Speaking of Ice Cream...

Parker's Birthday is coming up quickly and we been brainstorming on what to do for his birthday. He did not have a party last year and he really wants to have one this year.
We remembered that a new Farrell's opened up and thought let's go scout it out and maybe we will have his birthday there this year..plus it gave us a reason to go check out Farrells and relive our childhood memories.

For those of you that don't know what Farrells is here is a briefing...Farrells is a Old Timey Ice Cream Parlour that back in the day was like Chuck E Cheese before there was a Chuck E Cheese.
It was full of wacky-ness and was quite the hot Birthday party place for kids but they all pretty much closed down in the 80's.

Anyway the new one was a great recreation of the old Farrell's

We drove quite a bit aways to get here and there was a INSANE large line just to get in. It was like waiting in line for a amusement park ride. We waited for an hour and a half to get in..the thing that really sucks is that you really have to wait in line..they don't have those buzzers like most restaurants do. When we left at 8pm from eating there I went to see if there was still a huge line and YEP..there sure was..here is a picture..(not so great these pictures.. had to use my camera phone)..The line goes all the way through the food court in the mall.
Once we got in it was time to indulge in some ICE CREAM! Gabe ordered a Mint Ice Cream Sodae said it used to be his favorite and it was still just as good as he remembered

Ava was loving everyone's Cherries

She kept trying to grab my spoon and eat my Gold Digger Sundae..I put it in front of her to see what she would do.

She stole my Cherry!!!

Yeah I think he likes it!

Parker had chicken strips and fries with a chocolate shakeMMMM...I love Vanilla cokes!!

Gabe took Parker to look at the guys making all the ice cream sundaes

This is where the magic happens

After we finished up we went over to the Candy and Gift shopThis Sucker was HUGE and HEAVY!!

Parker could not decide what he wanted

Ava was wanting that HUGE Jaw Breaker..Ummm maybe when your older..

We grabbed a couple of candy's for the ride home.

Anyway I think we are going to pass on having Parker's Birthday there. The line was just too long and the space is very small. We had a great time and will be back sometime I'm sure. I really hope they open some more up...maybe Huntington Beach or Long Beach..preferably

Cherry on Top..I Love You

So during my vacation I had to make a couple of trips to my new favorite spot Cherry on Top to quench my sweet tooth.
Cherry on top is a Frozen Yogurt shop where you can customize your own frozen treat.
First when you walk in this very colorful establishment you grab your size cup then go over to the wall of assorted Yogurt flavors. I like to mix mine up. I usually get Raspberry, Plain and Cake Batter flavors, then you walk over to the toppings bar where you add the toppings to your liking. I usually like the mini gummi bears and Yogurt chips. They also have fresh fruit and other fun little toppings. Once your done fixing up your frozen yogurt they weigh it and then that's it.
I love it too cause it is Cheap Cheap Cheap!
I got a medium size cup with 4 different flavors and two toppings and let Parker make a small cup with his toppings and the total was only 8.50!!
That is like one medium cup at PinkBerry!
I am a big fan of Pink Berry but I have to say I think I like Cherry on Top more.
I think I may have to go Friday night and treat myself to a BIG FAT FROZEN YOGURT to take away my busy work week stresses!

It's Christmas time

So Christmas was very nice for us this year. It started off early early in the morning with the kids coming in our bed to show us what they got in their stockings and then waking us up to see what Santa left us! We come into a room with a empty plate where the cookies were left and beautiful Gold gifts!!
Santa got Parker another Godzilla toy for his collection that he has been asking for

Ava was still enjoying her Stocking goodies of cheese and crackers and all kinds of toys that twinkle and make all different noises

Ava got a Singing pink rocking horse too that has a WAY to catching tune...I think Mom and Dad and uncle Alex were singing it all Christmas day. Ava also got a cute Pink Tricycle that looks like a scooter. We didn't asse,ble it yet cause it just looks to big for her still. I think her rocking horse will do just fine!

I got a Wii for Christmas!! Gonna loose a lot of weight hopefully with the Wii Fit!!!

Since Parker had almost a perfect report card he got something a little extra special...an electric Razor Scooter..(.it goes WAY faster then expected)

Gabe Clause

I don't know what people must have thought seeing a Skateboarding Santa Clause early in the morning

After I got the kids bathed and dressed...soon arriving was the rest of the family...one last picture of my dying Christmas tree (which we threw out the next day)

Don't know what it is with Kids and Boxes.

Little Alexis opening her present and Parker waiting for another one.

Logan had enough with wearing pants..so he took them off...

My brother loves Egg Nog..He likes booze too....So why not both?

My brothers Girlfriend Jessica got some good gifts too.

Gabe got lots of Ben Sherman Sweaters, Fred Perry's and new Vans and much more..he was happy

Grandpa helping Ava open her gifts..she was in to it for about 10 minutes then she could care less about opening presents...

She rather just play with her cousins

My mom and my brothers Ex Jessica..they got some good stuff too.

My dad and his uncle and my brother...I should have gotten Parker and Logan in this picture.

After we opened presents, we had some drinks and cookies and dinner and sat around awhile and talked and played with our new gifts. I got some great items..got a Wii and some wii games, a diamond necklace from the hubby, money, tons of accessories, clothes, books and some other cool items.

Once after most of the family went home and the kids went to bed we had to get the wii hooked up. My brother and Jess stayed and hung out with us and then some of our friends came over later after they were back home from celebrating with their families. We all did a gift exchange and drank Egg Nog and brandy.

