Friday Dec 25th Christmas

Merry Christmas!! It was a great day. 

Link hugging Harper. He loves his cousin so much. I love that he's so gentle with her. 

Ella got a Nitendo 3DS and a cool wooden dog that Cam made for her. 

Lisey got a drum from Santa that she was super excited about. 

It was an amazing day! I'm so glad we could spend it in San Diego with the family! 

In the afternoon we went up the hill, shot the bow and climbed trees. 

Ella was singing "Santa Claus is coming to town" as we climbed the hill, and Lisey chimes in and says "Jesus is coming to town". And proceeds to sing "Jesus is coming to town." Lisey is always reminding me that Jesus is alive in our daily lives, but it felt like an extra special reminder here on Christmas Day. 

The Lord has blessed me in many many ways today. He has blessed me with family that loves me. The means to travel to see them. He has blessed me with good children. He has blessed me with money to buy presents. And most importantly He has blessed me with a Savior who atoned for my sins and made it possible for me to return home. Happy Birthday Jesus! Thank you for being born and living a perfect life. I love you and appreciate you so much. 

Tues Dec 22nd

It's a crazy rainy day, but that didn't stop me from going surfing with Ammon, Cam and Sam. We got out early to Oceanside beach. The wet suits helped a ton.i knew it would, but I was still surprised by just how much :).  I brought the go pro and got some cool surfing shots of the boys. It was so much fun. I'm so grateful to Nick for watching the kids so I could go. I really really needed a break... Not really from the kids or anything. I think I just needed a break from being constantly responsible for someone (or several someones). It was nice doing something I love and bring solely responsible for myself. Thank you Nick. 

After we got back and showered, we all made gingerbread houses. 

The kids had a blast making their own houses and I really enjoyed helping them. Each house was unique; both were great.  

Link hung out with Nick while I helped the girls with their houses. Link enjoyed playing with daddy and eating a huge pickle. 

In the evening we went to see Star Wars. The showing we were planning on seeing was sold out so we had to wait around till 8:55pm. It was fun walking around and hanging my brothers and sisters. Unfortunately I fell asleep in the movie. Good thing I've seen it once before. I do not do well in late night movies. Still fun though. 

Mon Dec 21st

Early this morning I went for a run up Black Mountain. It was super fun! Amber, Crystal, Keoka, Roxy and I all went. 

Amber and I at the top. The view from the top was amazing! It was a super fun run!! I think we need to make it a new Christmas break tradition. 

When we got home, we all got ready for the beach. Can asked me if I wanted to go ride a horse with him before the beach. It sounded fun but I wasn't sure. In the end I agreed so that Cam didn't have to find his way to the beach on his own. 

We had a fun time. I have never ridden a horse before so that was a really cool experience. Cam was a natural on the horse and Link loved being outside. 

After the ride we headed over to the beach. We went to the Military beach on Coranado. We found a bunch of sand dollars again. 

It was chilly but a very fun day! In this pick we have Nicholas, mom, Amber, Mary and Crystal. 

This is Link just crawling around as a lone kid. He was so happy just exploring by himself. It was so cute and funny I just had to take a picture! 

We turned the boogie board into a sled and rode down the sand hill. That gave us hours of amusement. I went in the icy water too. I'm going to buy a wet suit today I think. Then I can really enjoy the winter water. 

After the beach we went to get Italian ice cream. Then Nick, Cam and I went to Play it Again Sports to get wet suits. I think I'll get plenty of use from it over the years. 

 

Then we picked up Costco pizza for dinner. 

Sun Dec 20th

We saw Jordan,Bri and Harper at church. Harper is such a cutie! We had some beautiful Christmas lessons at church. Ella even went up in sacrament meeting to sing with their ward's primary. It was very cute. That girl has no fear when it comes to people. It makes her a very easy person to hang around with. 

We went for a family walk after church. The kids ran ahead...and this is how we found them. Goofy kids haha. 

Thurs Dec 24th

Tomorrow is Christmas!

We spent the day at la Jolla beach. Everyone came (even Papa!, but no Jordan and Bri). Nick and I tried out our new wet suits. The waves were mondo! I've never seen such huge waves at la Jolla before. Nick and I were going to go snorkeling but their was such a strong rip current we didn't make it out very far. So Nick went back in and I took the go pro out to record Ammon and Cam surfing.

