December Highlights

We celebrated Cameron's first birthday, played some awesome minute to win it Christmas games at the Idiart cousin gift exchange dinner, drove to Utah, stayed in the new gorgeous Heber cabin, played with cousins, opened presents, showcased our talents, did the Christmas nativity program, tried to stop the ice skating rink from melting, traveled a long way up to find snow, and had a fabulous Christmas with family. Hope yours was just as wonderful.

Nikki is TWO!

Happy Birthday darling Nicole! Love you!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Rocks!

Happy Birthday Noah!

Noah is four and we celebrated by hitting Super 8's pool with the family and pizza, present, and treats afterwards. Happy Birthday to my sweet little guy!

Mary Starts School

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Mary's first day of Kindergaten

I can't believe it, but Mary is now officially in school. She is growing so fast. Mary loved her first day, and we all missed her like crazy!

Who is this girl?

Who is this darling girl and when did she get so old? Aaron and I talk about how much she is changing and maturing all the time. The thought of her going into kindergarten in just a few weeks is mind boggling.

In this picture you may see that she just lost her first tooth. While I thought it was loosened from a hit to Noah's head I can see the new adult tooth poking through. What? Already? It can't be!!

This last week Mary and her cousins have been getting swimming lessons from Aunt Sarah. Sarah is amazing and quite the swim instructor. I am so impressed with all her fun and innovative ideas as well as her nurturing methods and serious patience. Mary (and Noah) LOVE swimming with her. In fact, Noah wakes up each morning, puts on his suit, and asks for a count down until pool time. Mary is still working on basic swimming skills, mainly putting her head totally under the water.

We recently purchased an above ground pool on Craigslist to help combat the summer heat. It's been really helpful in cooling down and a little confidence boost for the kids.

Cameron at Seven Months

Cameron turned seven months old last week. I can't believe how much he has changed. He is now sitting up, eating baby food, reaching, giggling, snuggling, and army crawling all over the place. Cameron slept through the night for the first time yesterday--- 8:00 pm to 7:00 am. That's amazing since I've now given up on the whole sleep training thing and decided to just let him tell me how it's done. I will always look back on the things I've tried, advice I've sought, and books I've read trying to get my children to sleep at four months old and say, "Oh well, guess I never quite figured that out".  It was so quiet last night that I almost ran upstairs just to make sure he was alive. Let's hope these cute little peepers stay closed again tonight!

I HEART Utah!

Summertime is always a lot of fun, especially on our vacations with Aaron's family. This year was special because the Heber cabin my in-laws spent a year building was days from complete. We spent part of the fourth looking at their beautiful home and playing together on their fabulous fourwheeling backyard course. It was such a treat. We also went to Springville for some fireworks and a barbecue. The rest of the week was filled with fun activities...swimming in the Bountiful Bubble (water park), visiting the Hogle Zoo, going to Chuck E. Cheese's, and hours and hours of playing with siblings and cousins. I am always sad to leave Utah and Aaron's amazing family. I am looking forward to Christmas at the cabin this year with all of our Nadauld crew.

Welcome Summer!!

Dear Sweet Summer,
I'm so happy you've arrived. Spring left late this year, making your visit a little shorter than I'd like. Plus, now that you're here the sneezing and itching is finally subsiding! So, please, please, stay a while. Your glow makes me happy.
Love,
Me

Happy Birthday Aaron!

He's FINALLY 30! Yeah! I'm so excited! Happy Birthday to the most wonderful husband and father. Here's to many more camp-outs on the trampoline!

Nikki

I just love this girl.

Grandma's 60th Birthday

My mom turned 60 this month. We decided to make her a tribute book and insert some pictures of the grandchildren. The book was filled with letters from all her friends, family, and former seminary students. It was a privilege to help compile them and she was so surprised and touched by the gift. Being involved in this process gave me a renewed desire to become a better example of the Christ-like love and kindness she has demonstrated to me and others through out her life. I'm very lucky to have her as my mother.

Soccer Superstar

Here's Mary playing in her first team sport. She loves soccer! And I think Aaron loves the excitement of this new stage the most. Look at her concentration. So darling. Go Mary!