Happy New Year!!!

This picture was taken after Allison & I kept the Brown name strong & won the movie trivia Scene It game!! I'd like to claim skill on this one - but we lucked out with questions from Planes, Trains & Automobiles & Notting Hill!!

We spent New Years Eve & Day at Mark & Joanne's house. We had a great time - but unfortunately did not take very many pictures!! There were about (4) other couples there - plus our two munchkins. There was one very grumpy picture of the kids - but we decided it was best not to start off the new year with that!! Thank you Mark & Joanne for hosting this fun night!!

Christmas in Palm Springs

view from the main hotel
Mackenzie & her cousin Megan



The hotel lobby
Noelle & sister Kris

Jake beat all of us with 4 of a kind!

view from our condo
The Browns & the Highbaughs

Griswald officially hates us!
Cosmo still has a little leftover "holiday weight".
The Christmas Chair


This Christmas we spent the week in Palm Springs with the Highbaughs, my mom, Gary & Chad Helton. My grandmother Mimi, Aunt Barb & cousin Jonathan also came up for a couple days to visit. We had an awesome time! We stayed at the Marriot Palm Dessert Resort. Our condo was right on the golf course, so not only did we have a beautiful view, but the kids were also able to skateboard along the course.

The weather was perfect - cold at night - but warm enough during the day to swim & skateboard. There was a hill right outside our condo that the kids were able to ride down. Mackenzie had a great time with her cousin Megan & Blake enjoyed hanging around with K.C & playing his new DS. Kevin, Jake & K.C. were able to play poker at the clubhouse everyday - while Kris & I relaxed in the sun or explored the resort w/ the kids.

I know you're probably wondering why we decorated a chair - and also took a picture of it. Well we had a tough time finding a Christmas tree lot in Palm Springs, so Jake decided to create the "Christmas Chair". We put all of the Christmas presents under the chair Chrismas morning. Not as good as the real thing - but still a great memory!

Anyways - we had a great time!! Enjoy the pictures.

Christmas Boat Ride

Special Thanks to Captain Ryan & his co-captain Meredith!





Last night Ryan & Meredith treated us to an awesome boat ride along the canals and bays in Long Beach. We had such a good time!! We had a great group with: Andy & Allison, Mark & Joanne, Ryan & Meredith, Jeff, and our family. We all fit comfortably in the boat & were able to enjoy hot apple cider and goodies while looking at all of the Christmas lights. Jeff brought the Christmas Vacation soundtrack - so all of the guys were quoting Griswold lines all night! The kids had a great time too - but since the boat ride was from 8pm - 10pm - they were worn out & fell asleep on the boat. Ryan & Meredith have started a wonderful tradition!!! We can't wait until next year! Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Naples Boat Parade

On Saturday night we took Blake, Mackenzie & her friend Breanna to Naples in Long Beach. Naples is this gorgeous area with multi-million dollar houses - that every year are decked out for Christmas. There are canals running in between the rows of homes with arched bridges connecting the sides. Going to Naples is one of our favorite traditions. This year we happened to go on the same day as the Belmont Shores Boat Parade. People decorate their boats for Christmas & ride along the canals as well as around the bay. It was great walking around the canals & watching the boats float by. There were so many parties going on that it was a little difficult to squeeze through the crowds - but it was totally worth it!! I wish the pictures of the lights came out - because it really is gorgeous!!

Knott's Berry Farm

On Saturday we met Andy & Allison & the Ryerson family at Knott's Berry Farm for our annual breakfast. We had such a nice time!! We normally take pictures in front of this huge Christmas tree by the entrance to the Christmas craft fair, but this year the tree wasn't there. So in our family picture, you'll have to use your imagination & think of this tall beautiful tree behind us!! We are so glad to be able to participate in this wonderful Christmas tradition again!!

Cheer Competition

This year Mackenzie's cheer squad participated in a Middle School Competition at Millikan High School. They did an awesome job & took home the 1st place trophy!!