Zoolights

Posing with the lighted versions of some of our favorite animals.

Katie's favorite

One of Abby's many favorites

Sarah's favorite

8 Cousins

What a good looking bunch of kids!

Sarah, Brooke, Paige, Katie, Abby, Brandon, Owen, and Alex

Montezuma's Castle

Chris and Drasko took the girls to see Montezuma's Castle today. Kyle and I had to stay at home to get a few things done. :(

Sarah, Katie, and Abby

Christmas

We spent Christmas Day at home this year and had a crazy but fun day. Missed having Dad here with us though.

Abby, Katie, and Sarah

Sarah, Abby, and Katie

It was so nice of Mom, Drasko, and Chris to travel so far to spend the holidays with us. We all enjoyed the time we spent together.

The whole gang, including the 4 dogs!

Cathedral Rock

On Christmas Eve, we made a quick trip to Sedona and hiked the Cathedral Rock trail. It was a definite hit with the kids and probably their favorite hike yet.

Katie, who has only recently warmed up to the idea of actually walking on a hike, was a great hiker with Aunt Chris by her side.

Abby and Sarah

The girls thought it was a blast sliding down the rocks on the way back down the trail. We just might have to take them to Slide Rock next summer.

First Grand Canyon Visit

We made a quick trek to the Grand Canyon today with Grandma G., Aunt Chris, and Chris' friend, Drasko, who have all traveled to our house for Christmas. It was the first time that the girls have been there, and my first trip there in 10 years or so. Hopefully we can return next summer for some hiking and possibly camping.

Sarah, Katie, and Abby

Sarah, Abby, Katie, and Jess

The whole gang, minus Kyle who had to work today

Chris, Katie, Sarah, Drasko, and Abby

Katie's Preschool Christmas Program

Katie's preschool teacher put together the most adorable little program for her classes. Not only was it cute, but Katie had a smile on her face the entire time and clearly enjoyed it. (The same wasn't true at last year's program.) I couldn't have been happier. Here are a couple clips from the show for you to enjoy as well.

Snow Day

After over a foot of snowfall, the kids were excited to get their second snow day this school year. The snow was perfect for making a snowman and sledding.

Luke, Katie, and Sarah

Another Goodbye

It has been a rough year for our family when it comes to goodbyes. Kyle's uncle, Mark, lost his long battle with Parkinson's disease last week. He was such a kind man with a great sense of humor, and he lived life to the fullest every day of his life. Ever since Kyle and I started dating years ago, we have made annual visits to Mark and Lorraine's house in Del Mar. They both have always made us feel so welcome, and we look forward to our time with them during each visit. We especially enjoyed trips to Tony's for dinner followed by a late night card game accompanied with a bowl of ice cream. (Mark definitely had a sweet tooth!) We will sincerely miss Mark but know that he is in a better place now. We love you, Uncle Mark!

During our August 2006 visit

Best Buds

Joe and Antra

The Nutcracker Ballet

All three girls started taking ballet class this year and are really enjoying it. They all played Marzipan Sheep in their first performance of The Nutcracker and thoroughly enjoyed it. The performance was late at night in front of a very large audience and full orchestra, but they all did great. Taking pictures was a challenge for me, but here are a few of them.

Sarah, Katie, and Abby

Dancing around the shepherdess

Abby, Katie, and Sarah

Addison, Sarah, Avery, Katie, and Abby

Abby

Sarah

Katie

First 3-D Movie

Since we recently read the book "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" to the girls, we decided to take them to see "Hugo" the movie in 3-D as a special treat. We all loved it!

Abby and Sarah

Katie almost made it to the end of the movie. It was just over 2 hours long!

New Best Friend

Katie has taken a liking to Grandma's new dog, Joe.

Spreading Holiday Cheer

Abby helping to put up Christmas lights at Grandma's house

Thanksgiving Day Fun

Playing "Red Light Green Light"

Katie, Paige, Owen, Alex, Sarah, and Abby

I am thankful for ...

... my three daughters who each amaze me with their ability to make me smile and cry at the littlest things. I'm so blessed to be their mother!

Katie's artwork that she came home from school with

(This one melted my heart because Katie was allowed to choose anything at all that she wanted to say she was thankful for. She LOVES her sisters!)

Sarah's self-portrait with Grandpa G.

(This one made me cry.)

Abby playing "Bunny's Birdhouse" from her music class

(This one makes me so happy for Abby because she has been so proud of herself recently while practicing the piano. She gave me the biggest bear hug the other night after she was able to play a song perfectly without looking at her fingers.)

Celebrating Grandpa's Birthday

A Day at the Zoo

Abby, Katie, and Sarah

Katie, Abby, and Sarah

Sarah looking at the big horn sheep (In Sarah's eyes, a trip to the zoo is never complete without seeing the big horn sheep.)

Abby checking another exhibit off on her map

Katie

Alex and Paige's 4th Birthday Party

Alex and Paige

Alex showing me how old he is now

The transformer cake

Airport Field Trip

Katie's class recently took a field trip to the airport to visit the Guardian Air facility.