 I went out at first with no fins but quickly went back for them. The waves were not only huge but they had a rip that pulled you under and back instead of the normal up and forward. I couldn't even body surf on these waves because of the crazy current. I caught a couple of cool videos of Ammon and Cam surfing but I was getting beat up. There having been very few times in my life when I have been afraid of the ocean. Today made the list. I'm so glad I had my fins. I'm not sure if I would have made it without them!  I'm also glad Nick decided not to come in. He is not as strong of a swimming as me and it would have been terrible for him. Thank you Heavenly Father for protecting all of us on this crazy beach adventure!  

We went to China Fun for dinner. I think we did that last year too. It's a fun new tradition. 

Link was starved after the beach. He looks so big drinking from that big boy cup! Especially with his new hair cut!

Anne took the kids upstairs to get ready for bed while the parents wrapped up the last of the presents. The kids were so excited I don't think they got to bed till late. Can't wait to see the kids faces in the morning! 

Wed Dec 23rd

I went for a run with Amber this morning then I went surfing with Cam and Ammon. We went to Black's beach (which happens to be a nude beach, luckily there were no nudes...I guess it was too cold to be nude). We had a blast. I got up this time! Probably 8 or 9 times! I had forgotten how much fun surfing is! It's been so fun having the opportunity to go!! 

When we got home, Cam took the girls out for a ride on the mini bike...something both of them enjoyed immensely. 

Then we went to fashion valley mall. Not exactly my favorite thing to do, but it was their turn to choose the fun.

 Ella dressed as a gangster. She even made up her own rap and had me record her. Ella is so funny. 

Sat Dec 19th

We made it out! We left at 9:30, which is later then we planned but a bit better then I hoped. 

We stopped at a McDonalds in St George to let the kids play. Link loved playing like one of the big kids. 

We made it to San Diego! Link is so cute with dolls! He loves them! He fits right in with the family :). I'm glad we made it. And it wasn't to terrible. I had to hold Link in the back for a bit. We even ended up flipping his car seat around so he could look around. I think it helped a little bit, but not as much as we hoped it would. At least we're here! And there is no snow :). 

Fri Dec 18th

Pack, clean, pack! 

Link put that headband on all by himself. What can I say... He's got sisters. 

And a little playing, of course. 

Then, while we should have been packing Nick and I went to see Star Wars. We got some free tickets from our dentist. 

Us by the our Star Wars buddies. 

Thurs Dec 17th

 

Link and I did the dishes this morning. Well I did the dishes and Link got them out of the dish washer for me...and out of the draws and then got himself in them instead. Silly billy. 

My other silly billy. I couldn't quite capture the face, but Lisey makes the best faces! She is so good at making us all laugh!!

The car battery is dead. I went out to take Lisey to preschool and the car wouldn't start. I borrowed Sian's to drop Lisey off then worked on chipping away the 2-3 feet of snow on Nicks car. I was late for Ella's Jingle Jam and I did not have time to shovel snow off a car. After 15 mins of scrapping and brushing I got the car clear enough to drive, but at the sacrifice of my hands. Unthawing them hurt SO bad! I had to focus hard not to cry. Those poor pioneers that crossed the plains in the snow! I had no idea how painful it was to defrost your hands! 

I finally made it to the Jingle Jam. Sian was kind enough to watch Lincoln so I could just enjoy the music. Ella did a super good job. 

Then I checked her out of school and went to the dentist. It took forever! But at least Sian had Link and Lisey was at Bonnie's so I just read my book. Ella had to get a mini root canal poor baby. She seemed ok though, just watching tv and inhaling laughing gas. 

After the dentist we dropped off the rest of the Christmas goodies and then went to Grandma Great's Christmas party. The traffic was horrendous! But we made it alive. 

The kids did a Nativity play. The girls played Angels, which fits their personalities perfectly. Then we played the white elephant game. I ended up with some candy and a $10 iTunes gift card. Then I sent the girls home with Sian and Link and I went to pick up Nick from the airport. 

