Life Lately: Spring Break

Well, hello there!! I know it's been awhile since I've posted on the poor blog. I really need to get the hang of this.
Life is so busy and I always feel like I need to catch up! The days are just flying by and I can't catch my breath. As I'm sure that many of you can relate. Anyways, I thought I'd share a little bit of what has been going on over here.

Des had spring break a few weeks ago but the boys will start there break today. I really wished they had it at the same time then we could plan our days better. So we've tried to do some fun things after school since we can't go anywhere really far.

After school on Wednesday, we took the kids to Disneyland. It was nice to just relax and hang out with the kids.  Love Disneyland!

I saw them holding hands and I turned quickly to snap this picture before they let go but I cut off there hands......oops.  Never too old to ride the carousel!!

My sister and I took Michael to the mountains for the Junior high Winter Retreat with the church. Des went last month but this was a first for Michael. This was the longest time he's been away from home. So I was a little nervous, but he did just fine.

It was so beautiful seeing the white snow, it was like a thick white blanket.
We took some pictures ( I love this picture!!! ) and prayed for his weekend to be blessed and that we got home safely.
Driving in the snow made me a little nervous.

After church on Sunday we drove up to pick him up from camp. Since we were going up we decide to make a day out of it.

We grabbed some lunch and went on a hunt to find a nice area to play in the snow.

 Des went to take her permit driving test. And she passed!! I have mixed feelings about this. I'm happy but oh SO nervous for her to be driving. Did you notice I said I was nervous three times already....make it four. 

We went to the movies and saw OZ, it was really good!  A lot better than I thought it would be.

We had family movie night and watched Wreck it Ralph. I really like this movie and so did Daniel!!
He is just relaxin while eating his ice cream cone.



We went to a birthday party and the kids got to ride horses. Gabriel rode on a horse for the first time.

I tried to get Daniel on it, at least for a picture but he just kept shaking his head no!  Des took him to pet some animals instead. He seemed to be happier there.

My sweet gentle James liked petting the animals too!

 Enjoying these everyday moments with the kids.
(Did you notice Daniel got a haircut?) :)

I hope you are enjoying your spring break!

Daniel is 18 months!

My little sweet Daniel turned 18 months in January,
I can't believe how fast time has flown by.
I know it's late for this post but
I really wanted to document his milestone.
Some mom's can't wait for their baby/toddler to reach their next milestone
but for me it is kinda of bittersweet.
Maybe because I know we are ending this stage and
I possibly won't be in this stage of parenting again.
I want to SAVOR the moments I have with him in this stage.
I know that in a blink of an eye he will be such a big boy.

So I wanted to share what you have been up to lately. You are a very curious little guy, always thinking and exploring. You don't say many words, actually about 4 that we could understand. Dada, hola, bye and Gaaa, which we think Gaaa is for Gabriel or Grandma. 

You love to eat, you will run and sit on Dad's lap at the table even if you have already eaten. 

You like to sit with him and eat again. You don't like to sit in your high chair anymore, I think it is because you a want to eat on the go. 

Some of your favorite foods right now are: spaghetti, yogurt, pizza, eggs, rice, beans, green beans apples, bananas & toast. 

You love your sister and brothers. You try to copy what they are doing. I'd have to say Gabriel is your best friend and I hope you two will always be very close. It melts my heart when I watch you two play together. He is very protective over you. 

 You can be so sweet and gentle at times, but can definitely let us know when you want to be heard.

The temper tantrums have begun. I'm not sure if it's more because you are frustrated and don't know how to talk to us to get our attention or perhaps it is just the age.......maybe both.

We still haven't gotten you a professional haircut yet. We tried but you screamed before we were even tried to start. Grandma has trimmed a little bit of your hair but that is about it.

You know some of your body parts such as nose, eyes, ears, head, hands, hair, feet, mouth, teeth and tummy. When we ask you where is _______? You will point.

You love to go outside and play. You love to explore, run and climb.
You love your Dad a lot, there are many times that you will chose him over me.

You love to snuggle and give hugs. Your hugs are so sweet and I love when I see you run up to give your sister or brothers a hug. It truly melts my heart. I hope that you will continue to snuggle because 

they are truly the best. 

 Each day you are changing and learning something new. I'm so happy to see all your new discoveries with you. I love how you run to look for me when your frightened. I am honored to be the one to protect you and make you feel safe. I love your smile and hearing you laugh. Your eyes light up when you've seen something for the first time or made a new sound. It is just so precious to see your excitement in your face.  I am blessed by God that He chose me to be your mama.
I love you so much, Daniel!

Love, Mama