"Action Jackson Visits Santa"

We were lucky enough for Matt to have a day off of work last week (something that never happens!) and so we made it a family Christmas extravaganza and all went to Disneyland for the day! It was crazy busy, but so much fun! We visited Disneyland and California Adventure and both places were decked for Christmas. Small World was totally transformed, which was exciting for Jackson and I since we frequent Disneyland every 3-5 weeks.

This Christmas has been especially memorable for our family since we are putting a tree up in our own home for the first time in three years! Jackson is at that age where everything excites him about the holidays and he makes everything even more joyful. He has taught himself all the words to Jingle Bells (Tinkle Bells when he sings it...) and Rudolph as well as all the songs from Curious George's Merry Christmas special. He loves looking for "God's Baby Jesus" in all of the nativity scenes that are set up for the holiday. It's amazing how much fun two can be!

Last year we visited Santa and had a total meltdown from Jackson as he was asked to sit on a strangers lap with a beard and crazy red suit. This year he marched right up to the big guy and gave him a hug and then said, "I good! I obey! I need toys!" This guy is getting the feel for this whole Christmas thing for sure.

I hope your Holidays are going well!

My Little Athlete

Jackson had his first soccer practice with his new team, The Hot Shots. It's through the YMCA and is the first step to providing structured and guided play. Excuse the rough cinematography, but it ended up being a lot more "hands-on" than I was expecting. I'm not complaining, it was a blast! Hope this provides as much laughter for you as it did for me!

-Nicole

October Update

October was a busy and crazy month for Team Rife! Matt has spent the better part of the month underway, serving our nation :). I turned 30 years old on October 6th! A milestone for sure. Since Matt was gone, Jackson and decided to "leave on a jetplane" and head up to Seattle for a couple of weeks. We had a lovely time visiting with some family and friends, and then my mom came back with us for two weeks in San Diego. My dad was able to fly down for Halloween weekend which was an extremely fun time! Jackson spent the better part of the month dressed up as Buzz Lightyear, which makes me feel like we got our money's worth out of the costume :) Jackson, Nama and I were able to make a trip to the San Diego Zoo, a trip to Sea World and a trip to Disnyland/California Adventure! I am providing the link for October and the first part of November on snapfish.com so that you all can see the pictures of our time together. It's true that a picture is worth a thousand words, and definitely tells more of a story than I could ever do justice to. I will be sure to try and keep this updated more so during November, as we have plans to see some of the Dime Family in Palm Springs over Thanksgiving, not to mention the reunion Jackson and I are anxiously awaiting for Matt's arrival home. He is greatly missed. This is the longest time Jackson has been away from his Daddy before and he is definitely showing signs of reacting.

We hope everyone is well!

Wish Love,

The Rife Family

Link for October Album (copy and paste into your browser if it doesn't automatically link)

http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5080497009/a=58660421_58660421/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

Link for Disneyland Trip, November 1st:

http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5176476009/a=58660421_58660421/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

Jackson & Boe (Robin and Optimus Prime)

Blowing Out My Candles

Buzz and his BaPa

Buzz and his Uncle Chad

Celebrated my 30th with some of my best friends since 6th grade. Jeni, Me, Caitlin & Amy

Each Day Brings New Experiences

Today marked an eventful day. It will probably seem silly to most of you, and those of you without children will have a tough time figuring out why I mention this at all, but today was a big day for Jackson and I.

So... this morning, Jackson got on the big boy swing next to me on my own swing! He held on for twenty minutes while I continued make him "Go more high!" It was such a fun morning with just me and my boy. There weren't two happier people in all of Eastlake. I hope all of you had an equally lovely Thursday. XOXOXO

The Month of May Was Good to Us

May was busy and exciting at our home. Jackson turned two-years-old and so Nama Paula & BaPa Lar came down to San Diego to celebrate. As a bonus treat, Uncle Josh, Aunt Nette and Boe came too! We got to celebrate Jackson's birthday with a big party in the park and Mother's Day dinner at our house that same evening.

We all made the drive out to Disneyland one morning- so fun!

