In the snow

After a delightfully relaxing thanksgiving at Becca and Alan's new house, we headed out the day after for some Christmas trees!

We were on our way to the Kaibab when, just after passing Colorado city Dad encountered some car trouble. Flat tire? No. Out of Gas? Never! The entire back wheel coming off of the axle... sure! After scouring Colorado City for pins for a 1986 Suburban, he hooked the tire back on and we were off!
The drive was worth it and the kids got their first taste of snow for the season:
It pretty much wore them out:
Check out Leila's hot chocolate mustache:
I didn't realize till just now that I don't even have a picture of the tree! Well, you'll just have to wait till it's decorated and then I'll snap one.

Hello Baby!

Here's our first peek at baby #4, first the sweet little face:
Their little arm waving hello!
The little foot and piggies:
The little leg and side view of the foot:
Hi baby! You are growing so well! Look at your limbs all fully formed! I think you're a girl because of your dainty feet and smallish size. Daddy wants a girl but thinks you're a boy because the ultrasound tech said it was "very obvious" whatever you were showing us with your legs wide open. I guess we'll see who's right when you're born! For now, we love you baby, and we hope you keep growing beautifully :)

P.S. Thank you for not making me sick for very long... you're already my favorite... baby that's in my womb right now :)

The running continues.... and Veteran's Day

The first weekend in November Jesse ran the Snow Canyon Half marathon with Jessica and Nikki, Jesse's time was 2 hours 40 seconds (we also discovered the benenfits of liquid bandage! Sadly, it was AFTER the bloody nipples... sorry Jesse)
The kids playing after the Veteran's day parade:

At the Veteran's day Concert: Cute story about Amanda: At the beginning of the concert Mr. C comes out to say a few words and announces that he's stalling because he forgot his baton and someone is running to the band room to grab it. He glances off stage and says "not that one, the plastic one!" I'm thinking "sheesh! who's silly enough not to grab the right baton!" After a few minutes a hand appears from behind the stage curtain with the right baton. Mr. C glances at it and getting impatient motions for it to be brought to him. Amanda reluctantly emerges from behind the curtain and sheepishly tiptoes (as to not make noise on the stage in her peep-toe heels) over to hand off the baton. Cute Amanda, very Cute :)

And Sara with her choir peeps: A note about Sara in the concert: She sang with the choir and then changed clothes mid-concert to play with the band... not to mention she played in 2 parades that morning! Busy day for Band.. and Choir... and SARA!

Scary

This year we had a Skunk: A Princess: And, a Vampire: Let's not forget our Emo Daddy:Oh yes he did.

We also had Incarnacion and Nacho Libre:

Welcome Baby Ailee!

My newest niece arrived last week to proud parents Annie and Dave. I can't believe what an incredible experience the whole birth was, I am so glad I got to be a part of it :) Every time I witness a birth I am left amazed at the sheer miracle but this birth was extra special, and everyone in the room could feel the support and love around Annie and baby Ailee.

Annie and Dave did a magnificent job of communicating during the whole labor, and Annie was able to deliver unmedicated as planned. She was so happy to be done though!
Who looks this good after natural childbirth?!!! ANNIE!
Sweet Baby Ailee (pronounced eye-lee) breathed in so much meconium she had to stay in the NICU for 2 days while they monitored her oxygen, but I don't think any baby rocked those nose tubes as cute as Ailee could :)

I finally get MY turn!

And Grandma too... I guess.... gets a turn.
Mom and Baby are doing amazing and we spend our time together fighting over who Ailee likes and wants to hold her more. I think she likes my soothing voice.... right Annie? ;)