We all played some boxing and bowling and tennis on the wii...it's a good work out...Gabe and my brother were really crazy with the boxing.

It was a very nice Christmas.

Cookies for Santa

Well I am back from my vacation. it's kinda strange to have no computer access for 11days! I regret to inform you all ..I didn't really miss it much..well besides missing my blogging of course.
Anyways Here are some photos I took during xmas vacation..

Christmas Eve Gabe had to work so Parker and I decorated cookies for Santa while we watched Home alone. Parker was pretty gung ho about decorating cookies..I told him he had to wear a Santa hat while making cookies
Here is one of the MANY cookies I decorated

Parker making a tree cookie

Parker did like 5 cookies

I did the rest..I guess decorating cookies was more work then fun for Parker

Ava woke up from a afternoon nap..she was our taste tester..she liked them alot

It was a pretty mellow yet festive evening. The cookies tasted great!

2009 I bid you Adieu...

Well after today I will be on vacation for 11 glorious days. I haven't taken a long vacation since maternity leave! The only downfall is I will have no computer so this will be my last blog until January 4th.
For my vacation I am really gonna tidy up around the house and throw out a ton of junk. We are getting a new couch ( well it's really a new used couch from Sean since he is moving in with his Girlfriend). That will make a big difference in my household...I can't remember the last time I got a new couch...I think Parker was 2! I would really also like to move Ava in Parker's room..i don't see that happening just yet though...
Christmas should be fun. I am having the family over as usual. We are making a roast for dinner and I am going to attempt making Tamales tomorrow while Gabe most likely finishes up his last minute shopping just as every year.
We normally celebrate Christmas Eve with Gabe's family but this year he has to work so we will be missing it.
New Years Eve Gabe has to work as well. I don't typically like to go out on New Years Eve but this year the kids and I are going to my uncles and Kirsten for a fun theme Pajama Party and Game night New Years Eve. I have some pretty fun board games to bring..maybe we can also rock out some Beatles rockband!
My new years resolution this year is to LOSE WEIGHT! I should stop smoking too..even though I really only smoke when I drink..and when people at work take smoke breaks I join them. I also want to be more girly and glamorous..I am talking wearing more dresses and heels on a regular occasion. I miss the old flare of the 50's when women were really proper with their looks. I am gonna try and bring it back! It will be hard to do considering kids,and that I work for a Motorcycle company. My next goal is to get some more scrapbooking done! Kirsten and I talked about this last Saturday..we just need to do it. It looks like between the Gym and Scrapbooking nights I am going to have a busy 2010!
Happy holidays everyone!
Have a Safe New Years!
Iris

On the road to my goal

So today I signed up for a 7day free pass to 24 hour fitness. I am finally joining the GYM!!
I been at home exercising and the reason why I never signed up sooner was cause I had no one to watch the kids. For some reason I was thinking I could not take Ava there to be watched until she was potty trained but I see all she has to be is over 6 months! Now that I know that the location near me has a kid club I am so going to the Gym.

I hope to drop 20 lbs at least for 2010. I would love to lose it before my Vegas trip in February ..maybe with a strict diet and constant exercising I will reach my goal!

I think the thing that is great is a couple of my friends also go to this gym and we can all support each other.

I start Monday since I will be on vacation for 11 days!!! Wish me luck!

A Henry Christmas

Saturday was the what is now been named the California Christmas for the Henry family. We went to celebrate Xmas with my uncle and Kirsten and Kelsey and John Jr since they go to Boston every year for Xmas. Kirsten made a nice dinner for everyone and had lots of wine and holiday treats.



The kids played outside until dusk. Pictured here is Taylor (neighbor girl) John Jr. Parker and Kelsey.

I tried to get this shot again with Ava in it but all she wanted to do was play with the big blow up snowman,penguin and Santa in the yard.

Ahh now that's a nice pillow

Kelsey was having fun rubbing her head in the snowman and the static was making her hair stand up.

It was getting Dusk and my uncle wanted to give me my gift from them before it got dark..I had no idea what to expect..they all of a sudden were telling me to close my eyes. This is the picture Gabe took of me to see my face expression.

My uncle bought me a Vintage bike and restored it. These pictures do it no justice..It is so awesome!. The cool vintage headlight and the little tank on it has a electric horn. It is so unbelievably awesome!..Time to take it for a spin...

I love the back rack on it and the mud flap too!! I totally feel like Pee Wee now. I told everyone I am going to be just like him when it comes to the bike..Good Morning...I'm Hereeeeeeee.

Then it was time to come in and eat and open presents

Parker got some good gifts..he got a keyboard,a magic set, magic crystals and a spy set.

John and Kirsten got Gabe a GPS!! I can't wait to use it. Ever since I took my company truck out to pick up and scooter for them and used the GPS inside of it Gabe and I been both talking about how great it would be to own one..Now He does!

All the kids were having a field day opening gifts. Ava got some good stuff too..she got a baby doll, a cute outfits and a Fisher price Play Set that she just loves!

After all the present opening it was time for everyone to just relax..The kids played with their new items..Logan however still could not get enough with playing with the ornaments on the tree.

My brother thought it would be fun to dive in the piles of wrappers

Kirsten had a wonderful tray of treats.

Parker doing some magic tricks with his new kit

Alexis got hold of one of the mini chocolate cupcakes

Logan was fine with his milk

Chocolate Overload!!!!!!!!!!!

Ava was content with just playing with toys

Gabe was not feeling to well all week and he was really tired so it was time to leave the aftermath!!....Good night everyone...Happy Holidays!!