Christmas!

Christmas, was everything we ever could have hoped for. We celebrated it in our new house with about 25 of our family & friends. My brother Kyle, and Alex's brother Anthony were both home for Christmas, from Chicago. They are both in the Navy. We had good food, good company, and a wonderful time! The kiddos got spoiled, of course. Maybe a little to spoiled, ha ha. But it was worth it, to watch there little faces light up, each present they opened. Even Tessa, started to get the hang of ripping the paper off. The kids definitely make it all worth it!

FAMILY PICTURES

SO WE TOOK THE KIDS AND GOT OUR FAMILY PICTURES DONE THIS WEEKEND! WE ARE VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE WAY THEY CAME OUT! ITS NOT ALWAYS EASY, WHEN YOUR CLIENTS ARE 3 SMALL CHILDREN. SO HERE IS THE LINK, YOU CAN VIEW THEM, OR BUY THEM! =)

http://www.imagesbymirandaphotography.com/gallery/3999002#P-1-15

Trenton's Christmas Program

Last night Trenton had his Christmas program for school. Grandma Vangie, Papa Brett, Nick and Evette all came up for it. Trenton was soooo excited.. he had been talking about it for days! but he wouldn't let me know any of the details. So, we made some cookies & rice krispie treats to take, and headed to the church. It was so cute to see the kids all dressed up, and really excited. The older kids did there parts first and then Trenton's class came out. They got on stage and Trenton just froze. He looked so nervous and scared, to many people watching him. Every once in awhile, he would do a little hand motion, or sing a little part. It was to funny... but all in all he did really well. Santa came to visit at the end, and Trenton rushed over to him, and of course asked for his binoculars again. =)
We also took this time to get some pictures with Papa Brett, since he will be in Guam for Christmas.

All I Want For Christmas...

So, today a friend and I took our kids to the mall, for a picture with Santa, lunch, and a little playtime. Trenton was so excited to see him, which was a big change from the previous years. Tanner was a little hesitant, but as long as he didn't touch him, he was okay. I got some really cute pictures, and the kids got to share what they wanted for Christmas. When Santa asked Trenton what he wanted he said "I want binoculars, so I can see Carys far away." He really misses her... we all do! It's amazing to me how much he truly understands.

GONE....but not forgotten.

So, as some of you may or may not know.. I lost my dad on September 3 of this year. He lost his life at the young age of 45.. to a battle that he had been fighting for many years. This has been such a difficult time for me. Although I never had the relationship I longed, and dreamed of.. he was still my dad, and it hurts all the same. I just wish, that I would have had more time with him. I wish that he was here, to watch my brother and I raise our children, and just be proud of what we have, and will accomplish. We had a mass, and a small interment at the cemetery this past weekend, where we buried his urn, with my great-grandma, and placed a headstone. It was difficult, and a relief all at the same time. It really gave me a sense of closure. I know he will be watching down on us, and we will always keep him in our hearts! He will truly be missed!

R.I.P. DAD
JUNE 30, 1962 - SEPEMBER 3, 2007
BELOVED: SON, BROTHER, FATHER, & GRANDFATHER

Quick Update...

So, it has been a little while since I have posted... Halloween, I think was the last time. Well, things have been busy as usual. Alex took a trip out to Chicago to watch his brother graduate from Navy bootcamp. He had a great time, and got to spend some time with my brother to. So, with him gone, I packed up the kids and took a little trip out to Albuquerque. We got to spend a lot of time with friends, and just really enjoyed ourselves. But, the highlight of the trip was Tanners Birthday!! Yep, my little boy is 2!! So, for his special day, we went with "auntie boo", and Mia to the Explora childrens museum. We had so much fun! It was a great trip, but we came home exhausted and ready to start preparing for Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving was at our house this year. We celebrated with some friends, family, and good food. Now we are getting ready for our next big "move"... details later!!

Halloween!!

For Halloween, Alex & I decided to take the kids down to Phoenix.. to spend it with Gramma Vangie, and PaPa Brett. We got the kids all dressed up to go trick-or-treating, (I think I was more excited then they were).. Trenton was a pirate, Tanner was a monkey, and Tessa a mermaid. We made it up one street, and they were already ready to go home, I think they were more anxious about eating the candy then trick-or-treating. So, we turned around headed home.. and spent the rest of the night passing out candy, they really enjoyed that alot more. So here's a couple pictures, I didn't get as many as I would have liked, but I was lucky to get these.

Not goodbye....

Just see you later!
This weekend our next door neighbors, and very dear friends moved away. It was really hard on all of us, especially Trenton. We have become really close the last two years, we lived next to each other. So we just wanted to take this time, to let them know how much they mean to us, and how much they will truly be missed! We were so honored to have met you guys, you are amazing people, with such big hearts. We can never thank you enough for everything you have done for us. We wish you guys all the luck in the world.. and we know that you will bless so many more hearts out there. So take care, and we will see you soon!!
And maybe one day Carys and Trenton will have a "real" wedding! Ha Ha.

Heres some pictures of Trenton & Carys that I have taken over the last couple years. =)