Cousin Fun!

Canada is a long way off so it's always a big treat when Auntie Samantha and Uncle James come to visit.  The last time they came there were no little cousins for my kids to play with but this time they had both Lucas and Else to love on qnd they couldn't get enough.  We meet up in Bearizona first:




Leora and Lucas both seemed to enjoy the petting zoo area


Of course there was a lengthy discussion about what a fox says ...



More fun with peacocks






The Raptor show is well worth it there.  Kent got to sit in and see it  while I wandered with Eli and managed a few good shots with the camera.





That last one is to give you and idea of how close they fly over your heads.  It's amazing how silent and swift they are!

James and Sam took a detour up to Antelope canyon so Keila waited impatiently for their return so she could love on the "oh so cute!' Elsa!  After that we spent one day at the Sea Life aquarium.  It was super overstimulating for Eli but fun for Keila.

The next day Kent took off and we went to the AZ Lego Discovery Museum.

Bubby was having a rough time but we gave him the old phone to play with and took him into the parent's lounge which was much quieter and he stayed happy.

For their final full day we wanted to do something that Lucas would love - what better than a train park!

The trip was topped off with a video call with Uncle Joe and Aunt Becky.  While we had lots of fun going to new places and seeing new things, I still cherish the memories of Lucas squealing with laughter at Isaac's antics, Keila and Leora gazing with adoration at Elsa, Lucas and Aubrey showing toys to each other over the call.  These weren't  things I had the chance to capture on camera, but they were the things that warmed my heart the most.  I never really knew my extended family but I hope that my kiddos will remember each other and grow in the love they share in being family.  Thanks to Uncle James and Aunt Samantha for making the trip out our way.  We love you guys!!

Father's Day and 41 Years

June is insanity for me and more so this year between my dental surgery and prepping for Bubby's hearing test. I just can't get things done properly so it's all rather piecemeal and late. Thankfully nobody seems to really mind (either that or they don't bother me because they see I'm on the verge of losing my mind)

For Father's Day, Kent and I took the longest waking break from our kiddos in years and went out for lunch and to see Newsies at the Gammage Theater. It was so nice to calmly eat our meal, fresh and hot, to talk without interruptions or just be silent. Sometimes it's the small things I think we miss most. It took two weeks but I finally got to making Kent's favorite Chinese foods, savory green onion pancakes, potstickers and Chinese broccoli. It was neat to have Keila helping me. I had to work hard on my OCD neurosis to not try and fix every lopsided, malformed potsticker she attempted. It was the effort that matter and one day, with time and practice this will be easy for her.

We are so grateful for our Baba who does so much for our family!

Crazy girl helping with all the food prep!

The trip to see Newsies was really all I counted for for my birthday but Kent surprised me with a cake that evening. I also had a chance earlier that day to visit with an old friend I hadn't seen in well over a year. The evening was topped off with some quiet me time swimming laps - 800 m - not bad for a woman in her 41st year!

This little guy totally gets birthdays now and was vigorously signing 'cake' when we began the singing!

Life is good, my blessings are many. May the next year be just as sweet if not sweeter!

Christmas Day 2014

Christmas morning, the magically mornings of memories! Isaac was up first, excitedly calling Keila to say that Santa had arrived. We followed slowly and had a bit of time to snuggle everyone for a some good morning loves. Eli was a hoot, he sensed the excitement and giggled his infectious laugh while he played peekaboo with the blanket. I think he refected joyous feeling we were all having that morning.

The excitement upped another level after we finished a 'decent' breakfast. Isaac was ready to jump out of his skin!

Eli was a little overstimulated with all the noise. Nothing that a little snuggling won't fix though.

Stockings came first. This year Santa was uber generous with giving Isaac Pokemon cards, sixty of them - Santa can't pass up a deal when they're usually fifty cents a piece. He has definately secured at least another year of belief from this skeptical boy of mine.

Everyone always gets a beanie baby from a old collection Kent had.

sweets for Mama and Baba.

Pokemon obsession taking control!

Keila was so excited to open her present, it was the largest one under the tree. She began tearing the wrapping breathlessly saying, "It's a ... it's a ...huh???" I suppose a food dehydrator wasn't exactly what a 5yr old wants! Afraid her excitement would quickly turn to tears, we reassured her that her gift was inside. She was pleased to find it was a jewelry tree with rings, braclets and necklaces to her heart's content.

We no longer need to worry about losing rock identification books from the library as Isaac has his own.

Keila's homemade gift to us.

Eli spent most of the time playing with Kent's shoes and took some coaxing to open his own presents. He enjoyed ripping the paper more than anything but once the excitement wore down, he loved each of his gifts.

Leora took a nap through most of it but once everyone else was entertained with their gifts she got to open hers and enjoy a little attention.

The rest of the day was spent in content play, a visit to the park as well as a short visit with friends. It was a day full of love.

How grateful we are for this joyous day of our Saviors birth, for family, home and friends. merry Christmas to you all!