Wed Dec 16th

I did more baking today and made up the rest of the goodie plates for the neighbors. Link slept terrible again last night and refused to sleep unless I was holding him. I even let him cry in his bed for a long while, but he is far too stubborn and would not go to sleep. I hope I'm not ruining his attachment to me by letting him cry. I just don't know what to do. I need a break from holding him all day long. Call me a bad mom, but I just start to go crazy when I have to hold him most of the day. I love Link and I love that he loves me so much. But I just need a break now and again. And with Nick out of town I can only get it during nap time. Forgive me Hravenly Father for my negative feelings and help me to be a better mom. I let Lisey watch way to much tv today and poor Link was probably so bored. Not my best mom day today. 

I saw a beggar woman on my way to take the kids to swim lessons. I felt I should give her some money, but I hesitated and second guessed my self and the moment passed. I feel terrible about it. I'm so sorry Heavenly Father. "Are we not all beggars?" Didn't I just read that in the scriptures earlier this week? Help me to be more giving and quicker to act on my good intentions. Shameful Brooke. 

Sian and Steve took Link with them to Cosco so I didn't have to take him with me to the girls swim lessons. What a blessing. I have a moment to myself to just sit. I've used it to read my journal and think about things. Thank you heavenly father for this blessing in my life today. I needed a little break to contemplate life and to realize how much I love and appreciate Link, even if he is little clingy. 

I went visiting teaching and gave my girls a basket of goodies. Then I got the kids to bed and folded a mountain of laundry. Tomorrow I will takle the kitchen. 

Tues Dec 15th

I woke this morning with the news from Ella that it had snowed again last night. And… That Lisey had accidentally left the car door open all night. This morning when I went out to try and clean some of the snow out of the car, there was at least three or 4 inches in there, I had only a bit of luck and returned with a frozen hand and to Lincoln screaming for me. When I came in Lisey also had a frozen hand but from eating a popsicle. She said "I am so mad" and I said "I am so mad too". But then Lisey said something amazing. She said "Jesus will help me". And after that statement she was happy again. 

Then we came upstairs because she needed to go potty. I stripped her down and she went. Then I said "it's time for shower." She said "I don't want to take a shower." And I said "it will make you all comfy and cozy." And she said "Jesus will make me cozy and warm." Annalise and her profound truths. I love this little girl. She reminds me of what life is really about.

Especially because I woke up in a rather bad mood. Link had gotten up several times in the night and I had let the girls both sleep with me, which is always a mistake. They both move around so much that they end up kicking each other and hitting me and then everyone is unhappy.  I didn't feel well rested and when the news came of the car door being open all I could do was grown. Thanks Lisey for being a blessing in my life and helping me to see that Jesus is the true reason for being and for happiness. He is my salvation and my song.

Lisey and I baked and baked and baked today. After preschool Lisey went over to Bonnie's house to play and I baked some more. Everything turned out pretty good except for the fudge which turned out gross. I guess I should try another batch tomorrow. I just hate wasting the food. What a waste of money and time. Lame. 

We all swam today. The water was colder than usual though and poor Lincoln was shivering. Then I rushed home for tithing settlement. I was able to declare that we are full tithe payers. After getting the kids off to beddy, I finished up the rest of the baking, frosting the cinnamon rolls and putting everything away. I also chose as a new health plan, which always takes way longer than I like it too. Hopefully I chose a good one...But you never know until the year comes along. Thank you Heavenly Father for the good health that we've had so far and please help us to continue to have good health.

How has the Lord blessed me today? He gave me a kind neighbor who was willing to take Lisey to preschool because I still hadn't gotten all the snow out of our car.

Mon Dec 14th

Let it snow let it snow let it snow. Or at least that's what the weatherman said last night. We got a dumping last night and this morning it is a winter wonderland outside. 

Normally on days like these I would prefer to stay inside, but we had to go to the dentist again for Lisey. After cleaning off the 4-5 inches of snow off the car I felt very motivated to clean out the garage so that we don't have to do that again all winter. Lisey you did great again at the dentist. They didn't even have to give her a shot. Which is great because then she won't run the risk of chewing on her lip again. Last time, because of the numbness, Lisey chewed up her lip. It was terrible. It looked like raw hamburger meat and hurt her for several days after. So thank goodness she didn't have to get a shot again this time. Too bad they could'nt have taken care of it last time since it was such a small cavity. It would have saved me all this darn snow driving. Oh well. 

After the dentist we went to Costco and got a few things for our trip. We also got some pants for a little girl in need. And I also found myself some pants. No more capris in this winter wonderland. For lunch Lisey, link and I shared hot dogs and ice cream. It was a fun outing. Then Link took a nice snooze and I got everything put away. 

