Isn't this what Christmas is all about?

Laying on the floor covered in all the remains of what's just occurred moments before, exhausted and elated to just swim in the sea of tissue, wrap, and boxes!

CHEESE!

My baby is 18 months old. My favorite age. He is such a "ham" or should I say "cheese." I love this age. I love how they start to become their own little person. The wanting to walk everywhere on his own is pretty comical. Trying to keep him out everything at the store is interesting too. Of course, it's an exhausting age, but fun nonetheless. I am looking forward to him talking. The "eh eh eh"...and screaming for everything he wants, I could pass on.
Say the word, "bath" and Esaias is quick to undress and climb in the bathtub. Actually I should say he gets in the bathtub and then gets undressed. He swims, puts his full face in...it's just now that he's finally not choking every time. Mind you, the choking did not stop him from putting his face in the water. Danny and I end up just as wet as Esaias.

Little People are one of Esaias' favorite toys. This is the stable; he and Marina set up all the animals to watch baby Jesus.

I love you, cute boy! Cheese!

Like Father Like Son

Never ceases to amaze me...how much my son's love to be like their Dad. Good thing, I think he's a pretty good influence!

T-Rex

Last night we went to the T-Rex exhibit at the museum. As you can tell from the photo. We got in a little squabble with one of the dinosaurs. Fortunately we all made it home safely and enjoyed a fun family night out together. Esaias was still growling when he woke up this morning. Vycci and the kids insist that the Pirate exhibit was soooooo much better, but in all we had a good time seeing life size dinosaurs that responded to what the humans around them were doing. It was also fun to learn about the T-Rex named Sue and we all got to hold and touch a real fossil. Pretty fun stuff!

Sleeping Pictures

Awake and Alert at Jocelyn's

The last couple of days have given us a preview of cooler weather. I think there is something splendid about dressing warmer and watching the seasons begin to change. The cooler weather also creates better sleeping weather.

We got some pictures from Esaias's day care provider that told the story of Esaias disappearing on the stairs and moments later going silent. We then started to reminisce about how innocent sleep can be. Here are some pictures of sleep.




















Esaias alseep on the stairs at Jocelyn's

Danny and Isaac napping when we live in Grand Junction (along with the cat).

Marina asleep in her saucer, sometimes we just go until we drop.

Picture perfect of how we all should fall asleep.
















We just love his little feet tucked up.














Here's to Autumn coming, Football season, and good sleeping weather!

Little Tykes

You might think that I am referring to the brand "Little Tykes," however it's the name of my favorite consignment store. I have been going there for almost everything since I was pregnant. I just love how clean it is, and great prices. It's like garage selling anytime I want to. Early in the summer, I searched Craigs list for a small slide for Esaias. He loves being outside, and I just knew he would love having a toy to climb and slide down. I found several on Craigs list, but we just didn't have the time to hunt them down. So, you can imagine my delight when I pull up to "my" consignment shop a couple weeks later, and see what I wanted sitting right in front of the store. And what makes it even better...it's 25% off all toys that day! Marina and I had fun buying her some fun clothes and buying Esaias' new toy. We had even more fun trying it out when we got home. It was a good day!

Slide $20.00, joy of playing...priceless!

Finally, Spring Into Blogging!

Spring is going to get away from me, and summer will be here before I can blog about all the events. We've been keeping ourselves busy as usual! Never a dull moment.

This is us, playing at Murdock's! For those of you that don't know Murdock's is a "farm" store in Grand Junction. We actually have a couple here in Denver, but this one is very close to where we used to live, and so we try to visit when we take a trip to Grand Jct. We ventured over the mountains the last part of our spring break It's kind of our make-believe cowboy life resurfacing. This trip to Murdock's in the spring is so much fun, because they have their spring chicks and ducks newly hatched for sale. We had a blast introducing Esaias to all the fun. Especially his first time riding a horse.

Yes, there was a couple bunnies too. The sign said do not handle, but I guess we couldn't resist! Bad Dad!

You betcha, there really are live ones in there!

Grand Junction is all about visiting our friends! This is Esaias eating from the serving spoon, on Brooke and Brian's kitchen table. Thanks for always hanging with us, and making time for us when we come!

We planned on 2 nights in GJ. We didn't plan on the extra night in Eagle. A spring storm went through the mountains and closed I-70 for a bit. We opted to stay in Eagle versus sitting on the highway in a car with 3 kids for who knows how many hours. It was a relaxing time, even if it was a surprise.

Isaac has been playing soccer. He has done well, and although his team never won a game, I think he learned that he wants to pursue playing in a more competitive league. He proved to us, that he can actually play. He needs to work on some fundamentals, but he hustles and seems willing to put in the work it takes to learn and improve.

Marina & Isaac both performed in the Variety Show. Marina sang "Lollipop Lollipop" with her class. And Isaac danced to "Dynamite" in the 5th grade performance. Both did an incredible job, and had lots of fun! Couldn't get it to upload....sorry!

Marina had her first practice meet. Her next one will come this weekend, and then onto the real deal. She's excited and nervous. Stay tuned for updates on how her first season goes. Take a look

Marina finally lost another tooth. And Isaac has begun round 2 of braces. He's starting with an expander again. I thought I would spare everyone the inside look at his mouth. However, he will get his braces on this summer. We'll take pictures then.

Esaias got his 1 year old check up and is still growing tall. He took the 5 very slow shots (new nurse) like a trooper! And don't forget walking has been in our spring line up. It's so hard to catch it on camera.

