Over Christmas break, Daddy suggested to go on a road trip to Reno for the girls to play in the snow. Mommy was hesitant of the long car ride. Generally Bella does not like the car seat. Surprisingly on the way up, she did well except the last 20 minutes. She cried non stop. On the way home she was feeling sick and extremely cranky. On the way to Reno, we stopped off at Soda Springs which had a snow park for kids. We arrived 20 minutes before closing, so the kids were not able to partake in the activities. However, the girls dressed up in their snow gear and experienced snow for the first time.
Bella made her first snow angel.
Mason, Sam, and Khloe were in Reno too. The first night everyone got together for dinner. Po Po came along since she missed the girls when she was gone for Christmas. Gung Gung was sick and didn't come.
The next day Auntie Ann found a visitors center that had mini slopes which was perfect for the kids. Katelyn loved going sledding. She yelled, "Again!" in this video.
Bella tried sledding too.
Katelyn was such a nice big sister and pulled Bella on the sled. In the video, she asked if Bella was doing ok. Bella replied, "fun!"
Bella loved sitting on the sled with her older sister and being pulled by Po Po.
Khloe looked so cute all bundled up in her snow gear.
McKenna, Rylan and Nathan were in Tahoe and joined the group for dinner. Afterwards the girls headed to Circus Circus with them to play games and watch the circus acts.
Bella even let McKenna hold her.
Later that night, Josh and Christian arrived at the hotel. The girls got to stay up past their bed time to hang out with them.
The next morning the girls were happy to see Christian and Josh again. This time for breakfast.
After breakfast, they went to the indoor play area inside the hotel. They had big slides and jumpy houses. Christian and Josh worked up a sweat trying to keep up with the girls. They were such good babysitters!
Christmas Eve was spent at Auntie Caroline & Uncle Vu's house. The kids were spoiled with many presents.
Mommy caught Bella singing the tail end of Jingle Bells.
Since we didn't have time to bake Santa cookies, Katelyn left Santa a piece of pumpkin pie instead, along with a cup of milk and carrots for his reindeers. Katelyn made Santa a card to wish him a Merry Christmas. She drew a picture of him with his bag full of presents.
Christmas morning, Mommy & Daddy opened the homemade gifts the girls made at school. Katelyn made an ornament for the tree and Bella made a canvas painting.
Katelyn got a book for a present and wanted to share with her sister.
The girls got dressed up in matching outfits before heading to Uncle Albert & Auntie Lety's house.
The annual group picture from Mommy's side of the family. Po Po & Gung Gung were missing. They went to Bali, Indonesia and Hong Kong for their 40th anniversary.
The next day, the girls got together at Auntie Lilian & Uncle Dan's house for a gift exchange and dinner. There were 4 light sabers for all the kids to play with. Excuse the blurriness.
After dinner, Auntie Lilian played her keyboard and the kids sang, We wish you a Merry Christmas and Jingle Bells.
Two weekends ago, Auntie Stef and Uncle Jason were supposed to come over to pick up the rocking chair for baby Preston who was due to come the second week of January. That morning at 4:00 am, Mommy got a text from Auntie Stef saying her water broke and sorry she could not come over anymore. Baby Preston arrived later that afternoon. Daddy, Mommy and Bella visited the cutie the next day.
Bella was really intrigued and wanted to touch the baby's fingers and head.
Katelyn didn't go to the hospital because Uncle Derek and Auntie Gabby took her to see her first movie, The Good Dinosaur. They have been asking to take Katelyn out for special bonding time.
After the movie, they went to eat ramen. Auntie Gabby made up a game with chopsticks while they waited for their food.
Auntie Gabby and Uncle Derek, thanks for spending time with Katelyn! When Katelyn got home, she was so excited to tell Mommy and Daddy everything she did. She had the best time!
Bella, Daddy and Mommy went out to dinner as well. It's so different just having one kid, Daddy said!
Auntie Becca and Uncle Ken hosted a holiday get together. The two and under club sat in their portable chairs for lunch.
