Christmas from the Pulhams

 Here is our Christmas card, for all those that didn't get one this year.

 This year we had a great Christmas. Nick's folks came up from Philadelphia.We played board games.

We celebrated Nick's birthday. In actuality we went to a great hibachi place, and this cake is the after party.

 On Christmas eve we always celebrate with a big dinner, reminiscent of Thanksgiving. Despite my mad cooking skills, Nick kicked me out of the kitchen and barred me while making the whole dinner himself. He wouldn't even let me take pictures! I did manage to sneak one photo of the apple pie before it got cooked. He has skills! Everything was so yummy!

Then Christmas morning after reading Luke 2, we opened presents. This is how most of the day looked.

This is how Christmas is meant to be celebrated, with family, smiles, and fun.

 Never have I seen a girl so excited to get a sweater. (There were animal crackers too!)

 Jack cleaned up well. Look at that line! Why do little boys always have to line up their cars?

Thanksgiving in Philly

 I am long overdue for a Thanksgiving post. I know it is a bit late, but better late than never right? First off I want to say how grateful I am for family. I have been so blessed to have the best family ever! This Thanksgiving we drove down to Philadelphia and spent a few days hanging out, eating, and exploring.

 Here we are in the middle of the city hall. (First time ever that a random stranger took a decent shot)

We took a trip to the Please Touch Museum. (Children's museum) The kids all loved it. They had this grocery store that was ultra cute that they could have stayed in all day.

Lastly we spent some time with this guy. Jack was not so sure about him, but at least he didn't cry.

Then we went home and got a Christmas tree, and decorated it.

We finally got enough snow to really play, so we built a snowman. That was fun.

Lastly, we got our gingerbread house from Jim! He sends a a gingerbread house every year (so sweet, literally!).

Birthday boy

 Jack was a sweet and handsome baby.

 Two years later he is still sweet, and still handsome.

 We went out for a birthday dinner.

 Followed by cake. Excuse my horrible cake. Apparently you CAN mess up box cake.

 He didn't mind.

I think I write a lot about the girls and how wonderful they are, and maybe I shouldn't crash Jack's birthday post with stuff about the girls, but this picture is just so cute that I had to post it. It could be that it is because Jack is getting older, or maybe it is that Ali is getting older, but these two have become inseparable. When Ali gets off the bus, he runs up to her with his arms wide open for hugs. She carries him on her back constantly, just for fun. And she is always reading to him. Kat still loves Jack too, but her affection tends to lead to tears. Looking at this picture just reminds me that I am lucky.

Halloween 2013

My little zoo

 Cutest monkey ever.

We carved pumpkins. This picture just has so much going on that I had to post it. In case anyone is feeling sad for Jack, just know that he is crying because I put the monkey hood up when he wanted it down.

 I love the East Coast autumns, and even when it is night the colors of fall are still beautiful.

 I got so many compliments on these girls' costumes. For the record, Abuelita got them for the girls (thank you!). Aren't they just so beautiful (the costumes AND the girls)? While trick-or-treating someone told me that I specifically need to take a picture of their backs since the costume is so glittery from behind.

Fall fast approaching

Fall is my favorite time of the year. It is beautiful and the temperature is cool but not cold. Here on the East coast it is especially beautiful with the leaves changing. Plus who doesn't love a pair of boots.

Not sure why they are curtsying.

There is a short drive to a hill overlooking our city.

Even if all the leaves haven't changed yet, it is still very beautiful.

Any rocks of this size beg to be climbed.

There was also a fall festival in our little town. It was cute. They had a hay bale maze,

a police motorcycle,

animals and face painting.

Another favorite part of fall is Halloween. I will for sure do a separate post about Halloween, but for now...

a little sneak peak. Isn't he just beautiful?

My baby brother, Sam got married! Congrats! Abuelita came and watched all three of my kids so that I could fly out to California and see him get married. It was a beautiful and very fun wedding, so, of course, I have no pictures.

Last picture, I promise. This little boy is getting so big! He barely fits in his crib anymore. He doesn't climb out yet, so I want to keep him here as long as possible. I hope he starts sleeping curled up.

September

 It has taken me awhile to post, but September seemed to just fly by quickly. Even with school starting, things have actually been very chill. It is pretty much just Jack and me hanging out all day. Kat has full day kindergarten, so Ali and Kat get home at the same time and once they get home Jack (and the girls) go crazy.

Here is a picture of our house, and, of course, my three cuties on the porch

Ali found that it is fun to carry her sister on her shoulders in our front yard.

The gloves signify the beginning of fall. So does the brown grass, despite our neighbor with the beautiful lawn. In fairness he is a landscaper (landscape engineer?) I will post some leaves changing pictures in a few weeks.

Kat and Ali started ballet. Since I always forget my camera at the class I took a picture with my little ballerina at home. She is so silly.

Well, they are all super silly.

For Ali, starting school has been awesome. She quickly made a friend who lives close by, and rides the same bus route. First time playing scrabble.

Since Jack and I get to spend all day together, we do get to do some fun things. Last week we went apple picking. He is not a fan of the outdoors (Manhattan Beach was not abundant in raw land) so he did not want to touch any of the trees, or apples... or the grass... or the dirt. Perhaps had there been some sand and waves...

Once I picked an apple for him, and wiped it off, he was willing to eat it. They were yummy.

Despite not liking the outdoors, this tractor was a HUGE hit!

First day of school

 My second grader and Kindergartener

 

 New backpacks (Jack wanted to stand with them)

 

 Waiting for the bus

Bus taking too long, so silliness ensues.

When bus pulled up they were gone. :( They grow up so fast.