I wrapped up both spring classes and have just under 2 weeks before the last 2 start up again. But I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now!

Danny's new job is going well, he seems to like it. We are very blessed that we pursued this endeavor early. Some people that he used to work with, just got the notice that they will not be continuing the program, and that they need to look for new jobs. Thank goodness, we don't have to worry about that!

1 Year and 1 Day Now!

I can't miss this one. All the rest of the fun to report will have to wait, but this one is a must!


My sweet baby boy finally reached the 1 year mark on this special Easter day. His birthday won't fall on Easter every year, but it was special to know that his first birthday was Easter. You all know what a remarkable and important journey we traveled to have this little spirit join our home. So, I think that it is a special blessing to have his first birthday on Easter. I am reminded of how much our Savior loves us, and how much he has done for us, and continues to do for us. I know that our Savior lives and I see his hand in my life daily. But none has been more obvious to me, then to look upon this beautiful little boy. He truly is a gift from heaven.

I tried to keep him a baby,
but he just wouldn't have it.
Eager to learn all that life offers,
I think will be a theme for him.

Walking, and talking
are more than a glimpse today.
He sparkles with laughter and
ponders on what big brother says.
Sister's tumbling, he must try.
He can't wait till he can ask why?

The beauty of the outdoors entice,
I wonder where this will take him.
I see a future full of wit and will.
Will I ever be able to keep him still?

I'm sure I cannot, for a long time he did wait
To be here, to love, to live, to know.
A little boy on his journey to be a man.
May he love his Savior,
and may his path be with Him
Wherever he goes!

Happy Birthday my Esaias!
Easter Sunday!

This was the best we could get of all three. Some years it works, some it doesn't!

Can we say mischievous!?!

I had to throw in the "bonding with Uncle Marcus" pictures. Esaias was so tired at the end of the day on Saturday after his birthday party. Marcus was holding him, letting him experience the music coming from his earphones. Esaias loved sitting and relaxing to some tunes!

And then again... can we say cute!?!

Only in Colorado!

Only in Colorado could we span from -10 degrees to 65 degrees in 2 weeks time! Two weeks ago we were home for a "snow day" because it was too cold to go to school, and today we're outside soaking up the rays, on what feels like a spring day.

Here is Esaias standing tall. He pulling himself up on everything, especially my legs! I don't want to rush walking, but I will be glad when he's not hanging on me! Oh yeah, this is the gate to keep him off the stairs in case you were wondering.

Esaias and his bud Gandalf. "I love to pull those big floppy ears!"

Marina wanted a shot with her beautiful Valentine's box that won her a small tub of playdoh. She was very proud of our decorating job! And it was full of treats when she came home yesterday from school!

Too Funny!

Esaias is such a light sleeper that if he cries at night, you cannot check on him unless you plan on being up with him for quite some time. So, this is what we found when we went to check on a sleeping babe, who had decided to sleep in late (7 am) this day. Maybe this was really comfortable???

Annual Tradition

Here's a picture from our annual leaf raking Saturday. Marina exclaimed, referring to jumping in the large pile of raked leaves, "This is the best thing about fall!" I am sure they are not quite as enthusiastic about picking them all up. Nonetheless, they helped fill all 13 bags in 2 hours. Yes, we have quite a mess in our yard every year to clean up. But, it was a beautiful day to be outside working, 70+ degrees. How often does that happen on November 6th?
I just had to throw in some more pictures of our growing boy. He had his 6 month check up at the doctors and measures in at 86% in height: a whoppin' 28 inches. His weight and head circumference are more average. But he sure is tall. In fact, every time I think he's going to fatten up, he just gets longer again. Danny said that when they came into measure him, the little tape measure they use, was too short. When I shared the statistics with Isaac that research shows that the 2nd boy in the family is usually taller than the first born. He was outraged. Of course, we laughed about it, but I truly think Isaac hopes he has some power, when telling Esaias, "You will not be taller than me!" Isaac was even more concerned when I told him that this was true for his dad's family, my family, Papa Ken's family, and both his uncle's families, Uncle Marcus and Uncle Ryan. Oh well, he'll be in good company. And no matter how tall, they are both such handsome little boys! Okay, Isaac's a big kid now. He'll be mad at me for saying "little." ;)

Can u believe it?

• A 5 month old drinking from a glass! Yes, Esaias wants to do everything we all do...eating big people food, drinking from a glass, walking...you name it, he wants to do it! Of course he can't really, but man does he want to!!!

• 

• We're finally getting rid of some of that country blue carpet! We decided to forfeit our trip to Arizona to work on some home improvement items, we've needed/wanted to get to since we moved in 5 years ago. We will send some update pictures as we get them.
• A skeleton that glows in the dark! Danny went down to give Esaias his pacifier in the middle of the night, and "you could even say it glows." Esaias is moving around so much that you have to feel your way in the dark to find him and the pacifier late at night (or early morning.) It was pretty funny to not have to feel your way to find him that night.

• Our own personal Halloween decorations in our front yard. The kids were kind of bummed when we informed them that we would not be putting up all the regular Halloween decorations, due to the floor project. So, it was very fitting and good timing on the part of the crows to decide to come into our front yard in numbers. The pictures don't quite do it justice. Crows are huge! And there were so many of them! However, getting pictures before they left or we scared them away, was a challenge.