February 2018

Zoe started another season of soccer. 

Chase went to Biztown on a field trip and was CEO of Chick-fil-A

He even had to give a speech during a City Hall meeting.

I got to go as a chaperone. I was in Wells Fargo helping again just like last year with Maeley.

Went to one of our favorite restaurants and the kids took a picture of Derek and I. We have been trying to get more pictures of us because often pictures are just of the kids.

We all wanted to take this fluffy puppy home with us! 

For years Derek has wanted a Bernese Mountain dog. While at the mall shopping the kids always beg to stop at the pet store. It paid off this time because we never see this breed there. 

It's quite the production getting Valentine's cookies done for neighbors and friends. Thankfully we don't do as many as Chrismastime.

The tradition of heart attacking the kids doors is still going strong. 

Another long day of volleyball and they left in 1st place! 

Ready to run another half marathon! It was cold at 39 degrees.

Felt so good to PR after a not so great half a few months before. 

Love the medals from the Mesa-Phx half! 

January 2018

Zoe getting creative and enjoying one of her Christmas presents. Loved how she set it up outside and that she first drew a sketch on paper before painting on canvas.

Zoe loves art! 

Maeley had middle school orientation

Maeley also started her club volleyball games. 

Zoe made honor roll 

It was decades day at school and she insisted on dressing up in the 80's.

Maeley made principles list! 

She dressed in the 90's. 

Chase earned honor roll! 

And true Chase fashion he did not participate in spirit day.

Chase working on his pinewood derby car. 

The first year he helped but the majority was done by Derek.

The second year Chase and Derek worked together as Derek explained thoroughly the process and why they were doing certain things.

This was Chase's last year so it was mostly done by Chase with some assistance. 

He didn't get first but he did do fairly well! He was so proud of himself! 

Chase

Chase has wanted suspenders for a while and when we got a great price on these he was so happy. Isn't he just so handsome. 

A few things about Chase:

He is a very sweet kid.

He has become the "big brother" to so many younger boys. He isn't bothered by them wanting to play with him even though they are years younger. He talks to them like they are so special. 

Honestly he is going to make a great dad one day.

He played a season of soccer in the fall and a complete parent fail we didn't take any pictures. He did great considering it was a small school team. It was his first season ever to play soccer. I'm not sure if he will play soccer again. While he did enjoy it but he prefers football. 

Triplets

We were shopping for some pants for Chase and I saw this shirt was across the store. I immediately went over there and looked at it. Then Maeley and Zoe saw and wanted it too. How could I not buy it when my girls actually wanted to match me? Seriously the cutest! Now I'm ready for another Disneyland trip! 

Room Swap

Take note of the brick wall in the back ground of this picture. This brick walls first purpose was a backdrop for selfies at Maeley's birthday party. Then is served as a backdrop for Christmas decor which anyone who came into the house commented on it. It really made the space feel extra warm and cozy during the holidays.

Our loft hasn't been fully utilized for quite some time and Maeley and Zoe have been wanting their own rooms for years. In fact Zoe has put on her Christmas list for I think 3 years now "her own room". We didn't want to do anything permanent so we decided to re-purpose the brick wall as a faux wall to make Maeley her own room in what was the loft. 

The entire project cost us nothing because we had everything on hand. Maeley loves her space and asks often when we will permanently make it a room. Zoe couldn't be happier with her own room. Honestly there has been a reduction in fights because of this. 

We had a sofa and tv entertainment unit in the loft prior. We sold the entertainment unit months earlier as we noticed we rarely used the space for tv watching. We love the sofa so we decided to rearrange our bedroom and add it in there. 

The bed used to sit between these 2 small windows. Moving the bed to the other wall made the room feel much longer and know we have a great place to sit and read or relax. If we do end up making the loft permanently into a bedoom we will probably add a tv in here (above the cedar chest). Then when friends are over they can be watching tv downstairs and we have something to do upstairs. 

Another Wave Cave Hike

Off on a cold morning hike with Aydia going us.

We attempted to spell Jones. Zoe's S is my favorite!

Gotta surf the wave! 

Zoe was sad about the snack situation and Chase tried to help her. I love how thoughtful he is.

I say it every time but hiking and spending time with my family is the best! 

Christmas Day 2017

The excitement on Christmas morning is the best! They totally slept in longer than we expected. I got up early to get a run in before and surprisingly they were still asleep when I got back so I had time to shower! But of course I got right back into pjs. 

This is the kids tree upstairs. 

I seriously love his excitement for his backpack. He's wanted it for months. it has Mickey and Donald climbing a mountain. 

He still doesn't want to put it down because he's so happy! The magic of Christmas morning is my favorite! 

Lego's and sleeping bags

The kids were happy with all their presents. 

Growing up my grandparents had the best Christmas treat spread when we came over Christmas morning. I've always done something similar but with not as much. These are all treats that even I can eat and they are delicious and Derek and the kids love them too.

What's not pictured was when my parents came over for breakfast. Christmas morning breakfast is always delicious when Derek is cooking. Then later Derek's parents and Grandma came over too.

Zoe made herself her own little room in her tent with all her Christmas presents. 

Maeley looked like a news reporter walking around outside. 

Christmas is my favorite holiday. Its so fun as a parent to watch the kids excitement and their joy in giving and receiving gifts. I sure love my little family!