Thanks for the workout, Dora!

So a couple of weeks ago, J and I were wandering around Target as we often do.  Expecting that the rain was coming eventually, we decided to check out the Wii games and see if there was something that we could play together (honestly I had no idea if there were appropriate games for 3 year olds).  Boy did we find something!

This game is a hoot!  We have played every day since we got it and not only are the songs and characters familiar, but the dance moves are simple enough for my youngster and yet fun and (sometimes tricky) for me!  We are both sweaty and out of breath after playing! 

Isa, Dora, and Marina- creating a party in our living room.

Chili For Dinner!

Well the rain has started!  Being on the Northern California coast is a treat, but you must not be one to freak when the weather is wet!! I have fallen in love with the rain. Now the trick is... how to allow for safe and effective ways to use up the energy of a three year old when it's pouring outside  :).

Today we went to work making a winter favorite... chili!  I put J in charge and he poured every single ingredient into the crock pot, put the top on, and with my help, turned it on.  He now has invested time and effort into this dish and will be more inclined to scarf it down (hopefully!).

For the next few days I'll showcase the fun and active things we are doing to stay sane in the winter weather.
What do you do when playtime is indoors ALL day?

Welcome 2012... Thank you and goodbye 2011.

Welcome 2012... Welcome new adventures, new friends, new ups and new downs. I am ready for another year in this crazy life. 

Always a lovely sight on the Hammond Trail

Thank you and goodbye 2011... Thank you for your experiences, for the friends I have made, and for the amazing little boy I now have filling up my heart  :).

At the Mad River Fish Hachery

We had such a blast feeding the fish and enjoying family time in the sun.

Weekend Review

The family had a wonderful weekend! The hubby had Sunday duty so our weekend was Fri-Sat.  Friday we spent at the gym and at home with a trip to the park in the evening.  We started Saturday off with a Children's Christmas party at the air station where Santa was flown in by helicopter!  J and I finished tonight off with some teamwork... a batch of Tosca Reno's Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins.  Can't wait to indulge with my morning coffee!  Have a great week everyone!

 

Q & A Sesh

Some super fun questions I snagged from a fellow redhead's blog: Redhead Memories.  

Enjoy  :)


1. What's a nickname only your family calls you?
Actually, the name I go by is technically a nickname.  "Brandi" is not my real name.  Mysterious, I know  :)

2. What's a weird habit of yours? 
I like to put one foot up on something... like on a Captain Morgan commercial... I seriously will open a lower cupboard to rest one foot on it.  The bend in my knee and hip feels so great.  Try it sometime.  
3. What's a song you secretly LOVE to blast & belt out when you're alone?
Lately, anything by Florence and the Machine, but I have always LOVED Evanescence- anything by either of those two.  Frankly though, I'm more of a dancer than a "belter"  
4. What's one of your biggest pet peeves?
Oh I have many.  One of the worst is chewing with your mouth open. Gross.
5. What's one of your nervous habits?
clenching my teeth... it seriously makes my jaw tired
6. What side of the bed do you sleep on?
the right, if you're laying down, facing up... yeah, the right side.
7. What was your first stuffed animal & it's name?
Hm... not sure what the first one was, but I have always been in love with my Muffy bear.  All the outfits and accessories!!  
8. What's the drink you ALWAYS order at Starbucks?
black coffee... little calories, no sugar :) 
9. What's the beauty rule you preach.. but never ACTUALLY practice?
don't shower in super hot water... but I LOVE it!
10. Which way do you face in the shower?
mainly towards the back (away from the water). 
11. Do you have any 'weird' body 'skills'?
years of gymnastics have helped me stay pretty flexible, but that's mainly it.  
12. What's your favorite 'comfort food'/food thats 'bad' but you love to eat it anyways?
Mmmm Movie Theater Popcorn!
13. What's a phrase or exclamation you always say? 
"That's AWESOME!!"
14. Time to sleep - what are you wearing?
not answering that  :)

Weekend Re-cap

Here are a few scenes from our weekend.  The weather has been amazing up here on the north coast with blue skies and sunshine.  It's hard to believe it's December!

I went for an amazing ride Sunday afternoon...  the farm roads around here are a great way to clear the head.  

Ah Celebration  :)  Check out The Elf on Shelf hangin' out on the tree in the background.

Merry Christmas  :)

Guess who showed up!!  The Potty Pirate!
J has been really into going potty in the toilet so we're rollin' with it!

November 30th

I am thankful for...

Today

J and I had an amazing day! Running errands all around town with a trip to the Zoo nuzzled right in the middle!  Wednesday is half-price day at The Sequoia Park Zoo and my little guy has been begging to go and ride on the tractor they have in "The Barnyard."  The red panda is adorable as are the Spider Monkeys and the Tamarins! What a gem in the heart of Eureka! We may make this a weekly trip :)