We got a happy surprise when Ella got home. She doesn't have much homework this week! Hooray!

Now on to swim lessons. I am not looking forward to going out again in the snow. Yikes!

Ella gave the family home evening lesson tonight. She drew a straight narrow path with side paths coming out of it. She explained that if you stay on that straight path you'll make it back to be with Heavenly Father, but if you go down the wrong path you need to repent and come back to the straight path. It was cute hearing Ella talk about choosing the right way to live. Nice job sweetie!!

Wed Dec 9th

Laundry day. Fun fun. Didn't do much except fold a whole ton of laundry. Oh yes and go to the dentist for both the girls. They were both very very brave. I like this dentist office. They have a tv that goes over the kids heads so they can just sit back and watch their favorite show. 

I could tell Lisey was nervous but she still did great. It was her first filling ever and it was a big one but she didn't even flinch when the gave her the shot. I guess that's the joys of laughing gas. Neither girl thought the gas was comical but did seem out of it enough that they didn't feel any pain. Way to go kidos! 

Nick left today to head up to Idaho. A couple of his mangers are throwing a fit and threatening to quit so Nick is headed up there to try and resolve things. He was supposed to leave for Florida today but changed his flight so that now he leaves on Saturday. 

Tues Dec 8th

It's Joan's last day with us. Nick and Adam took her out to lunch and then went to see a movie. Then in the evening Joan watched all the kids so Sian and Steve and Nick and I could go on a double date to see the final Hunger Games. Poor Nick was ultra stressed today and had to do some major fanangleing to make all the plans work.  He had a recruiting meeting and tons of other work to do but somehow he fit all the movie outings in. I hope things get less stressful for him at work. I don't like to see him so unhappy. 

Mom Dec 7th

Ella started swim lessons today. She loves them! I think it would've awesome to get her on swim team. I know she'd love it and it would get out a lot of her pent up energy as well as build her endurance. I let Lisey swim while Ella had her lesson. Link wished like crazy he was swimming too. I'll definitely have to go with him a day or two this week. 

Sun Dec 13th

Lisey: "Jingles moved. She's a stinker."

Those were almost the first words out of Lisey's mouth this morning. I do love how excited the kids get as they hunt for Jingles every morning. But I do not love how they want to pull me out of bed and show me where she's gone too. I know I should enjoy the cuteness of it but I'd rather stay in bed a few more moments. Especially because it usually wakes up Lincoln, who is usually next to me by that time of morning. Still I'm we have the Christmas elf around. It's been a fun family tradition. 

I have a secret confession. I'm in love with romance novels. Not the graphic disgusting ones, but the beautiful ones where two wonderful, moral people falling madly in love. They make me so happy. I've been reading the Jane Austen time period romances and before that some medieval romances. It's funny because I didn't realize how much I enjoy romances until I began reading them. Now it appears that I may be slightly obsessed. It's just so thrilling to read about people falling in love. And I do mean falling in love and not in lust. As you probably guessed from this confession I've just finished another of my beautiful romance novels. This one is called EdenBrook and it was very very beautiful. Nick is out of town and I must confess reading these books makes me miss him all the greater. Also getting the kids to bed all by myself makes me miss him terribly. Oh blast it all, I guess I really just miss him all the time.  And the romance novels definitely are not helping with that. 

Today was the primary program. I came 20 minutes early with hopes of finding a good seat, but to no avail. We did get the first row on the hard seats so at least I could still see clearly my girls singing. Other then some excessive wiggling and one nose picking incident, it was beautiful and the girls did a marvelous job.

Fri Dec 4th

Well we made it. The ward Christmas party was success. We got four trees up, decorated, lights strung and snowflakes hung. So hopefully the decorations helped people feel the Christmas spirit. I am exhausted, but I'll admit I'm also proud of how everything turned out. It looked very very nice. Thanks to Nick and Sian, Steve and Joan who helped me get everything set up. That was a lot of work! 

Lisey and daddy after the party. Lisey wanted to "look cool like daddy" :). 

Sat Dec 12th

It's been a good day. Nick and I both woke up in really good moods and we spent a good deal of time laughing. I think it's listening to that marriage book that has helped me have a better attitude about life and about Nick specifically. I feel blessed to have a library card that allows me to check out free audiobooks, because I know I would never listen to them otherwise. I'm far too cheap.  Thank you Heavenly Father. 

