My little sweethearts!!!

 Happy Valentine's Day!!!

We love you all and I hope to stay up on my posts to keep all our loved ones so close and involved in our lives!

It Does Snow In Phoenix!!

I was working one recent Wednesday afternoon as my usual routine, yet this afternoon was different. A storm brewed and showered a downpour of sleet then snow!!  I had to run outside and partake in this rare occasion.  I missed the momentary blizzard, but I did catch a glimpse of seeing the blanket of white covering the ground; I even enjoyed making footprints in the snow again!  Oh, the pure joys of living in a desert!!

 

I was first saddened I wasn't home with the kids to allow them a little fun in the snow, but as I picked them up I noticed snow/sleet on the windshield of the car.  There was enough to gather and throw a few snowballs!!  The picture was an afterthought, Shawn had a coat on, but had already climbed into the car.  I actually asked him to come back out of the car to pose for a picture.  He is actually freezing in this picture!  Meadow shot that snowball right smack in the middle of the windshield and laughed hysterically!  Now looking at this picture, I can see that gleam in her eyes!  They loved the snow as much as  I did :)

 

                                                        

After picking up the kids, I met Tom for dinner at a restaurant that opened up close to home.  Pulling into the lot made me forget I was in the "Valley of the Sun" right in the middle of the desert!  Snow lined the curbs and a blanket of snow covered the plants.  I felt like snuggling up and enjoying a nice cup of hot cocoa.  Then it occurred to me that I do live in a desert...in fact I giggled to myself wondering..do they even serve hot cocoa here?  Hmmm....I am not sure if they did, but I enjoyed the reminiscent moment back "home" enjoying a crisp and cool winter evening.  I am so happy to have shared that with my children who might not really get to enjoy many of these nights!

Happy 5th birthday Shawn!!

 My baby boy turned 5!!!  For the last week, he has been saying that he wants to stay 4 forever...this is going to be a BIG year for this young man as he starts thinking about going to school and making new friends!

He insisted on "buying a cake" which turned out lucky for me as it would have been a challenge baking with Meadow fighting a bit of a stomach bug.  Shawn also insisted on having a "Curious George" cake.  He still loves his "Cars" but has increasingly grown in interest in reading and watching all of Curious George's adventures.

 

And of course we had to buy cupcakes to enjoy at school with his friends :)

 

 

 

 

Owen and Aunt Buddy come out to Celebrate too!!

  

Aunt Buddy and Owen came out to Phoenix to celebrate all the wonderful birthdays Mine and Aunt Buddy's on the 11th, Owen's on the 27th, Shawn's on the 28th, Meadow's on March 8th, and Daddy's on April 27th!!!  What a joyous celebration!!!  We loved getting together, playing and eating cake!!

We took Aunt buddy and Owen to one of our favorite restaurants around; Chino Banditos, the best Chinese-Mexican fusion ever!!!!  Love the Emerald chicken with spicy black beans and fried rice :)

We took it to the park and had a blast!!  What a beautiful day for a picnic!!

The kids had so much fun catching up and pulling out all the toys!

And of course we got to exchange gifts!!  Thank you Aunt Buddy and Owen!!! We love you!!!

 



 

February started up our birthday celebrations!

 My birthday was perfect!
I enjoyed a peaceful dinner of veggie pasta and ceasar salad...yummy!!
And then we enjoyed German Chocolate Cake!
It was perfect having my sweet family around!!

They presented me with hand picked gifts...How did they know I love flowers and princess balloons :)

 Shawn and Meadow had a blast going up into the bounce houses and going down the slides until they actually collided.

Even her little brother Max is getting to be quite the big boy!!

Then we celebrated Madi (Shawn's first girlfriend's) 5th birthday!!!  It is amazing watching them grow up together!! 

We started our February with many birthday parties!!!  Meadow had 2 of her besties celebrate their 3yr old birthdays.  We loved celebrating with both Emily and Tessa!

Family fun together!!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the past couple of weeks! We have had some wonderful times enjoying our time together and with some good friends.

Snuggling siblings, makes this Momma's heart just melt!! I think Daddy's heart melted with this one as well!!

Shawn is getting great writing letters, he likes writing the letter "I". Good job Shawn!

Family picnic and playtime at the park! Using the sand toys for the first time!

At the spring training game for the "Reds". I think they lost, but I enjoyed the afternoon with everyone. What a beautiful day for an afternoon out!

The letter "I" again, he's really mastering this letter!!! Way to go!!

Visiting with good friends Melissa, Matt, Madison, and meeting baby Maxwell. He is so adorable, and such a little snuggler!!

Shawn loved Matt's guitar. Shawn and Madi enjoyed playing guitars together! Good job kiddos, we loved listening to your music!!

Meadow and Madi also enjoyed playing together.