Happy First Birthday Emily!

I can't believe my baby is 1! It goes way to fast! Emily, you are such a special addition to our family. In one year, we can't imagine life without you! You are so happy, love to laugh, love to be tickled, love to clap, love to play with your big sisters. Those big blue eyes melt all of our hearts! We enjoy all of your funny faces and the cutest ever bear crawl. Your special day is our special day as we celebrate you! We love you so much! Say Hi Emily!

Cake Face!
Ah! Love it!


Why do we do this to our children?
Everyone loved playing dress-up with Josh!

Hot Chocolate in the Morning?

The other day I was watching my niece Madison. It was about 8:30 in the morning and she asked for some hot chocolate. I laughed and said, "You can't have hot chocolate in the morning." She gave me this puzzled look. Later, I told my sister about it, and she said, "What's wrong with that? We have hot chocolate in the morning all the time!" From there, a friendly debate has evolved. Is it normal to have hot chocolate in the morning? I say it is a dessert drink. She says you drink it if you want something warm and you don't like coffee. We were at a breakfast restaurant and she, with a smile, ordered hot chocolate. I smiled when the waitress brought out a tall hot chocolate drink with a mountain of whip cream and sprinkles. Although, I'll be honest and say the waitress said that many people order hot chocolate for breakfast. Seriously people! So Tracy watched Abby and Kate for an overnight and I was given these pictures. They are enjoying hot chocolate for breakfast!

Christmas Vacation in the White Mountains

We were able to spend a few days at the Cabin this year after Christmas. It was wonderful! Slow-paced, relaxing, cold, fires, hot chocolate, movies, family. Then... we got snowed in. Goodness, I don't know what the final inch count was, but where we were, there was at least 2 feet in like 48 hours. It just snowed, and snowed, and snowed. I think we would have enjoyed it more, if Jason wasn't supposed to be home to preach that Sunday. So, to say the lease, it was an adventure getting home. Our preferred way was closed and there was a really long roundabout way, and there was going through the Salt River Canyon where ice was reported. We tried the roundabout way, that didn't work and we had to turn around. We were left with going through the canyon. Let's just say we were praying much of the way! God protected us and brought us through without incident! Ah, but I would have loved to play in that snow a little longer! It was really quite nice! Especially with hot chocolate and a roaring fire.
First, love this! Anyone who knows Abby and Kate, know they couldn't be more opposite! I got Kate this alphabet puzzle that fits into a butterfly. She got kind of frustrated with it and quit. Abby got really into it. After she did the first half, Katie was intrigued again and wanted a turn. I came back to find this. Katie's version of finishing the puzzle. Love it!
We tried to do a little photo opp with the girls. Let's just say Emily wasn't playing along. Here was the best one.


Emily is obviously a desert rat along with the rest of us. She wasn't into the cold!
My man making french toast for breakfast!
When the big snow storm came, I tried to take the camera outside. It lasted all of 5 minutes. This was the best face I could get! Kind of cute!
They were so frozen, all they wanted to do was climb under the ottoman in their fuzzy socks and watch TV.
And have some hot chocolate!


Jason trying to shovel out the driveway so we could get out! Poor guy, he was out there forever!

Love, love, love the cabin! So thankful for such a great place to make memories!

Christmas 2010

Christmas Day this year was a little on the full side. We spent a wonderful morning together, just us, at our place. We had our traditional cinnamon rolls and opening of gifts. The girls continue to become more and more delightful with these holidays as they get older. More able to understand and have built-up anticipation and glee at the festivities and of course new gifts. What an incredible moment to sit back and contemplate the amazing gifts God has given me. Not only the earthly gifts of family, friends, church, and so much more, but the eternal gift of a Savior born to take away my sins and give me abundant life. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!
My three precious girls on Christmas morning, fresh out of bed and ready for fun!

Jason reading from the gospel of Luke. Reminding us of what we are truly celebrating!

Present time! It's Kate's turn!

Chubby Cheeks!
I love this picture! Look at the wrapping paper on her tush! She was full of curiosity this morning!

When all is said and done, there's Emily still exploring!

Mmmm, cinnamon rolls!
For Lunch we went to Gramps and Gram's house. Here is Gram reading the Christmas story to all the little ones. They are just a little into it!

Well, from here, I am not quite sure what happened to my camera. No more pictures, oops! Next, we went to my parent's house for dinner and more family Christmas fun. And, special this year, Jason and my Dad got to go to the Cardinal's game on Christmas day. Maybe we were having so much fun, that I forgot to take pictures! Yep, that's it, I'm sure!
Merry Christmas!

Kindergarten Class Christmas Party

And let the festivities begin! Jason and I were able to go to Abby's Kindergarten class Christmas party. The parents and kids made gingerbread houses and the kids sang us some of their favorite worship songs. They were so cute!
Well, the house started great. But it didn't take long before Abby was more interested in the candy!
She was glad when I told she could just have fun and eat her candy !
The final project
Abby and Mrs. Ames. We love Mrs. Ames!

Spaghetti Face!

Great Papa, Mary, Aunt Kathy, and Uncle Chris come to town!

It is always a highlight to have our extended family come for a visit! We feel very blessed to have such amazing family. My Grandparents and my Aunt and Uncle came to visit and meet the new babies, Emily and Brooklyn. We celebrated Gracie's birthday and hung out as much as possible. I love and cherish them, and so wish they were closer. Thank you so much for spending the time and money to come make memories with us!
Sweet Gracie!
Sarah always has these amazing birthday cakes! Gracie obviously loves McDonald's french fries!

My Grandpa and my Aunt Kathy
Mary and Tracy
The babies, Emily and Brooklyn
Sarah even had a birthday photo spot!
Kate and Reagan playing kitchen.
I liked this picture of me and my love!
Two treasured photos! The girls with their Great Grandparents!

Let's just say Sarah ALWAYS dresses the her girls super cute! Look at Reagan's dimples!
Somehow, this is the only picture I have of Uncle Chris from the whole trip! How did that happen?! So sorry Uncle Chris! I guess y'all are just going to have to come back soon!

Thanks for the visit! We love you all!