Ella had a birthday party and Lisey went to the practice for the primary program and I went for a run, while my sweet Nick took them to their activities. After my 4 mile run I got to take my own shower and it was lovely. And I went to pick up the kids from their activities while Nick packed for his trip. He's going to cruise this week to the Bahamas with his guys for work. He tried to get out of it but he wasn't able to. Oh well I hope he's able to repair relationships and have a good time. He could use a break.  He's been on crazy stress overload lately. He's had to re-sign guys and get their backends  figured out and that's always a big headache. Then we all went to Costco and picked up some snacks for Nick's trio. It was a fun time being out together as a family. Then we went straight to the airport to take Nick. Afterwards the kids and I stopped at grandma great's house to hang out for a while. 

Sweet grandma let Lisey help her make the waffles we had for dinner. Lisey sure loves her grandma great. We also enjoyed making window hangers, coloring and chatting.

Then we had ice cream. Link loved being a big boy and having his own cone.

We had a great time at grandma grades. We made it home and I got the kids to bed. Then I practiced the piano for a while. I'm learning to play Jolly old Saint Nicholas and jingle bells. And if I do say so myself, for having no previous experience, I'm doing really well. Learning to play the piano has always been something I've wanted to do. I'm so glad I'm finally just doing it. Thank you Heavenly Father for fingers that work and a mind that allows me to learn to play the piano... Even if it does take a lot of effort and time. Worth it 😀. 

Wed Dec 2nd

This baby is so cute! And he LOVES to climb on the table. Crazy kido. 

We are in charge of the decorating for the ward Christmas party on Friday night. It's been a whirlwind of craziness trying to get ready for it, especially since Ella is also getting baptized on Saturday. I've been making snowflakes out of popsicle sticks and painting them red. Hopefully they'll look ok up on the walls.  

Tues Dec 1st

Wow I can't believe it's already December. The kids and I went to the dentist today. Nick was kind enough to keep Lincoln home with him so I didn't have to worry about him while I was getting my teeth cleaned. The good news is I have no cavities. The bad news is the girls each had quite a few. I guess that's to be expected when we don't go to the dentist for four years. 

Mon Nov 30th

First day back to school. Yikes! I love breaks. It is so much easier and so much more fun to have all the time to do everything we want to do. Oh well...break wouldn't be as grand if we had it all the time. 

Lisey looking like a super star. She wanted to stay in her jammies all day. I don't blame her. That sounds nice to me too. 

We met Kim tonight at FHE. She seems like a nice fit for Ammon. She's got a lot of spunk and love of life and a really good sense of humor. I guess we'll just see what happens between them but overall I really like her.

Fri Dec 11th

Why is it so difficult to change? I made a goal to ponderize a new scripture each week and to write down everyday how the Lord has blessed my life. Both attempts were a bust. I heard an interesting definition of failure recently... Failure: giving up what you want for the future, for something you want right now. Example: giving up on a goal to be physically fit to have a piece of cake now. Interesting right? I guess the nice thing about failure is that after you fail, you have the opportunity to begin again fresh.  Ok I failed this time to fulfill my goal. I am going to remake my goal and begin again. I am going to ponderize a new scripture each week and to write down everyday how the Lord has blessed my life. The goal is set... Let's see how I do. 

This is the scripture I'm going ponderize this week. I'm going to start today but normally I'll go Sunday to Sunday. The scripture is 2Nephi 22:2....

2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation.

How has The Lord blessed my life today? He has allowed me to go on a long run this morning and enjoy the beautiful earth and creations. I went a full 8 miles today and it felt great. Thank you Heavenly Father for strong legs that allow me to run that far. Thank you heavenly father for strong lungs and feet that carry me. Thank you for a husband that supports my running and watches the kids so I can go. Wow this writing down my blessings really does make me feel blessed. Thank you Heavenly Father for President Eyring that suggested writing down your blessings each day. Thank you for helping me to feel so much better about life today. 

It was warm enough to take the kids to the park this afternoon. It felt nice to be able to get outside and onto the playground. Both Lincoln and Lisey loved it.

