EASTER 2014

We spent Easter in Flagstaff with every bit of family (minus Uncle Andy and Uncle Patrick).  My sister's in laws actually hosted a pot-luck Easter brunch and my Wheeler and Wyatt parents were there.  It's pretty amazing that everyone was so welcoming and on board with that.  It was especially nice to see my pregnant sister and her gang.  Charlie was recovering from a 3 day stay in the hospital and had to cancel his 5th birthday party celebrations - so we were happy to have at least Easter go somewhat as planned and to hold our little ones close.  My dad also got some crappy medical diagnosis, so it was at least nice to get some time with him.  We stayed with my in-laws, played outside, did some Easter egg hunting, played with Grandma's toys (Cameron/Andy lego stash anyone?), and Liberty and I went to Mass at the new-to-me church in Flagstaff.  I was reminded how super casual everyone dresses in Flagstaff (tshirts for Easter Mass?!) and was proud that Liberty and I looked adorable if I do say so myself.  It was beautiful weather and a short and sweet trip.

Christmas 2013

Christmas was so nice! It was at my house this year which made it extra special for me. My kids were able to sleep in their own house and wake up to explore under their own Christmas tree. Cameron's parents and Andy stayed with us. It worked out really well - since we had Andy in Liberty's bed, she bunked on a blow up in our room. It was really fun - she woke up in the morning kinda having a bad dream, came in our bed, we said Merry Christmas, and she snuggled us and wanted to go tell Merry Christmas to Grandma/Grandpa and Andy. It was on her way to Andy's room that she noticed the gifts:) Liberty got some FROZEN gifts and many calico critters. She truly loved every gift - from her sleeping bag from Grandma to her boogie board writing pad from Andy - there was not a single "dud" gift. Henry was ADORABLE when he woke up - he crawled over to his first gift and thought it was the coolest dang thing he had ever seen! He got a DJ billy beats, jumbo animals, and a little people airplane, and musical instruments among many other things. We had great meals together and went to San Tan the day after Christmas. Only thing that could have been better was Cameron got the flu on Christmas day. He spent the next day in bed, and I was surprised at how fast he bounced back considering it was a serious flu illness. He was recovered in time for our Saturday Christmas at the Wheeler's in Fountain Hills where we had a big prime rib lunch and opened more gifts (calico critter house! and car ramps and rocket ships!) We were happy to get to see all our family and spend some quality time together. I tried hard this year to teach Liberty that Santa Clause is really St. Nicholas who was a generous man who wanted to be like Jesus and help others. We talked a lot about why we thank people for gifts because that meant they were thinking of us and wanted to show their love with a gift. I think we were all feeling the love this Christmas.

Father's Day

Father's Day was a good day.  We went out for pancakes, grilled, and swam.  And celebrated having a SUPER daddy in our family.

From 2013_6_17 Random Summer Playtime

From 2013_6_17 Random Summer Playtime

From 2013_6_17 Random Summer Playtime

From 2013_6_17 Random Summer Playtime

From 2013_6_17 Random Summer Playtime

EASTER 2013

We celebrated Easter in Fountain Hills with my mom and dad.  We had a great brunch and Easter egg hunt.  Liberty got so many goodies in her 3 baskets from grandparents and us.  She told us her favorite holiday is still Valentine's day but she liked dressing up in a new blue outfit for Easter.  We also celebrated Easter with friends the weekend before and I'll share those pictures later.

Christmas 2012

Christmas was great in so many ways. It was special to have so much family we hadn't seen in a long time come visit (Thom & Derek & Andy from SF). The Wyatt side visited us Friday-Sunday, then we had Christmas Eve solo, then we spent Christmas day with the Wheeler side. We did a Gingerbread house, visited Superstition Farms for the Mooey Christmas event, are Ted Wyatt meals and opened gifts on Sunday. Then we laid low on Monday since Liberty got a stomach bug. Santa came, ate his treat, drank his milk and took the picture Liberty had made for him. Santa brought Liberty a Radio Flyer trike and a full stocking to our house with a note saying more gifts were at Mom-mom and Pipas. There she got a Princess Castle with all the beautiful princesses (just like she asked for on Santa's lap). Some of her other favorite gifts included Disney figurines, a princess toothbrush, a cat blankie, dress up stuff, Cinderella anything, PJs, soft dresses, craft stuff, twisatable crayons, candy land and more. Henry was so much fun to have around - it is nice to be snuggled and have a sleeping baby cozy up with you. Lots of great memories were made this year and we have such a wonderful family to share them with.

Thanksgiving!

