Merry Christmas!!!

This past month and a half just flew by. Ken and I have been so busy with interviews (from the weekend before Thanksgiving to the weekend before Christmas), that we feel we were not able to participate in all the holiday festivities. I will post much more on our adventures from the West coast to the East coast, as for now, I want to wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

We had a great Christmas this year. Ken and I decided to have our own little Christmas with the girls at home. This will be our last Christmas in Peoria, IL and we wanted to celebrate in our first home.

The night before Christmas, we made homemade pizza for dinner. After the dishes were done, we sat around the tree to open our Christmas Eve presents (the usual pajamas and the Christmas Eve movie). The girls absolutely loved their pajamas courtesy of Mimi and Papa.


We put our pajamas on, read the bible story of Jesus' birth, pulled out the goodies and sat to watch "Merry Madagascar". Before bed, we put out cookies, carrots and milk for Santa and his reindeer.

Ken had to work Christmas day; however, he was able to go in an hour and a half later than scheduled so he could watch the girls open their presents. Santa was very kind to them this year. They really enjoyed their gifts and goodies from Santa, family and friends.

Katelyn didn't care about the rest of her presents. The minute she saw her Wonder Pet figurines, she was in heaven.

Tressa really wanted a dog for Christmas. I didn't want to have a real one so we ended up getting her a fur real puppy. She absolutely loves it. She takes it everywhere with her and her newborn cat.

The rest of the day was spent sitting around in our pajamas playing with every new toy. We had a nice roast dinner and was able to talk with family through Skype. It was a joyous holiday season. We want to wish everyone a

HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!!!!
From the Richards Family to You!!

Kindness begins with me!!!

Last Saturday night, Tressa wanted to go out to eat as a family at a sit down restaurant. Ken decided to try the Sterling Family Restaurant. I have to say the only thing good that came out of this was the kindness Tressa showed to an older lady.

During the meal, Tressa had found a penny on the floor. She held on to it for the rest of the meal, so excited to put in her penny jar. Next to us sat an older lady eating by herself, she kept commenting on how cute our kids were and was entertaining Katelyn (or was Katelyn entertaining her, it was a toss up). As we were waiting for the check, Tressa did and said something that I will never forget.

Tressa hands the older lady her penny. The lady asked her, "What is this for?" Tressa looked at me then her and said, "I want to pay for your dinner." The lady was very touched by this. What surprised me is that she kept the penny and on the way out, she (the lady) said to me, "I will cherish this penny forever."

I was really touched with the kindness Tressa had shown toward a complete stranger. True she doesn't quite understand the value of money, but I know that she is learning charity and the true love of Christ through her kindness and compassion towards others. Who would have thought, Tressa my little tornado.

Thank you Tressa for setting an example to me and our family.

Happy Halloween!!!!

We kicked off the night with Ken carving our pumpkin while I was in the kitchen making caramel brownies and doing Tressa's hair for her costume. Tressa wanted Ken to do a silly face, so with a marker, I did my part by outlining the pumpkin. Ken got in to get messy.

Around 6:00, crowds of trick-or-treaters started knocking at our door. Thanks to YouTube for providing the scary halloween music. This year Tressa dressed up as Sleeping Beauty. For her love of bananas, we thought it would be appropriate for Katelyn to dress up as our little monkey.

Tressa was getting anxious to start on her quest for a bucket full of candy.

Successfully, she came with a big bucket full. Katelyn came back with the same amount. We are up to our ears in sugar.

Tressa got to go trick-0r-treating with her friend, Aubrey.

The final product of our jack-o-lantern being displayed on our front porch for all to see.

We finished off the night with Papa Murphy's Pizza, drinks, breadsticks and salad. We enjoyed spending our Halloween fun with friends.

Happy Halloween!!!

My Sleeping Beauty

Today Tressa had her Halloween Party at preschool. This year she dressed up as Sleeping Beauty. She looks really cute with her dress and hair in ringlets. I have to say I was impressed with myself on how her hair turned out. I was WORRIED!!! I hope that she has a great time at her party. I want to hear all about it when she gets home.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

My New Hobby!

So, I have now started a new hobby. It is CROCHETING!!!! Last night, I went to a friend's house and she taught me how to make a headband. The one I made was a little too short for me to wear, but it fit Tressa just right. She wore it today to preschool. Here are her model shots.


Do you like?

Happy Belated 1st Birthday!!!!

Our little Katelyn turned 1 on Sept. 30th. I know I am such a slacker when it comes to blogging. On her birthday, we dropped Tressa off at preschool and then headed over to Build a Bear. She picked out her own stuffed monkey that giggles when you push down her hand. Hence the monkey's name "GIGGLES". We figured it was appropriate since Katelyn is always happy and smiling. She really does brighten up your day no matter how ornery you are.

In the evening we made homemade pizza and had cake and ice cream for dessert. She opened up her presents and immediately wanted to play with them.

Katelyn with GIGGLES!

Happy Birthday Katelyn!!!

FYI: These past couple of weeks she is doing well with her walking. It is kind of hard with her walking in socks on a hardwood floor, but she is getting better.

One Step at a Time!!!

Katelyn is going to be 1 next Wednesday. Just a week before her birthday, she is taking her first steps. She walks 5 steps at a time. I am excited that she is starting to walk (less baggage I have to carry); however, here comes another kid for me to chase and keep track of.

Congratulations Katelyn on your milestone.

Trivial Question

This is a trivial question (at least for me), here it goes:

If you could live anywhere in the U.S., where would you live?

Just curious.