Mason was the man of the hour. He was surrounded by all the girls.
Here's Auntie Christine plus 8!
Later that evening, the girls went to Auntie Diane's house to celebrate Uncle Manchuek's birthday. Auntie Michelle and Uncle Will made delicious cioppino!
Uncle Manchuek let all the kids blow out the candles on his cake.
Katelyn earned a sticker in swimming class for her up faces.
Katelyn has been asking to go back to Disneyland. Mommy and Daddy
decided to surprise the girls to a trip the morning of. Here is
Katelyn's reaction when Mommy told her the news. She was extremely
excited and it was sweet of her to want to share the news with her
little sister!
Bella still flies free for one more month. We lucked out and the plane was not full, so she got her own seat again.
Katelyn
checked in at the kid's booth at the hotel. She wrote her name, what
city she was from and who her favorite Disney character was and had to
draw a picture of the character. She picked Jasmine.
Since it was the 60th anniversary, a picture with the sign was necessary.
It's
been awhile since Mommy and Daddy have gone to Disneyland during the
holidays. They were both in awe of the beautiful Christmas decorations.
The first ride we all went on was Small World which had stunning
lights.
Posing with the festive Mater.
Po Po accompanied us on the trip. It's always nice to have her around!
Throughout the trip, the girls stood in line to take pictures with different Disney characters like Tinker Bell.
Sophia, the princess.
Katelyn
waited close to an hour for Mickey and Minnie. Bella stayed in the
stroller the whole time. She was afraid of getting up close. Majority
of the trip, Bella did not want to sit in her stroller. Mommy got a
good arm work out holding her. She would want to walk, but it was
crowded at times.
Bella
was scared to take pictures with most of the Disney characters
especially Olaf. She much more preferred the stuff animal version.
However, she took a picture with Goofy even though she was skeptical.
Katelyn
loved having breakfast with the princesses last year, so we decided to
go again this year. Bella was excited too and knew some of the names of the
princesses.
Katelyn's
face lighted up when she saw Jasmine. The funny thing is, she has never seen the movie, Aladdin and only knows Jasmine from her books.
The
girls of course had to see Anna and Elsa too. It was nice this year,
the girls didn't have to wait over an hour to see them. Anna and Elsa
now have their own house called the Royal Welcome. The girls watched the Frozen Sing Along show as well. Katelyn sang the songs at the top of her lungs.
The girls visited Olaf's Snow Fest in California Adventures. There was indoor sledding. Bella was too young to go on a sled. Katelyn loved it!
Even though the girls tend to fight over toys, they love being around each other. They were making each other laugh in the hotel.
While the girls napped, Daddy checked out Star Wars Launh Bay and took a selfie with Yoda.
On the trip, Auntie Sum and Harper were at Disneyland at the same time.
Auntie Jill, Millie, Uncle Mike and Auntie Gail were there as well. Everyone
rode the Winnie Pooh ride together and got a group shot.
Bella's favorite rides were Dumbo and the Little Mermaid.
We
watched the World of Color Show, fireworks and Christmas parade a few
times on the trip. Katelyn never got tired of it. Disneyland is truly
a magical place and we can't wait to come back!
The girls were excited to help decorate the tree. Bella carried in the box of ornaments.
Katelyn wanted to show Mommy and Daddy, she got all the hooks on the ornaments herself.
Bella put up the ornaments this year instead of pulling them off the tree.
Katelyn climbed on a chair to hang the ornaments as high as she could.
Katelyn was invited to her classmate, Noelia's party at the American Girl store in Palo Alto. It was quite an experience. Mommy was invited as well. First everyone ordered an appetizer and entree from the menu. Girls could bring their American doll to the party, but since Katelyn didn't have one, the store always has extras to borrow. The dolls sit in the high chair during the party. The girls had arts and crafts and games while waiting for their food.
The night ended with a birthday song and cake. Happy birthday, Noelia!
