Knott's Merry Farm 2011

We did our annual Firefighter's day at Knott's Berry Farm yesterday. We where joined by Jim's sister Sharon and husband Philip, Thomas's cousin Emerson and Philips Brother and Sister.
Thomas had a good time even though his favorite ride (The Red Baron) was closed for the day. Here are some pictures of the day.

Huff and Puff Coo Choo

Merry Go-Round

Charlie Brown Christmas Parade

NASCAR Thomas style

Snoopy

Woodstocks Airmail

Truck Driver Thomas

Can't tell if we are on Santa's Naughty or Nice list!

Santa in Ramona 2011

The 2011 North Pole Limited Christmas Train

Last Saturday a part of Thomas's Birthday celebration, we took a ride on a train to the North Pole and picked up Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause.  The 2 hour ride was hosted by Santa's Elves who sang Christmas carols and served hot chocolate and cookies.  They also read the Polar Express story to the kids.  We where frequently visited by hobo's who wanted train tickets or invite us to their camp for some coffee filtered through their socks (yuck!).

Christmas 2011

Dear Friends & Family,

Our 2011 year has been filled with so many memorable moments, both sad and happy. Trish is enjoying every moment of being a stay-at-home-mom. Thomas likes to play with his cousins, Luke, Mary, other friends at the park. Thomas loves to play with his friends at Sunday School, too. We also like to go to Grandma & Papa's to ride his bike, run and play outside. Thomas loves to help his Papa in the garden. Papa has a really green thumb and has a garden that grows some of the most delicious and biggest veggies, too. Thomas loves to eat the corn right when we pick it and the cucumbers right off the plants. We celebrated our 14th Anniversary this year. Can't believe how fast that's gone by!!

Fire season was a little busy for Jim this year. He fought fires in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and California. It's so nice to have modern technology, because we were able to SKYPE with him almost every day. We use a lot of days off to go to Seaworld, the Wild Animal Park, Zoo, swim or go to the local park to play and spend time together. It's also fun to meet up with cousin Emerson and Aunt Sharon at the Wild Animal Park and Zoo, to play. Our adoption of Thomas James Huston was finalized in August and we enjoyed having friends and family at our party to celebrate with us. This fall, we were able to witness some miracles that God is capable of doing. We found out we were pregnant, which we were told couldn't happen. Shortly after finding out that happy news, we had a miscarriage. Even in the midst of sadness, there is reason to be filled with joy!!

We had a nice, quiet Thanksgiving with family. Thomas turned 3 this year. He's really grown a lot. Even though he's only 3, he acts and thinks like a 4 year old. We will be meeting with our Social Worker after Christmas, to put our names back on the list to adopt a brother for Thomas. Because our family is still growing, we decided to trade in the car and get a van......welcome to family living. This month we have so much planned. We are going to ride the Polar Express train in Campo, tomorrow. Monday we head to Knotts Berry Farm with Thomas' cousins. Then we get to spend time visiting lots of family members at different parties and such.

We are so excited to see what God has in store for us as we begin the New Year. Our blog has other posts to read more about what our year has been like. We pray that you have a very Merry Christmas and a safe & healthy New Year, too.

~~ Jim, Trish & Thomas ~~

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gifts.
2 Corinthians 9:15

Happy Birthday Thomas!

Today we celebrated Thomas's 3rd birthday with his cousins.  Thanks to Zandra for the awesome cake.

Look who's 3

Three years ago, today we got to celebrate Thomas's 1st Birthday. Can't believe how little he was. Guess you could say he's gone through a growth spurt.

1st Birthday

2nd Birthday

3rd Birthday

"I would eat them Here or There, Say! I will eat them ANYWHERE!"

I do so like green eggs and Ham!  Thank you! Thank you! Sam-I-Am!

A little Dr. Seuss breakfast this morning.