Family Time in Arizona

It was so special for Cassidy to be able to play and have fun with her cousins! We had a wonderful time just hanging out between the wedding and baby blessing celebrations. Cassidy sure kept up with all of her cousins especially being the only girl of 15 grandchildren. Cassidy was so spoiled with so much love and attention from those sweet boys and of course from the rest of the family, her aunts and uncles and grandparents. She couldn't think of anything more than to play, play, and play.

Another fun time was my dad growing out his beard, finding the perfect Santa suit, and playing Santa. He had to be the closest thing to the real deal. Cassidy walked right up to him with her arms stretched out for a big hug. It was so adorable! Thank you Santa for a memorable experience!

By the time we got home Cassidy went right back to her same old routine, NAPS. Thank goodness! :) Thank you all for taking such good care of us! We love you and miss you tons!

Cutie Patooties

Since most of the family were together for Dave's wedding we also had the chance to be a part of our nephew's baby blessing. Jess (Angie's sister) and Jon are new, happy parents of twin boys. They were born September 30th. Aren't Karsten and Adon so cute! It was so fun to hold them and to give them lots of kisses. Congratulations Jess and Jon, you're such good parents!

Dave & Brianna's Wedding

Cassidy and I flew to Arizona for my brother's wedding, after Christmas. Even though Cassidy and I were going to be away from Daddy, we appreciated the opportunity to spend time with family for the weekend.

Dave and Brianna are the perfect match! It's fun to see them so in love. They asked Cassidy to be their flower girl. The dress Cassidy wore was the same dress Brianna wore when she was a flower girl for her aunt's wedding. Pretty special! Cassidy had fun being the flower girl and thought she had to pick up the flower petals and put them back in the basket. I do teach her to pick up after herself. :) She loved being escorted by her handsome cousin McKay. And Samuel (another cousin), was the adorable ring bearer. They were so cute and all did a great job! The sweetest part during the ceremony was seeing my brother cry, he just couldn't keep it in when he saw his bride for the first time. Tough Dave wasn't so tough. :)

After the ceremony, the reception followed. We had a great time eating some good food, dancing, and laughing through the night. It was a wedding full of humor, with many surprises and a special guest. Elvis decided to join the party. :) Brianna's a huge fan! Then, Dave surprised my mom during the "Mother and Son dance" with Spanish music instead of the traditional slow song. It was the best gift he could have given our mom. She sure has some dancing feet! We're so happy for you guys and so excited to have Brianna part of our family. Congratulations Dave and Brianna, We love you!






McKay, Cassidy, & Samuel







my brother Doug, my sister Jess

A little look on our Christmas Holidays :)

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

The Nativity

This Sunday after Church, Cassidy and Derek were playing in the basement and made a little shelter by placing a blanket between two couches. Cassidy loved crawling thru the "tunnel". The little cave reminded us of the stable of the first Christmas. Derek got this crazy idea that we should all dress up and play out the nativity in our home.

So, while Cassidy took her nap, we got together some costumes and props. We fancied up the stable set with a box and blanket for a manger. Derek even cut out a little star and had a hidden flashlight shine on it. Then when Cassidy woke up, we all put on our costumes and put on our Nativity production. It was a blast! Cassidy played the part of Mary and rode Oakley to the stable. She put her most prized possesion, her dolly, in the manger. Oakley then transitioned roles to a shepherd - a role that comes natural for most Australian Shepherds. Angie was dressed as an angel and appeared to us. Derek played a wise man and brought the baby Jesus a little treasure box. We then sat in the stable/cave and retold the Christmas story. It was quite touching as we imagined being there at Christ's birth. The moment was nice while it lasted - then Cassidy wanted to climb inside the manger box or on top of the stable. All-in-all a fun way to remember the true meaning of Christmas. Mad props to Derek for the idea.

 

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Show Credits:

Mary:	Introducing Cassidy in her first lead role.
Baby Jesus:	"Dolly"
Joseph:	Daddy
Shepherds:	Daddy & Oakley
Wiseman:	Daddy
Angel:	Mommy
Mary's Donkey:	Oakley
Stable animals:	Oakley
Director:	Mommy
Costume Design:	Mommy
Best Boy Grip:	Daddy

Could it be Dasher? or Prancer? Comet or Cupid...

I was able to take Cassidy to go see one of Santa's famous reindeer. Okay maybe she wasn't so famous. Her name was Chase and we spent some time with her at the public library. The children were able to feed her apples and carrots. Cassidy loves animals and enjoyed this opportunity to get up close.

