Holidays 2011

Ok- so I'm a little behind in my posts.  I will quickly recap the holidays for ya all in one post so strap in. 

To kick off the holidays we had the pleasure of having the Hossli's in town.  It was so wonderful to see them and to watch Mathew play soccer.  It was just sad to hear that next year they won't be coming back for the soccer tournament.  I guess we will have to make a trek up to Colorado for a visit.

Thanksgiving was very nice. We had it at our house for the 2nd year in a row.  Now I just need to learn how to cook the turkey myself.  The food was de-lish as always.  Everyone brought a dish to add to the spread which makes the entertaining less over whelming. 

December was full of great holiday events for us.  First off we took the kids on the Polar Express in Williams for a weekend with friends.  This was such a magical experience and a wonderful holiday trip with snow and all.  We plan on doing this again in a couple years.  Next we went to see the Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo.  Then we hit mall for the Santa visit.

     On the train

Kids in their jammies!

 Zoo Lights

 Getting ready to see Santa

Hayden going over his list for Santa!  It was hilarious, he was up there a while. I am not sure what all he had to say.

Christmas as great.  We celebrated Christmas Eve at Mom and Dad's house and then we hosted Christmas brunch at our house.  That evening we were back at Mom and Dad's for a wonderful dinner.  It was a really nice day. 

We have a lot to be thankful and grateful for!

Halloween 2011

Halloween was great!  It was so nice to have all of the family at the house to celebrate with us.  Hayden was so excited to get in his costume and go out trick or treating.  He wanted to make sure we didn't miss any house in the area and he was the first one at the door.  Avery was so cute.  We pushed her around in her new trike and she would stand up on the step of the trike and point at each door as if she was saying- go, we need more candy!  She actually had a small bag hanging from her bike and people were filling it up to the point that we had to empty it out a few times. All of the kids were so cute!

Happy Birthday Avery!

I can't believe it, but it's true- Avery is 1! On her birthday we took her our for breakfast and then spend the rest of the morning at the Phoenix Children's museum.  The museum was great and we all had a blast.  That evening we celebrated at Nana's with cousin Alexander. 

Then a few weeks later we celebrated in style and hosted a party for the big 1 year old girl. I think she enjoyed her party, but I do know she LOVED her cake. Happy Birthday baby girl!!!

San Diego 2011

We packed up the family and headed west for cooler weather and some fun on the beach.  We met up with Shauna, Tracey and Keslar at our beach rental in Pacific Beach.  The house was small, but it was just down the street from the beach which was amazing!  I think we all had a great time getting away, playing on the beach and especially joyed our day at Sea World. 


The Fam on the Pier



Hayden and Daddy in Old Town




The kids enjoying the beach!




Avery really enjoyed the beach- especially the sand!




Checking out the sea lions.  Hayden enjoyed feeding them.




The crew at the Sea Lion show.



 

Kes and Avery enjoying the fresh air

A Visit to the Windy City!

Work sent me to Chicago for a workshop, so the family came along and we took the opportunity to introduce the city to Richard and Hayden and spend time visiting with the Hossli's.  While I was busy working Richard, the kids and others enjoyed exploring all the wonderful Chicago sites.  I was at least able to meet up with everyone at night for dinner.  It was great to see everyone and show Richard and Hayden how great the city is.  Thank you to the Hossli's for a great time!

Happy 4th

Another great family gathering full of pool time, food, fun and fireworks!

Westin Kierland Getaway

For Richard's birthday we decided to get a chance of scenery and use someone else's pool, so we drove 30 minutes north and stayed at the Westin Kierland.  Hayden LOVES the pool and Avery seemed to enjoy it herself too.  It was a short getaway, but a getaway none the less. 

Hanging out in the hotel room

Listening to the Bagpiper

Pool time!

I love my tripod.  I'm finally glad I had a chance to use it! 

4th of July in Pictures

 Avery looking her best in her party dress waiting for her guests to arrive.

 SA and Keslar spending time together.

The only fireworks that we stayed up for.  Who knew that fireworks were banned in Chandler... not our neighbors.

Visitors from the Windy City

The Hossli's came down to the heat to pay us a visit and help us celebrate our numerous June events.  It was great to have them with us and we only wish the visit could have been longer. 


Our combined celebratory dinner.



Jerry enjoying Alexander

Happy Birthday Audra!



Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary!



Happy 48th Wedding Anniversary!




The Whole Gang



The kids

It's That Time of Year Again!

Pool time. Fun in the Sun. Firing up the BBQ. Family, Friends and Fun! How can we not with these cuties....... 

San Fran!!!

Finally- a vacation!! The entire family joined us on this adventure...yes- the entire group; Nana and Papa along with Mark and his family.  All in all, I think everyone had a good time.  The weather was a bit wetter than we had planned, but at least it was something different than HOT.  Avery did a great job on her first airplane ride and Hayden enjoyed his boat ride with Mommy and Daddy.   And best of all we had it was great to see the family. 


What Mom- this is it?




Nana and her Granddaughter enjoying the Bay.




Hayden and Daddy enjoying the boat ride.




The Family!