BaPa, Jackson & Boe at Small World

Jackson and Daddy on the Nemo Submarine Ride

Seeing Mickey Mouse never seems to get old.

Jackson didn't fell asleep on his Nama Paula during the Haunted House in Disneyland.

We also made a trip out to Legoland while everyone was here. Boe and Jackson had a blast playing together.

These two rode the Duplo Lego Train over and over!

They had a water part to play in- the boys were in heaven!

Jackson and BaPa on the Wild Safari Legoland Ride

Lego-Lion

BaPa took Boe and Jackson on the Lego Boat ride and later told us that it was the longest twenty minutes of his life. The boys are actually steering this boat and they kept turning around and getting stuck against the wall. I was laughing the whole time.

BaPa reading a bedtime story to Jackson.

Good morning Birthday Boy!

Boe helped Jackson learn how to open his birthday presents- thanks Boe!

Mommy & Daddy got Jackson an outfit to cook in his new kitchen from Nama & Bapa. Jackson kept running around saying, "Ratatouille!"

The kids all "decorated" pretend cupcakes by Melissa & Doug Toys.

We went to Noah's birthday party two weeks later and Jackson was very confused why he couldn't open these presents. We tried to explain to him that it's not always "Jackson's Birthday".

Happy Birthday Noah!

It was definitely another blessed month for The Rifes!

San Diego = Finally Home

Mommy & Jackson

Father's Day Morning with Daddy

We have made San Diego home! It was only a matter of time, but thanks to our new church we have made friends who have become our family here. I joined a Mom's Group that Jackson and I go to on Wednesday mornings and we both joined a Married Couples Group that we go to on Sunday nights.

Last week my dear friend Kalee came from Seattle to visit

and she brought her sweet little Noelle with her. It was interesting watching Jackson learn to share his toys and time with a little one... he's still got some room to grow :) We went to the San Diego Wild Animal Park, Sea World and Old Town, not to mention to the days spent swimming in our community pool.

Jackson, Me, Kalee & Noelle

Beautiful Noey & Kalee

Jackson making faces at Noelle

Jackson and Noelle didn't even make it out of the parking lot after a long day at Sea World

Jackson is now jumping into the pool without anyone catching him! He loves to swim for hours with his little orange swimming floaties. We call him our little fish and he laughs and says, "Like Nemo!"

Besos = Kisses

This week a friend of mine from Chicago happened to be visiting San Diego and she made time in her schedule to visit with Jackson and I. We went to the San Diego Zoo and then to Old Town for authentic Mexican cuisine and margaritas :) Yummmm! Lindsey and Keith were the perfect tourists and made it a very fun week. We were lucky to have Mary's visit overlap theirs a little bit and we all got to enjoy one anothers company for one day.

Jackson and Lindsey at the Jaguar exhibit at the San Diego Zoo

Jackson, Nana Mary & Me in Old Town, San Diego

Lindsey & Keith in Old Town

Family Picture on Naval Station San Diego

We even went down to the base to see a few of the ships and Matt gave us the Chief's Tour.

Jackson got to see the Naval Station Fire Department and sit in their fire truck (his newest obsession is fire trucks!) It was a dream come true for this two year old.

We got a chance to head to the beach on Coronado Island this weekend with Nana Mary and our Espinoza Family. Matt got us onto the Naval Base and we were lucky to be able to use that beach. It was a little cloudy for what we're used to, but that doesn't mean we couldn't play in the sand all day!

Ella, Noah and Jackson

Gabe and Matt built a sandcastle... for the kids. Sure.

We tried the water a little, but Jackson was knocked down once and that was enough to drive him to the arms of his Nana Mary. She didn't seem to mind...

Getting warm in Nana Mary's arms

Saturday night we went to church and then out to dinner at a spot we hadn't tried before called "Smokin' Pete's BBQ". It was yummy!

Jackson and his Nana Mary

Out to dinner

Still got it.... :)

Jackson and I are making the trip up to Seattle next month. We can't wait to see many of you. You know how busy our time is when we're home, and we're sharing it between grandparents, Mukilteo and Kirkland and a week in Sun River, OR as well. I hope to post more in the next week.

Hugs to everyone!

-Nicole