Backyard oasis

When we looked at this house I was in love before heading upstairs. The backyard definitely played a roll in that.

We have synthetic grass! I couldn't be more happy about it either! 

It's not a big backyard but definitely adequate for our needs. 

Eventually we'd love a huge umbrella and outdoor patio set over there.

The previous owners finished the backyard in July of last year. I'm so happy we get the enjoy it!  

Easter festivities

This past Saturday our new ward had an Easter Egg Hunt. First off, wow! They certainly know how put an activity together.  They had approximately 3,500 eggs. As you can imagine our kids had a great time.

Here's the candy from the ward Easter egg hunt. And a sneak peek at our new house. 

Then Sunday my family got together to do an Easter/Mom's birthday party.

All the kids made super cute race cars.

While Chase was getting an egg he found, Boston was too but it was from Chase's basket.

Devan and Maeley

Now these kids have way more candy than they need. Possibly more than what they got for Halloween. 

We all had so much fun can't wait for this weekend!

The girls new bed

We had ordered a new bunk bed for the girls over President's Day weekend. It was delayed because when it came in it was the wrong one and we didn't like it much. So we had to wait again. That meant the girls slept on mattresses on the floor a couple nights. I got the call the bed came in Friday afternoon. I was not expecting it for another week so it was a pleasant surprise. We had already planned with the kids that we would do movie night. After Derek came home from work we quickly went to pick it up, came home, ate dinner, cleaned up then we enjoyed movie night. When it was time to put the kids in bed we decided to have the girls sleep on the floor in Chase's room so we could set up the bunk bed. That was a great idea because the next morning seriously felt like Christmas. I could hear the kids waking up so I quickly jumped out of bed and closed the girls room until everyone was ready.

We had some very happy girls. Zoe's response was, "I loooove it! She was thrilled with the purple polka dots on her new bedding. I'm so happy we decided on getting a new bunk bed. The old one was twin over full and this is twin over twin. Their new room isn't as big as the last house so this fits much better in here.

Later that day Derek and I went to Ikea and bought some picture frame ledges and lamps for the girls. Its so perfect for them because they always read/look at books before bed. 

Maeley spent most of Sunday on her bed reading. She finished 2 chapter books. She is quite the book worm.

Now we need to focus on Chase's room because he was feeling a bit left out. And by the way we are loving our new house! 

Valentine's Day

As per tradition the kids woke up to see that their door had been heart attacked. 

They also each got a bag with treats and other things.

We definitely do more for the kids for Valentine's Day than Derek and I do for each other. This year it didn't make sense to get each other gifts when we are buying a house. And that's perfectly okay with us. 

Maeley and Chase had a great time at school giving and receiving Valentine's. I think Zoe felt a little left out. 

Our soon to be house

We are in the process of buying this house. We couldn't be more excited to finally be getting into our own place. I can't help but think about it all the time. Nor can I help but decorate the whole place with our things in my mind. The kids are thrilled to finally be able to play with toys that have been packed up for the past 6 months. I can't believe its been that long, but at the same time it feels like we left Rio Rancho years ago.

New Year's Eve

The kiddos love the Disney headbands game.

New Year's Eve we grabbed some dinner at Wendy's then back home and played games together. And we did not stay up til midnight. I'd much rather get my sleep than stay up to say "Happy New Year" at midnight, luckily Derek feels the same way. 

Christmas 2012

This picture just does not get old. Its still makes me laugh every single time I see it. This was taken before we let then head up stairs to open presents. 

Zoe insisted of wearing her antlers so then Maeley and Chase wanted to wear their Santa hats. 

Maeley got a bigger bike. She's still a little nervous on it. Not because its too big for her but because she doesn't like not having the ability to put both her feet on the ground when she wants. 

Chase finally decided it was time to put a bike on his Christmas list. It was funny because both Maeley and Chase were not interested in riding their bikes on Christmas day. Too many Lego's to play with instead.

Zoe has enjoyed her Tinker Bell house that works with the many fairies she already has.

Finally he got the big police station he's been wanting for quite some time.

I

With Zoe being on the young side for these Lego's I was a bit nervous. However she has played with this set more than I think any other Christmas gift. What can I say but we are a Lego family.

While the kids get fun new toys and games, as parents we get practical stuff. Maybe that will change one year but  I'm guessing probably not.

Maeley and Chase playing with their new Lego's together. 

Zoe was very pleased with an outfit she got from Santa. It's her new favorite play dress.

