Family pictures....

A few months ago we had family pictures taken by our friend Ashely, who has taken our family photos for years.  We were sad to learn she and her family were moving out of state and while we are happy for them and what their next adventure will bring, we will sure miss her talent in capturing our family memories.

This time we had planned to meet at the Tempe Art Center but it turns out the Ironman was taking place that day so we made a last minute decision to just go to ASU to take pictures.  I think she was magical at making the campus work and capturing moments we will forever cherish.

Here are a few of the great pictures she captured...

 After all these years, this is one of dad's favorite poses.  He did this with the boys since the first family pictures we've taken.  We joke that he is probably getting to the end of the years when he can pick up both boys (and not hurt something).

 Yes we will miss Ashley's talent and seriously thought about driving out of state just so she can continue to capture our family.

Until next time,
Angie

Best buddies...

We've known from day one that the boys have been best buddies.  They've been each other's number 1 forever.  When we brought Isabelle into our lives, I wondered how she's feel being the only girl in our family.  Then came Madelyn and I hoped from the start they would become the best of friends.  I think at first Isabelle wasn't quite sure how to adjust to the less attention, the fact that she now had to share everything and that her little sister would always be getting into her things.  

As much as Madelyn irritates Isabelle when she takes her coloring book, gets the bigger baggie of cereal and plays with her toys, Isabelle and Madelyn adore each other.  The first thing Isabelle does in the morning is ask where Madelyn is and then says, "Oh Madelyn good morning sweetie."  And Madelyn loves her sister just as much.

Madelyn tries to do everything Isabelle does and copies her like a shadow.  I cherish having sisters that I can call and talk to and I hope Madelyn and Isabelle grow up feeling the same way about each other. 

Here's a video of a recent concert we were invited to performed by Isabelle and guest shadow Madelyn.  Sure makes me happy they loves to play together and love each other so much!

Until next time,

Angie

Zoo and more fun...

Before we had to send our cousins back to Iowa, we made a quick trip to the zoo and the littles were very excited.

We got to see the giraffe's up close at feeding time. 

Madelyn kept us on track as she read the map and told us where to go.

Turns out Santa's reindeer were on vacation at the zoo following their busy night of delivering presents across the world.  Isabelle decided they were quite stinky and in need of a spa visit.

We also visited the monkeys who were busy picking bugs off of each other.

Yep, they came right up to the glass too.

The kids liked climbing on the lizard statues.

And Isabelle even pretended to drive the tractor.

After the zoo we went out for lunch and Gabriel ordered this massive plate.  I told him there was no way he could eat it all and despite eating tons of chips and salsa before, the kid finished it all.  I'm not sure we are going to be able to afford their growing stomachs!

Yep Michael's growing too. Thankfully he can still eat off the kids menu... lord these two can eat!

Madelyn loved getting to play with her new Sunny Day dollies. She has loved having extra days at home to play.

And we made a few day trips to the park including one day when the kids got to ride the train.

The two boys chased after the train.

And then it was time to try to get some chores done before we head back to work.  Dad and Gabriel took to tackling the trees that hang over our back fence and thankfully didn't fall into the pool. 

Isabelle made bath bombs that she got for Christmas and was very excited to take several showers.

Madelyn decided she loves to wear stocking hats both inside and outside.

And one day when Nana and Papa came over to help us with a few more chores, Dad and Papa worked hard while Nana and the kids worked on making a gingerbread house.  Can you tell how much fun they had?

Until next time,

Angie

Christmas Memories

Christmas was great fun and we were able to celebrate a lot with family.  Here are some pictures that capture the fun and the memories we made.

Treats enjoyed with cousins

More yummy treats to eat!

Mom and Madelyn wiped out from all the fun!  Dad snapped this one night, I think we went to sleep before 9.  Mom intended to put Madelyn to sleep and instead put herself to bed.

Santa's Favorite Elf... she looks pretty happy no?

And Madelyn was pretty excited about her new rainbow coat she got too!

The boys bribing mom for extra video game time... they weren't obvious at all. 

If I'm being honest though, I really liked the message and the sucking up got them what they wanted. 

There was fun time with Aunt Anita, Uncle Andy and cousins Alicia and Andrea.  Here Andy was helping the girls with the curling iron for their new dolly.

The candle service on Christmas eve at church.  I love this picture.  

There were trips to go look at Christmas lights.

Lots of presents to open!

And happy family members on Christmas morning.

We also got to go visit Nana and Papa on Christmas and even got to go on a Christmas day train ride through their neighborhood to see some decorations.  

And when we got back we had an Arizona snowball fight thanks to Aunt Annette back in Chicago, who didn't want us to miss out on the winter fun.  It was a blast and so much easier to clean up than the real stuff!

One other fun holiday thing we got to do was actually have an adult night and we went out to an escape room with Adam, Megan, Nolan and Jarrett.  We ended up  going to a scary escape room, which I'm finally recovering from now, but I am happy to say we all escaped with 8 minutes to spare in a room which I understand has a low escape rate.  It was a lot of fun and I was thankful to do it with such smarties so we actually got out!  

Christmas was a lot of fun and we sure have great memories to take with us into the new year.  As the new year begins we think about all that awaits and it can get overwhelming to think about all that is waiting to be done.  But we are beginning with a fresh start and the chance to relax and take a break.  We are thankful for all that was the holiday season.

Until next time,

Angie