We had a great thanksgiving this year.  I was so glad everyone rolled with the punches and came together.  Since we were on baby watch my in-laws graciously brought a turkey feast to my house, and since my birthday was the following day, and I didn't know if I'd be having a baby, we also had my family join in and make for one big Thanksgiving.  Ted worked his cooking magic and made a great bird, stuffing, gravy and cheese rolls (all from scratch).  My mom made mashed potatoes, green beans and brought the Asti.  I made the Wheeler Apple Pie.  It was great to use my dining table and dishes we never do, and it was nice to have my brother who has spent so many holidays abroad with us too.  Liberty had a blast - we set up the bounce house and did a Turkey craft with her too.  My birthday/Black Friday was fun too.  Cameron and I got new phones (happy birthday to us!) and went to Liberty Market by ourselves for a birthday breakfast date while Grandparents watched Liberty.  We also celebrated with them at Joe's Farm Grill for dinner.  AND Cam and I went to see LIFE OF PI in 3D!  All my birthday wishes came true.  I have the best family that let me relax on this holiday and everyone was beyond helpful.  So much to be thankful for!

Pumpkin Carving and More Fall Festivals

We went to Vertuccio Farms again (this time with Cameron) to pick out our pumpkin and do more jumping on the air pillow!  We got there right when they opened on a Sunday so Liberty (and very pregnant mommy) wasn't overrun on the air pillow with bigger kids.  Libs really likes the cow train and milking that silly cow aka plywood cow with fake udders.  We also checked out the farmers market next door which was really cool - got some honey and you can see real bees at work in a display they've created.  The night before we went to our neighborhood Fall Festival which generous neighbors put together each year that involves homemade chilli and pies, a ton of booth games, and 2 bounce houses.

Liberty requested our famous KITTY CAT pumpkin design for our pumpkin again this year.  She wasn't that interested in helping with all the slimy guts, but salted those seeds for roasting and we all enjoyed those.

Trick or Treating with MOPS and Preschool Fall Festival

My MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) group went trick or treating at a Senior Living home.  It was really cute to see all the kiddos dressed up and going around to all the elderly in the dining hall.

On Saturday Liberty's preschool had a Fall Festival with old fashioned games, crafts, food and a few performances   We had a good time and it was another excuse for this Little Gray Cat to show her dance moves.

Bump, Naps, Swim and FATHER'S DAY!

Here is my baby bump at 15 weeks. Liberty wanted in on the photo shoot too. A shady evening swim is Liberty's new favorite ritual with daddy. Daddy likes the no sunscreen, and Liberty likes to be naked and swimming her little heart out. Mommy likes staying dry and hearing them laugh their heads off together. Also included are our pictures from Father's Day! We were going to have lunch at home until Liberty said in her sweeeeeeeeetest little voice "please may I go to the pet store? Hold a tiny tiny puppy verrrry carefully" So we burst out laughing and trekked in the 112 degree heat to San Tan to see the puppies and had lunch at Johnny Rockets where she insisted on sporting her entire 4th of July outfit a little early. Cameron, if you read this, know that Liberty and I feel so loved having you as daddy/husband. The confidence and kindness you teach Liberty everyday is filling up her little life with the most fun memories, the most valuable education and the finest example of true love she'll ever know. Happy Father's Day!

Easter!

A very special Easter indeed. After Mass we headed up to Fountain Hills for an Easter Brunch at my mom's house. Joan, Ted and Andy came too - so it was really special to have my entire two families there together. Kelly, Doug, Charlie and Lilly were there too! Even Patrick is home for good. My dad is away spending time with his mom in Georgia, but we skyped with them. We ate, had a great Easter egg hunt, visited and then said our goodbyes. Took Andy to the airport and Liberty to a nap - and then we woke her for Easter round 2 with our friend-family - the Heppner's and Marti's. Another feast of a potluck and a wonderful Easter Egg hunt! It was gorgeous outside, and so relaxing to spend a holiday in the company of great friends.

Happy Valentine's Day!

We celebrated Valentine's Day all month long it felt like - so many crafts and so many sweets. But on Valentine's Day we went to the Museum of Youth's special event (can't believe it was all free!). They had face painting, parrots!, cookie decorating, a complimentary breakfast, valentine crafts, storytime, a helicopter in the parking lot and of course all the activities at the museum. We didn't even make it to half the events but Liberty did enjoy sitting very still to have her cheek painted (out of alllll the choices she picked a hummingbird which I thought was so cute). She also can't stop talking about the "purple parrot, sit arm" (that sat on her arm). We also had a lunch date with our Valentine, Cameron, at Pita Jungle. Liberty is very attached to the puppy dog stuffed animal Poppa and Jo got her and her "Puppy dog movie" aka LADY AND THE TRAMP that my mom & dad got her. I truly love this holiday - it's so nice to celebrate those you love.

From 2012_2_14 - Valentine's Day

Lots of crafting up in here

Liberty and I have been doing a lot of valentine's day crafting. I haven't taken a lot of pictures but here is a small video I took while she painted on canvas.