I cannot believe Christmas has come and gone already. I think for me it was just a blurry crazy time. After having Christmas by ourselves for the past 4 years it was a hard adjustment not being on our own. Christmas was great but I'm not going to lie it was a very emotional week for me. It might have had something to do with the fact that I turned thirty less than a week before. We still don't know anything different with Derek's job thus we are still in the basement of his parents. I'm trying to be patient but it hit me hard around Christmastime. My husband and kids keep me going, I sure love them. 

Christmas Eve

In the morning on Christmas Eve we let the kids open their gifts to each other. Not being on our own for the holidays we had to change plans. I think the kids enjoyed doing it earlier in the day so they had some time to play with them.

I really love doing this. I love how thoughtful they are about what they want to give the other person. 

Zoe got a couple My Little Pony toys from Maeley.

Chase got Bane and Batman action figures from Zoe.

Maeley got a Freinds Lego set from Chase.

For brunch we went to my sister Laurel's house and she out did herself. The kitchen table was covered with Christmas goodies. The kids asked if they could have some and I told them they could have whatever and however much they wanted. I think they were shocked I said that.  In addition to goodies breakfast was delicious. 

I love these kids. They are so fun. I love being their mom.

As per tradition we had to get our family Christmas picture in our new jammies in front of the tree. This was one tradition I was not going to sacrifice this year. Other traditions will resume next year when we have a place of our own. 

What a crazy family!

Christmas Eve evening was spent with Derek's family. I did not get any pictures of the rest of the evening but we did go look at some Christmas lights. There were some awesome ones out there. We had Marc, Kari and Lydia with us in our car. We lucked out as it turned out Sonya screamed in the other car the whole time.  

Christmas family pictures

The Sunday before Christmas we were ready to church a little early so I wanted another family picture of us all in Christmas-y attire.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

They don't look too excited about getting their picture taken.

That evening Derek ended up taking more pictures of other family members. 

Kimberly pretending to be looking off to no where mocking old school portraits.

Marc, Lydia, and Kari

Marc, Sonya, and Eunmi 

The reason for the photo shoot was primarily to get pictures of Marc, Eunmi and Sonya. She was a pretty fun baby and was quite fun to listen to when she got laughing. When they came for Christmas this was our first time meeting her as they live in Texas. 

Polar Express

(thanks Kim for this picture and several others!)

I have wanted to take the kids on the Polar Express train ride for years but never can remember to book the tickets early enough. Back in the middle of October we decided this was a great year to do it before Maeley  gets too big. Luckily there were still several days to chose from however all weekends were booked. We decided to keep it a secret and wait until it was time to go to tell them. 

Sunday afternoon Derek read the Polar Express book to the kids. After he finished Chase said, "I wish I could ride the Polar Express." That lead to the perfect segway. Derek then told them that we'd be going tomorrow. At first they weren't sure if he was serious and then they all cheered. Then he told them Aunt Kimmy was coming too. Then they cheered even louder. I'm so happy we waited until the day before to tell them. I think it made it more fun for all of us.

We thought they should wear pajamas riding the Polar Express so I gave them their Christmas pajamas early.

I knew I wanted matching pajamas! They are my favorite!

Happy, cute kids.

This is right before we left our hotel to catch the Polar Express train. 

When we pulled up to the train station they had a few little shops and such, you know for the elves.

Kimberly (aka Aunt Kimmy)

Here we are right after we boarded. Shortly after the seat  Zoe and I are sitting in was turned around so we were facing Maeley and Kim. Derek sat with Chase one row behind. 

Sorry for the not so good picture. That was my fault.

This is Zoe saying, "We're going to the North Pole." I love this picture!

We told the kids earlier to choose a buddy. Maeley was quick to pick Aunt Kimmy, then Chase chose Dad, and by default Zoe was stuck with me. I don't mind, I love spending time with Zoe.

The view was beautiful! There was so much snow. Not that it was light for very long after the train left though. 

The kids loved getting hot chocolate and a chocolate chip cookie. Then they read the book, which I brought with us so we could follow along. They were pretty excited about getting to the North Pole. The best part was when Santa arrived in our box car Chase was the first to get the Bell. He felt very special and told all of us that he got the first gift of Christmas. Maeley and Chase realized that the reindeer were fake and Maeley says we really didn't go to the North Pole but they believe that was the real Santa. Maeley, Chase and Zoe loved it, which made it a great experience for Derek, Kim and I. It was very memorable and I'm so grateful we decided to go. It was worth every penny.