Happy Thanksgiving

Turkey Bowl

The boys in our ward—excuse me, the men in our ward—got together to play football today. They really had a fun time just being boys—sorry, just being men. Elle really enjoyed watching her daddy play, as did I. And Johnny couldn’t have been more thrilled to be outside playing football with his friends. It really was a great way to start out our Thanksgiving Day.

Me and My Buddy

One of Elle’s most favorite people in the world is our neighbor Jack. Elle just simply adores him. She loves to play with him, and cannot seem to get enough of her time with him. Well, Elle and Jack often hold hands when they are together, and I find it quite cute. However, much to my dismay, it seems that I never have my camera around to capture the adorable moment. But, this week, at the park, I was lucky enough to have my camera ready when the two little buddies got together.

Wildlife Museum

Elle and I went and visited the Lindsay Wildlife Museum this week. This is something that I have been meaning to do, but it just hasn’t seemed to fit into our schedule until now. Needless to say, Elle found the museum, with all of its wildlife, to be quite captivating. She enjoyed going with some of her friends, and found great pleasure in exploring and learning about the animals debuted inside. Some of her favorites, were petting the rabbit, viewing the snakes, seeing the coyote, and touching the giant, stuffed bear. All in all, it was a fun day visiting the museum.

When Grandma Comes to Visit

This past weekend my mother came to visit, and Elle and I couldn’t have been more excited. It has been four very long months since we have seen any of the Dalins, and I must say, four months is far too long. And I am not just saying for Elle, for me too. I love my family dearly, and I am having quite a hard time living so dreadfully far away from them. However, I cannot complain too much, for I do have the luxury of modern technology. I can call my mother whenever I please, and now with a webcam—compliments of Dakota—I can even see my family on the computer. But, alas, it is not the same. Therefore, I am very glad that my mother could find the time to fly down and see us here in California.

We had many adventures while she was here with us. Elle wanted to take her to all of our favorite spots, which included: a visit to see Santa Clause; a visit to the Marina; some shopping; a few visits to some yummy restaurants; and some cookie decorating fun at home. Both Elle and I loved having Yaya here, and we cannot wait to see her in December for Christmas. And until then, the phone and webcam it will have to be.

Leaves

One of the best parts of fall is all of the leaves that fall from the trees. And what does this mean for Elle? Big, piles of leaves for jumping, throwing, running, rolling, and hiding. And lucky for Elle, Johnny’s parents get lots and lots of leaves each fall, which brings her endless amounts of fun.

Drama

Elle had quite a day in nursery today. Ashley, the only leader Elle loves and will stay with, is out for three long and grueling months. And, of course, Elle refused to stay in nursery without me or Ashley there. No amount of persuasion or bribery would convince her otherwise. I finally just had to let her go, and she screamed, and cried, and kicked, and screamed, and screamed, and screamed. It was quite a traumatic experience for both mother and daughter. However, we both survived, kind of. But as we were driving home from church and the now detestable nursery, Elle said to me, “I was dramatic in nursery today.” To which I replied, “Yes, you were.”

The Little Mermaid

With Halloween being over, costumes can be found at quite a discounted price. However, finding the correct size and a desirable one at that, can be another story altogether. But for Elle, all these things worked together in her favor. After visiting Santa Clause, we went to the Disney Store, and to our surprise, they had an Ariel costume in the precise size and desirability. Elle and I both were pleasantly surprised. So, of course, we had to get it. Elle could not wait to put her new costume on. Once donned, she proceeded to dance and sing the day away. She insisted upon us calling her Ariel, and it was quite hard to convince her to take it off for the night. However, we did get her into her pajamas, and the beloved Ariel costume is now lying on a pillow by her crib for the night.

Here Comes Santa Clause

Today we decided to take Elle to the mall to visit Santa Clause. We were not at all sure what to expect, considering she was deathly afraid of him last year. However, much to our surprise, we found that Elle quite liked Santa this year. She was a little sketchy at first about sitting on his lap, but with a little persuasion, she proceeded to sit quite happily on his knee and smile for the picture—by herself mind you. The Christmas display they had in the mall was a very pleasing one. It was themed as the Polar Express, with a giant snow globe equipped with pretend snow. Elle loved going inside the snow globe and dancing in the snow. She could have stayed there all day. Seeing as how she is so captivated with Christmas, this was a perfect way to start off the holiday season.

A Day at the Marina

Elle and I decided to take a trip down to the Martinez Marina today, and it turned out to be quite a splendid activity. The day couldn’t have been more beautiful, the water more pretty, or the birds more animated. Elle and I were instantly captivated by the splendor of the salt water, and enjoyed seeing it quite immensely. After viewing the water and boats for some time, we went back to the car to retrieve some snacks, and upon our return, we saw that a white heron had entered the water precisely where we had been sitting before. Elle and I were both equally excited to see a white heron up close, and so we sat and watched it trudge along through the water. I asked Elle what she would like to name the heron, and she looked thoughtfully at the bird, and replied, “Emily.” We continued to watch Emily, and we’re quite entertained when Emily proceeded to catch a fish in her mouth, and then swallow it. Elle and I were shocked and delighted at the same time. I had never seen anything like that up so close. And to my further surprise, Emily caught another fish right after the first, and swallowed it, too. It really was quite fascinating. Elle and I became quite taken with our new friend, Emily. What fun such a simple activity of viewing nature can be. It seems to bring some of the neatest delights at the cheapest of prices. A definite win win for both mother and daughter.

Christmas Is Almost Here

Elle shares my enthusiasm for Christmas. We both get equally excited about the prospects of the holiday. Johnny, on the other hand, does not quite share our eagerness for the Christmas season. He generally just laughs and shakes his head at our antics. However, much to Johnny’s dismay, Elle and I got out all of our Christmas decorations and festivities. We have not decorated yet, but we have had fun admiring all of the decorations that will be displayed soon.

Elle Says the Funniest Things

The witticisms of my daughter, Elle: • I'll protect you Mommy. • I don’t know what that means. • Look at that Mr. Golden Sun up there. • Is that crazy? • When I wake up, I can see Mommy and Daddy all day. • You’ll be back, of course. • All right? • There are no squeezes in my closet. • I can ask you. • I am not being bossy; I am just asking. • Have to ask Santa Clause. • Don’t you want to do this? • How’re you doing Mommy? • I’m doing great! • Are you okay Mommy? • That actually makes me frustrated. • What is it? • Mommy sweetie. • I am very dramatic about that movie.

Rain, Rain, Rain

We love playing in the rain. We sing. We dance. We laugh. We jump. We splash. We love rain.