Then after school we all went swimming at the pool. Lincoln had a blast. We took Will with us too and even he had a really good time. Then Nick met us at the pool and he took the girls to Cosco for pizza. I took Lincoln and Will home and put Lincoln to bed. It was a full day of fun and he needed sleep. We watched a studio C while we ate pizza. The kids got bed late but at least there's no school tomorrow. 

Thurs Dec 10th

It feels like a very blah day. Nick is out of town, it's gloomy and depressing outside and since he's out of town, I couldn't go for a run to try and ease the depressingness of the gloom. Plus I forgot to take the trash to the curb, which just stinks. The house is a pigsty I and I do not feel like cleaning, which means I most definitely should. We are also out of a few essential food items and I do not feel like going to the store. I appear to be in a slump and I'm having a difficult time pulling myself out of it. Yuck. 

Luckily Nick will be home this evening and at least so I can get some help with these crazy kidos. Blah blah blah. 

During swim lessons Lisey again swam while Ella did her class. But Lincoln was dying to swim as well. So finally I stripped him down and let him play in the fountain. I had to watch him closely though because he kept wanting to crawl right into the water.

Sun Dec 6th

The family left today after sacrament meeting. It was sad to see them go after such a short visit. Link was very cranky today. He was so tired but just did not want to go to sleep. It didn't help that I was super tired and just wanted to lie down and take a nap myself. I know Link's molars are coming in. They must hurt something fierce. I need to have more compassion on the poor soul. I just have a really hard time with crying and whining. I guess that is a nice way Nick compliments me... He is very good at being compassionate when someone is in pain or sad. 

Anyways I ended up taking Link for a drive to try and get him to go to sleep. It took awhile but it finally worked. Then I got my much needed nap. Link didn't sleep long, but my sweet husband got him when he woke up and let me keep napping. 

I felt much better after my nap. Earlier I'd been feeling very blah. A few things had happened while my mom was here that hurt my feelings and I could feel that I was upset but trying to not be upset and that just made me emotionally numb. Not a good way to be. Luckily, because of that parenting book I just finished about changing and improving yourself instead of trying to change others, I decided that if I didn't like something I needed to change the pattern that my mom and I fell into when we interacted. I also realized that instead of stonewalling the situation I needed to face it. No more borrowing my feelings. I was hesitant at first but I talked to Nick about how I was feeling. Nick was wonderful and just listened. It felt like a rock was being removed from my chest. It hurt worse at first, but then felt so so much better. 

I later talked to Nick about a ton of other things that had been bothering me and then just talked about ideas and cool things I learned. He listened like a champ. I'm really liking this new improved bold Brooke. We'll see if I can continue this sharing my feelings business into the future. I hope I do. It is certainly more rewarding then hiding them. 

Sat Dec 5th

Ella is getting baptized today! Mom and the family got in around 4am. It's so exciting. I can't believe my little girl is old enough to get baptized. Ella is so excited. Mom made her a gorgeous white baptism dress. Ella looks so pure and stunning.

I love you Ella. I'm so proud of you for making the decision to be baptized. I love that you're so kind to others. I know that as you strive to do what's right and remember your baptismal covenants you'll find happiness throughout your life, even in the mist of hard times. Keep letting your bright light shine. You're a joy to be around and a joy to all those who know you. I love you my sweet, beautiful little girl. 

Poorly little buddy was so exhausted from the excitement of the day that he was out cold. At least for a few minutes. He was wide-awake again by the time Ella was about ready to get baptized. I was worried for a moment that he wouldn't settle down and I'd miss the beautiful moment of Ella entering the water. But he did calm down, surely from the calming spirit in the room, and I was able to see my little girl get baptized. 

After the baptism we went to a hibachi grill, upon Ella's request. She loves how they make the food right there in front of you. She's my little Japanese loving, miso soup girl.

Look at my big boy standing! I guess he was motivated by the desire to sword fight with his daddy.

We ended the night by going to Walmart to get mom some driving food. They came in late on Friday or I guess I should say early Saturday morning and have to leave again tomorrow afternoon. It's been way too short of a visit. At least we are going to San Diego for Christmas and we get a full two weeks of fun there.

 This is a picture of Lisey riding a tricycle around Walmart. That's all she wanted to do. Ride that bike.  So I decided to let her ride it around instead of me being stuck in the toy department. Needless to say she had a blast.