8 months old today!!!

I can hardly believe 2/3 of Sullivan's 1st year has gone by! We can't believe what a blessing she is to this family. This was my outfit when I was her age and I thought it would be fun to take pictures of her in it. When I look at her I think of sweet treats like cream puffs, strawberry shortcake and dainty petit fours. I'm starting to feel hungry...

I just love this picture

My busy little bee

Mommy, I don't have time for your pictures because I am very, very...

... very, very...

... very, very...

... very, very...

...very, very... BUSY!!!

The "Bobbsey Twins"

Jody Jackson and Marney Schuman. In the 4th and 5th grades, Jody's sister, Shawna, used to call us "the Bobbsey Twins." Not only did we do everything together, but we actually convinced our mothers to take us both shopping for school clothes and buy us IDENTICAL outfits, even shoes. Then in the mornings before school, we would call each other and decide what to wear. I remember one of our favorites: striped purple polo shirts with lavender pants and lavender monogrammed sweaters... and penny loafers (with shiny pennies). We even had the same hair style (long with bangs - and all curled under). We were both tall and skinny and we really did look alike. Here's the funniest part: we even shared a boyfriend. Donald Parker knew we were a package deal, so he asked us both to "go with him." Picture the three of us walking around the playground, arm in arm (yes, one girl on each of his arms). Innocent as we were, I don't think any of us thought this was one bit strange (I wonder if our classmates did!?). When Jody had to move away in 6th grade I thought I would die, I was so sad. We've come a long way, now with husbands and 6 children between the two of us, but every time we get together, we pick right up where we left off. We sure do laugh a lot. There aren't very many friends you can do that with, and I am grateful for Jody... and I still miss her!

Cabanillas Family

Jody, Marco and their two girls spent the day with us while they were vacationing with family in San Diego. They live in Colorado. We had such a wonderful time catching up with them. We miss you guys and sure wish you lived closer!!!

Two beautiful girls!

Ava is 2 and has the prettiest curls! Chloe, 4, has beautiful brown eyes and has a "Ballerina Bunny" she seems to love as much as Titus loves his "Bunny." They are such sweet girls and we enjoyed having them here for the day!

Lovely smiles

Such a sweet picture!

Uncle Steve and Aunt Julie

Will's aunt and uncle from Nevada City, CA stopped by to see us for a couple of days on their way to Palm Springs. We hadn't seen them for a few years, so it was really nice. They got to meet Sullivan and see how much the boys had grown. Aunt Julie is a natural born "baby whisperer." All babies love her - at least all 4 of mine have. I think it's because they can tell she genuinely loves them. As a result of LOTS of snuggling, Sullivan still smelled like Julie's perfume for a couple of days after she left. As you can see, these two are pretty happy to be together.

Uncle Steve is really just a big kid. Titus told us he "liked the guy that was my age" who played the Nintendo Wii with him all weekend. I can't believe I didn't get any pictures of the "Wii tournaments" the boys played with both Uncle Steve and Aunt Julie. They are young at heart and a lot of fun. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that they raised 4 girls (Will's cousins): Kate, Kari, Kristin and Karly, and they both still stay very active with all of them (triathlons and such). Anyways, we had a great time with both of them. Thanks for the visit; we all love you both.

Well the weather outside is frightful...

...but the fire is so delightful! Our last night in NM was FREEZING. Mom and Dad decided to burn a fire in the kiva and in the wood burning stove. This took me back to childhood when I would come in from riding, hands red and frozen shut. I would thaw out in front of the fire... ahhhh. There's nothing like the warmth it gives off. Levi was enchanted by it. What a nice evening.

Pretty in green

I got these pictures on our last visit to Fauv's house before we headed back to CA.

Lunch with Derek

We were thrilled to see Derek in NM! With him living in Houston and us in California, this doesn't happen all that often. We met at Los Cuates for some good ol' New Mexican food (chile rellanos are the best!). Sullivan came along too, which was nice. Derek joked that he'd finally found a wife and would only have to wait about 20 years! Don't worry, Derek, there's someone good enough for you out there somewhere. I don't know why, Butch, but this picture of us by the truck brought back memories of us in our Little Mermaid play in high school. I'm so sentimental! How time flies....

Saying good-bye

We sure enjoyed our short time with Bruce. He is such a busy man with deals to close, companies to buy, and whatever else he does. I'm always wishing he could stay just a few more days... It was great to spend some time with you, Bruce, and we look forward to the next time. I miss and love you!! See you in May.

The BIG 5!!!

Well, it's hard to believe, but our sweet Titus turned 5 years old on December 27th. He was SO EXCITED about this birthday. I think it's just something about finally being FIVE!!! You're practically a man at 5, and he was feeling it. After all, now he can do anything "because I'm five now." He was thrilled that Uncle Bruce would still be in town for the shindig, and he was sad that Cody couldn't stay for it. This was a small but fun party with pizza, special guests, presents, party favors and cake. What more can a little guy ask for? It was a wonderful evening, but not half as wonderful as our precious birthday boy. He is such a gift and a blessing to this family.

Special Guests

Will's long-time friend Gabe and his daughter Mackenzie joined us in celebrating Titus' special day. Mackenzie is an absolute doll and she and Titus really hit it off. It was fun for our birthday boy to make a sweet new friend.

Special guest Lollie gets special treatment.

Cake!

Titus requested a very special cake: chocolate with peppermint buttercream frosting and candies. This was to be an experiment for me, but the combination sounded great - just like homemade peppermint bark! It was a no-brainer! This turned out to be one of our favorite new cakes - one we may just have every year.

Helping his little sister

Here is Levi helping to hold Sissy up, as she is still a bit unsteady at times while sitting.

ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mom and Dad were ECSTATIC, to say the least, to hear about Bruce and Cody's engagement, which took place on Christmas Eve. I was lucky to be the sister "in the know." I knew of Bruce's romantic plan to pop the question, and that's all I could think about the whole day. I was, however, sworn to secrecy so it would be a wonderful surprise for our parents. (Of course Will knew too). When the happy couple arrived on the 26th, it was so much fun to hear the news again and to witness these two so in love! We are so excited for the July wedding which will be in Portland!!! We love you both!

Won't they make great parents??

The boys are already declaring their affection for "Aunt Cody," and it appears that Sullivan will love her soon-to-be aunt too. Cody has a way with children, as does Uncle Bruce, and I know they will make amazing parents.

Christmas morning

The big boys got some awesome bikes from Nonnie and Popsie. They got Levi his own scooter! Nonnie had this beautiful chest specially made for Sullivan. It is hand painted with the flowers that represent the birth months of the women in our family. What a special keepsake!

Let it SNOW!!!

I know this is not a lot of snow, but it meant a lot to this California family! The boys could not believe their eyes! Zane had been praying for snow, and he was in awe of how God answered his prayer as we were driving to NM and encountered quite a bit in the middle of the night. This added some time on to our trip, but it was well worth it. As you can see, God blessed us once again with a bit of snow on Christmas day.

Christmas baby

Here is our happy girl and our serious girl, studying her great grandfather, Fauv.

The Christmas Dress

Dear friends Mick and Eden Maggiora lovingly bought Sullivan this beautiful dress! It just had to be for Christmas Day! I know the lovely muff helped keep her dimpled hands warm and toasty.