The Conclusion of our Trip

The conclusion of our trip out to Utah and California. Here are the highlights:

Aug 7th:

• Aunt Joan, Donna, my Mom and I spent the afternoon at the movies, "Julie & Julia". For those of you who like Julia Child, you would love it. Meryl Streep did a fantastic job.
• Aunt Donna and I spent the evening watching little kids, while others went to a baseball game and my parents met up with one of my Dad's old friends for dinner.

Aug 8th:

• The whole family went to Huntington Beach for our Annual Clayton Reunion.
• We enjoyed visiting with family I haven't seen in a long time.
• Tressa, my Mom and Dad and I had a great time playing in or near the ocean and the sand.
• We roasted hot dogs and s'mores in the fire pit.
• We also had fun looking for and collecting seashells. I remember doing that as a child with my Mom whenever we would go to the beach.

Tressa as a mermaid.

"Shark Attack!"

Have you ever seen an octopus with seaweed hair?

Aug 9th:

• We headed home to Utah. Before we left L.A., we went to visit my brother's, Aaron, grave.
• On the way, we stopped in St. George to visit with Ken's Grandma Avery and her husband, Lorraine.
  
• They treated us to dinner at Chuck-a-Rama.

Me and my girls with Grandma Clayton.

My brother's grave site.

GiGi (Colleen's Mom)

Aug 10th:

• I spent the afternoon doing laundry and packing for our journey back home to Peoria the following day.
• In the evening, Tressa, Katelyn and I were able to go out to dinner with my good friend, Melissa, and her husband, Rhen.
• For the rest of the evening, I went with my Mom to see Harry Potter. I think that one had to be one of my favorites.

Tressa and Katelyn with Uncle Spencer.

Aug 11th:

• My Mom and I woke up early to attend the temple. What a joy it is to have a temple within five minutes of your house.
• Early afternoon, we caught our flight home.

So long, farewell. We will see you next year.

Thank you Mom and Dad for letting us stay with you and visit. We love you. We always enjoy going to Utah and seeing how much it has changed. I am looking forward to our next annual trip.

Preschool Pics

1st day of Preschool

I just dropped Tressa off to her first day of preschool. I already miss her running around causing a ruckus, oh the little things you realize you love when they are gone.

Last night I asked her what she was going to learn about in preschool. Her first response was "Jesus". I told her that she learns about Jesus in nursery, but in preschool she will learn colors, shapes, numbers, letters and the spelling of her name. She got really excited.

When I dropped her off this morning, the teachers have everyone wash their hands and then go play with the toys. Tressa fit right in. She didn't even turn around to see me go. I guess that is a blessing in disguise. I am glad that she is excited to learn and grow. I can't wait to hear how her first day went.

I will try to post pictures later. My upload photos is not working at the moment. Stay tune.

Week 3, Part 1

We arrived in California safely (of course) after traveling in the car for 10 hours. I have to admit that my daughters are gems when traveling (why not any other time?). Tressa had a great time looking out the window looking at all the scenery. She really liked looking for Joshua trees and the gorge between St. George, UT and Mesquite, NV. We were at my grandma's house just in time for her delicious spaghetti and garlic bread dinner.

My two little traveling angels.

On Aug. 5, we relaxed around the house, trying to stay cool, while waiting for the A/C repairman. My Mom and I cooked a delicious Mexican dinner for our hostesses in appreciation for letting us stay with them. Later that evening, we watched, "The Soloist" starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downy Jr. It made you appreciate what you do have in life and to enjoy it. It may have had a good message, but my aunt and I agreed that it was too slow.

Tressa and Katelyn with Great Grandma Mary.

On Aug 6, my parents and I took the girls to Disneyland. Oh my gosh!! Tressa was in heaven. We were there from 11 in the morning until it closed at midnight. Tressa did not sleep at all, she was too interested in going on all the rides and looking for princesses. Katelyn was able to sneak in an hour or two of Zzzzs. Tressa's favorite rides were: Peter Pan, It's a Small World and Finding Nemo Voyage Ride. She thought the Haunted Mansion and Snow White Scary Adventure were TOO scary.

While we walked around the park, we were trying to look for Disney characters. We were disappointed the only characters we saw was the Queen from Snow White. (I didn't find out until later that there is a special area made for the princesses and that is where you go to get autographs.) That information would have been helpful earlier that day. Oh well, we will save her autograph book for the next time we go.

Towards the end of the night, we watched Nightastic on Tom Sawyer Island and the River of America. Afterwards, there were fireworks from above the castle and Tinkerbell and Dumbo flying through the air. Tressa kept pointing them out everytime they would fly in between the trees. When the show was over, we headed over to the Tiki Room. One of our all time favorites. Tressa was able to wake up Jose at the beginning of the show. She was volunteered to go into the center of the room (with all eyes on her, what a brave girl), this was the conversation with the Tiki Room employee.

Employee: What is your name?
Tressa: Tressa (very quietly)
Employee: How old are you?
Tressa: Without saying anything, she held up 3 fingers.
Employee: You're 3!!!
Tressa: Yes (with a head nod.)
Employee: Do you know what bird is Jose?
Tressa: Nodded her head, with it being her first time, she pointed to the right bird.
Employee: Can you say "Wake up Jose?"
Tressa: Wake up Jose? Following a sprint to the seat next to me.

Good job, Tressa!!

Here are some pictures of us at Disneyland:

In front of It's a Small World.

In front of the Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Tressa with the Queen.

"It's A Small World"
Having dinner at the Village Haus in Fantasy Land.

Tressa and Katelyn on Finding Nemo ride. Katelyn loved it too.
Tressa waving the whole time during the parade.