Family scripture push ups?

Yes, during scripture time AJ does push ups while reading.  I let him because it's not video games. ;)

 

Christmas

It was a strange year for Christmas.  None of our extended family was arriving until the 26th.  Papi wasn't here.  It was just me and the kids.  But we still went full speed ahead with the traditions that we've loved.  We may not have had much family around but the traditions kept the holiday spirit alive.

Our little elf, Jingles caught Santa on the Santa camera!  We were so excited to actually see a picture of Santa in our living room.  That sneaky Jingles is one awesome elf.

The ritual

Stella always goes with me to the gym.  She goes to play on the toys.  I go to play on the weights. :) She has a ritual when we leave the gym.  If the ritual doesn't happen she is not my happy Stella.  First, ask for a smoothie. Second, take a picture by the bike rack. Third, ask to see picture of "Te-Taa" and say "awe, cute." Fourth, leave bike rack only when mom offers her the keys so she can push the button and find the car.  I'm telling you that is what we do....every day! If feels a little like deja vu. On the bright side though, I have tons of cute pictures of Stella by the bike rack. :)

Weblos Trained

While harvesting the sugar cane yesterday, DJ let me know that he's, "got this, I'm weblos trained!" Go scouting!

People Explosion

Can you believe how many people have exploded from our original family of 5 children? So much personality and beautiful little ones here with Grandma and Grandpa.

Uncontrollable

Mom wanted a picture of the seven of us.  But for some reason it became uncontrollable laughter when Mom couldn't stop laughing.  I love us!

New Year's Resolutions

I have a few of them for this year.  One of them is to stop Instagram and Facebook and start posting a picture a day here.  This blog is what I use to make my books every year.  So while it's fun to show friends pics on other social media sites, this is where it counts, on our family blog that will get printed out and maybe enjoyed for a generation or two.  We have loved having cousins here for the last few days.  Stella is obsessed with babies.  Ana is her youngest cousin.  They're going to be best buds!

My Birthday Girls

It's been awhile but we finally got to do a birthday party for Alexandria.  We took Stella to get her present during the day then Alexandria got to have her birthday party on New Year's Eve to celebrate my New Year's baby.  We had pizza, popcorn and hot Cheetos all while making smores and watching Maleficent. When it came time for the cake Alexandria was kind as always.  She is such a great big sister, sharing her cake with Stella and showing her how to blow out the candles. We had 15 candles on the cake, 13 for Alexandria and 2 for Stella.

Happy Birthday to my girls!! I love you both!

Just the Lighting

Today was just another ordinary day.  I have absolutely nothing to say about it. But the lighting is this picture....Arizona can be beautiful!

Her Favorite Person

She loves her dad! This almost made me cry. I don't know how Papi does it.  Leaving has got to be harder than staying behind alone with five kids.