Fa la la la....

 The school Christmas program was finally here... they had been practicing for months. And, Jake had a solo, speaking part. He was so nervous but he did great, nailed it!! He insisted on wearing on wearing a suit & tie. They both did great, their classes sang songs and we were so proud.

Handsome! 

our little Beauty

LOVE THEM! 

Let the Holiday festivities begin....

Our 'Elf on the Shelf" arrived. They were so excited. This was a first for them

Enjoying the Christmas parade with some hot cocoa

My cool guy

Train ride with our friends, Max & Mitch

Some action shots of the Elf; we didn't really name him. First he was Buddy, then Elfie and then Elf

At least he made a heart for Mom

Making an M&M mess 

Karate Kid

Jake's thing is definitely Soccer. Sophie tried soccer, she didn't like the shin guards, they were too itchy. She tried gymnastics, it was ok. So, we decided to try Karate. And, she took to it pretty quick. It's cute to watch her. But we really like the life lessons they teach, the discipline, focus, etc. 

Thanksgiving weekend

We were supposed to go to California for Thanksgiving, but canceled our trip when Dad came down with a really bad flu. At first we were all sad and disappointed. But, then we realized we were right where we were supposed to be. We were safe, together and had a nice break.

We got our tree. Sophie was my little decorator 

We made our gingerbread house

We spent time together

And, we went to this cool movie theatre that had recliners!!! It was like watching a movie in the comfort of your own home

Our kids keep us busy

My little love...my partner, side kick, bestie. 

Our awesome Soccer player!! Decided on spiked hair for his pictures. 

Jake got to go to NASCAR and hang out with Dad's buddies there. They had their RV and the  whole set up. Their seats were pretty close to the track. He had a blast!! 

Sophie doing her favorite thing, the IPAD. We were having a yard sale and she was sitting out there on the IPAD

Our wonderful neighbor took the kids to school one day because Mom & Dad had to be at work early. She had a car full but she's always willing to help. 

Nerd Day at school...the 2 cutest nerds I have ever seen

Jake stayed home sick and it was the school's tailgate party that day and he missed it. So, Dad decided to throw Jake his very own tailgate party at home. We barbecued, hung out with some neighbors. It was even better than school he said.

Halloween!

Halloween is always a fun time...for me it's the start of the holiday season. We love to decorate the house inside & out. We had a trunk or treat at school, went to the town trunk or treat and then Halloween night went trick or treating and to a party with our neighbors. Plus, Nana & Bob were visiting. Good Times! 

Jake's teacher decorated her trunk like the Wizard of Oz, Sophie fit right in. Although, she had red ruby slippers and refused to wear them. So, that's why she's wearing sandals. Ay, that girl...Stubborn! 

This picture is hilarious, Jake photo bombing w/ the axe

Our trunk, really our truck or treat 

The zombie doctor....oooooh spooky

2nd costume, Let it go...

I'm a zombie...

Trunk or Treating 

Grandpa Bob & Jake

Nana Pat & Sophie

Scary Football Player Zombie, Dia de Los Muertos Nana & Elsa

Sophie's Kindergarten Field Trip

Sophie went on her first field trip, to Schnepf Farms. And, her Dad got to go with her. They had a good time. They rode the bus there, got on all the rides, had lunch and got to pick out a pumpkin. She was happy! 

Rawhide

Found this neat little cowboy town called, RawHide. They have rides, games, gun fights, food & lots of fun. Despite the heat, we had a good time. We will definitely go back during cooler weather. 

Sophie hanging out, she insisted on wearing her brothers old Dodgers hat...a little small Sophie

Ride 'em cowgirl

Getting ready to ride the zip line

Climbing wall

Cute

Like Shrek says, "Donkay'"

she rode them twice

This and that...

It's been a few months since we posted. Life has been keeping us busy; with work, school, friends and life in general. But we are blessed to have so much, including all of our Arizona friends. 

What is about Photo bombing that is so funny :)   

Sophie's friend Bella had a Frozen Birthday Party. Everyone got to decorate Frozen cookies 

And Big Bro Jake knocked Anna's body off her head, everyone laughed

Drove by this little fair in our town and couldn't resist the jumpers, They were cracking up. Look at Sophie sliding down head first. Crazy kids

Deon, Jake & Pa
This picture reminds me of that old picture with all those men looking under the hood, working on a car. Classic men stuff! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKE!

Our baby boy is 8 years old. Not such a baby anymore. He's so smart and funny. And, such a good boy...uses his manners, is very considerate of others and we just love him so much.

First birthday celebration with Coco & Pa...and a delicious ice cream cake

Now and then...

Sophie loves to PHOTOBOMB her brother

HANDSOME 8 year old

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKE! 

JAKE trying to concentrate on his birthday wish, while Sophie was loving her big bro

Still has Teddy by his side.