emma and our arctic seal/dog, Zane, won't get into a fight! 

It's a Holly Jolly Christmas!

Christmas morning was so great for us this year!  Santa came last night for Audrey and left her some amazing goodies! We got an early morning wake up call to the tune of 5:40am via the ladybug who was not to pleased that her diaper failed and she had leaked all over her bed.  We changed her and took her to our room with some milk in the hopes that she would fall asleep again.  She tossed and turned after drinking her milk and we finally gave up at 6:20 to let Audrey see what Santa brought for her.  She was so pleased to see all her gifts and we spent the better part of an hour taking time to open and look at each and every gift.  I think her favorite gifts are her new "house" and her Disney Princess tea set.  We even had an imaginary tea party.  

What Santa left the ladybug

Toby hanging out in the window

Audrey even got a letter from Santa!

Reading one of her new books as Sunny looks on

Opening my "mystery" gift.

Ha!! I knew there was a cat toy inside to throw me off.  There was even a brick to weigh it down.  Thanks honey!!

One of my favorite pictures.  Look at that face!

Mini book galore

If you're wondering what that is...it's an iPod Nano so he can wear it when cruising around on his bike.

Ahhhhhhh!

My tea set! It's what I've always wanted!!

Talking to Princess Potato Head

 After opening up gifts at our house, we headed down to Jeff and Tamara's to open up gifts there.  The camera died midway through, but you get the idea.  Jeff and Tamara got Audrey a rocking horse that neighs and his tail wags.  So far she doesn't want to sit on it, but will walk by it and hit it on the head.  Why she doesn't like horses is beyond me!

Jeff excited to get Lego Nascar #24 car.

Audrey peaking at her gift

It's a rocking horse!!

Audrey saying euh. I don't like him.

And here's me and my brother trying to get Audrey to sit on it while she screams

So far we have had a great time opening up gifts.  Audrey is really starting to understand the concept of Christmas and next year should be even more amazing!  We are going to relax and try to take a nap  and then this evening we will be eating New Mexican cuisine via green chili chicken enchiladas, spanish rice, and a yummy salad.  We hope your Christmas was absolutely fabulous!! Cheers!

Love,

The Cavinders 

River of Lights

 Friday night we got together with our friends Brittany, Colin, Melinda, Morgan and their kiddos and headed out to the River of Lights at our Bio Park.  This year they revamped the lights and added a ton of new ones.  We try to go every year since it's really pretty and fun.  We didn't make it last year since Audrey was all of 15 seconds old.  Okay, really she was 3.5 months old, but too cold for a tiny ladybug.  This year we layered ourselves up and headed out!! Notice my hat and scarf.  Made especially for me by one of my students moms.  Love them!!  As we waited for our friends to arrive we decided to snap a picture with the penguins!

 We ventured inside where Melinda, Audrey, and I stopped to snap a photo.

 Audrey's first experience with the lights...she loved them!! 

 The lights are gorgeous and as you walk around different sections of the Bio Park the theme of the lights change.  In the whole grassy section all of the lights were geared towards the water with whales, stingrays, coral and more.  Overlooking the pond you can see the array of lights on display.

 We then ventured into "Africa" where we saw all kinds of safari animals!

 My favorite animal is the elephant.  This one was cool because the water would splash on top of the other elephant.  It was hard to capture since tons of people were walking by.

 We decided to take a little break to listen to the music coming out of the house and Elijah could let people know that the restroom was located at his head.  Thankfully no one chose to use the restroom.

 Roooooaaaarrrr means I love you in dinosaur.  Love this guy!

 Audrey checking out the coral plants.  This is also where we got lost from our friends and enjoyed meandering through the castle with just our little family.

 You would think Elijah was a big kid when he sees this and the first thing that pops out of his mouth is: "PEGASUS!!!!" He cracks me up!

 Time to head to the car since it was super cold at this point and Audrey's little toesies were red icicles.

*On another note unrelated to this post...today is my dad's birthday! Happy birthday dear River Man! We love you!!