From 2012_2_2 - Painting for Vday

Zoolights

We promised Liberty we'd go to the zoo only to find out it closed at 4pm on the day we wanted to go at 3:30...so she accepted a trip to cosmo dog park instead. While we figured out the Zoo was closed we also discovered it was the last night for Zoolights (Jan 8) so we said what the heck, we are members, let's go. It was better than I remember it being and Liberty liked it (but this is coming from a kid who enjoys free dog parks).

New Year's Eve 2011 - HELLO 2012!!!

Had some friends over to ring in the New Year at our 2nd Annual "Kid Friendly, Early, and Short, New Year's Eve Potluck". The hubs played outside with RC CARS and the girls did chalk and water painting. Dinner was a FEAST as usual and the girls had a blast playing with the play kitchen, shopping cart, and other toys. We also went outside after dark for some firework fun with sparklers and glow sticks. There is something so special about 3 little toddler voices shouting HAPPY NEW YEAR as best they can! Thanks to the Martis for taking most of these great pictures:)

Christmas 2011

This year we spent 4 nights with the Wyatt's and celebrated a great Christmas! Christmas Eve (brunch) was spent at my sister's house so we could exchange gifts with the Wheeler/Helsel side. We also went to 4pm Mass at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin together. Back at the Wyatt's for a to-die-for Pork Green Chilli meal. Andy was home too! So nice to have everyone together! Liberty absolutely ADORES her Uncle Andy, Grandma Jo and Grandpa Ted - and their black lab Murphy. Christmas day Liberty was up at 7am and Santa came through with an adorable baby doll (and a million other thoughtful gifts). We also looked forward to a visit with the Kris and Michael and Mary and Gus who we only seem to get to catch up with in person over Christmas each year. By 2pm, while Liberty napped, Ted's amazing Turkey dinner was ready and this meal was so memorable & awesome. We played together as a family and never even left the house on Christmas day! Monday we met up with Kelly, Doug and Charlie for a sledding adventure. Liberty grinned ear to ear - she's our daredevil. I was so thankful to be surrounded by my entire family (except Patrick boohoo) even if just for a few moments since we are trying to get in a rotation groove for all the holidays since my parents don't call Flagstaff home anymore. Especially with the loss and sickness of other family members this season, it was quite a reminder to cherish these joyful times together. Such a fun time - I miss everyone in Flagstaff but will see you all in January when my new niece is born 1/12/12!

HALLOWEEN 2011

Fun time had by all. Liberty went trick-or-treating at about 4 neighbors houses. Tried to let herself in but they didn't mind:) She enjoyed glow-sticks, flashlights, a few lolly-pops, screaming like the older kids in the haunted house, and being the prettiest purple butterfly in all the land.

Pumpkin Patch with Heppner's

Oh my...more pumpkin fun! After a great breakfast with our friends at the Hangar Cafe at the Chandler Airport (airplanes everywhere!!), The Heppner family met us at a nearby farm on a hot day to ride the train, visit some farm animals, do the bounce house and air pillow and pick out a little pumpkin with our cute pumpkins. Sienna and Liberty had a ball - and so did the grown ups.

Pumpkin Patch and Butterflies with Gma and Gpa

We took a trip to the Desert Botanical Gardens to take a hayride, pick out a pumpkin, visit the petting zoo and see the butterfly exhibit. It was TOO DAMN HOT but Liberty enjoyed spending time with my parents. We dressed her up in her Halloween costume (purple butterfly) so Gma and Gpa could get to see her and Liberty was quite the attraction inside the butterfly exhibit (people took pictures/video of her for example!) She was too adorable for words. So instead I have 43 pictures for you.

4th of July Weekend.

No HAPPY 4th of July!!! post here. We laid low due to Liberty's first major illness. For a kid whose never had an ear infection or a cold we couldn't treat at home...we spent July 2nd (Saturday) at the Pediatrician since she had a very high fever that we just couldn't break! It was a mystery that was eventually solved when a rash broke out all over her body on Sunday July 3rd. Roseola. High fever, low appetite, and just plain miserable. We skipped some swim lessons and watched a lot of Elmo's World. She was feeling good enough to venture out for a holiday cookout at Gma and Gpa's new house and boy oh boy were we glad we did!! We found out at that family cookout that my sister is pregnant and Charlie will be a big brother in January!!!!!!!!!! Liberty was 100% better by Tuesday so we finished out the week's swim lessons. Also included in the photo album are some videos of Liberty playing with jewelry (her new fave thing), speaking gibberish, and just being followed around by the paparazzi that is a stay-at-home mom. Some very random and un-interesting photos/video after the jump...

Mother's Day Weekend

Busy, beautiful weekend...Birthday celebration with friends(Adalyn turned 1!), I showed a bunch of properties and wrote an offer for clients, and we biked around the neighborhood with our new ibert! Mother's day was great...Handmade card & DVD from Liberty (and Cameron), a new diaper-bag, ibert bike seat, dinner/dessert at PF Changs, lots of sweet cards from family...it was a glorious weekend!