We got Elfed! :)

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9631424109

This was so much fun, thanks to all who have passed it on, we enjoyed the fun entertainment of seeing you all being dancing little elves. We had to do it too. :)

Let it snow...Let it snow...Let it snow

We woke up Sunday morning to a beautiful Winter Wonderland. The snow was so sparkly. I love the way the trees look covered with snow. It's just a beautiful sight! We had to take some pictures after church.

These last couple of days we have been playing in the snow and making snow angels. Of course Cassidy's little heart was content with eating the snow. :)

The unexpected...or...maybe not...

Okay, okay, so how many of you have locked your keys in the car? That's what I thought. :) How about locking your keys in the car after strapping your child in the car seat? Okay I'm raising my hand. It might be to hard to explain...but I'll try. I need to come up with some kind of solution to keep my keys on me at all times. Since Derek has had to rescue Cassidy and I several times now. He's our Hero, always! :) Soon Derek won't allow me to drive anymore. :)

Well let me tell you about this last time it happened. Cassidy and I had a fabulous time eating at RedRobin with family. We had a great time visiting with Aunt Barb and my cousin Erik. Well it was time to say goodbye and Cassidy and I were walking to the car but Cassidy wanted to wave good-bye several times as they drove off. So of course we were the last ones to leave. :) I put Cassidy in the car and let her play in the car for a little, before the trip back home, and decided to lock the doors so she couldn't open the door and fall out. (I know I need to change the doors to child lock.) I watched her play from the doorway. After a little while I put Cassidy in her car seat and strapped her in but forgetting I had locked the doors and forgetting that I put my keys down, I closed her door and then started walking to my door. Soon realizing I had just locked my keys in the car and my daughter. NOT AGAIN!!!! Of course my cell phone was in the diaper bag in the car too. So what do I do???

I saw a lady sitting in her car parked beside me and asked if I could use her phone, but she didn't have one, she actually was about to start her shift at RedRobin and kindly offered to keep an eye on Cassidy while I ran inside to call Derek. Of course I was at the RedRobin at Southgate and Derek works near Monument so it would be awhile before he comes. So the lady at the counter insisted to call the Fire Department instead of Derek since they're right next door and are always helping them out. Of course at this point I just wanted to hide because she shouted out loud to her fellow co-worker to run next door and to ask the Firemen for help saying, "This mom locked her child in the car!" I know the whole restaurant heard her. She was really nice but kind of panicky. I was so embarrased.

She walked with me back to the car and was amazed at how calm I was. Well, you're probably thinking this isn't the first time that's why. :) But also I knew Cassidy was safe in her car seat. She was so good, just sitting patiently, holding onto her balloon. But probably wondering why mommy wasn't driving home yet.

Then just a couple of minutes later, I hear the sirens, yup the whole firefighter crew were on their way to save the day. I felt silly because of my dumb mistake they had to go all out to help me. It was quite the sight! Let's just say all 4 of them jumped out of the truck with huge smiles. One of them told me this wasn't the first time they had to do this, I don't know if that made me feel better or not. They were all so nice! A couple of them were waving to Cassidy through the windows while the other two worked on unlocking my door. It didn't take long at all.

Now the guys were the first to open the door and started talking to Cassidy and that's when she lost it and started crying. She didn't see me, and had no idea what was going on with all these people looking at her. So I took her out of the car and tried to console her when one of the firemen asked if she would like to sit in the firetruck. Of course, through the tears, she was able to say yes, with her little voice. She loves trucks and cars! The experience turned out to be a fun experience and a good time. Cassidy gave each one of them a high 5 and blew them kisses as they drove off. My little girl was safe and had some one on one time with true heroes. THANK YOU to the fire crew of Station 4!

Hopefully I have learned my lesson once and for all!!!!

Thankful for our blessings...

This Thanksgiving was pretty quiet. Usually we either have family over or we're out of town with family. But due to a recent family vacation, earlier in November, Thanksgiving just kind of sneaked up on us.

It was a wonderful day, spending time together, with our little family. We still wanted to have the traditional Turkey dinner so we did. Let's just say we had lots of leftovers, and Derek even bought a little turkey. We spent the day relaxing, and playing with Cassidy. After our naps, later that evening, we went to a friend's house to eat dessert and play games. It was a perfect day! We have so much to be grateful for!