"Winter" in De Luz

We haven't had too much rain this winter, but the plants don't seem to mind... especially the bougainvillea. You can see why we love it up here.

I love how tiny she is!

She can still fit in our tire swing. How we love our little peanut!

A few more birthday pictures....

Titus had the McIntosh boys over for another birthday celebration. We always love having them here. David is Titus' best bud, and Matt is Zane's.

New Year's Eve Tradition

Here is my beautiful mom: Posole-maker-extraordinaire! Nobody can touch this recipe, and she created it. We all just stand back and watch the magic happen. Thank you, Mom, for bringing New Mexico here for New Year's, and for doing ALL the work! I love you!!!


Another fire in the dining room fireplace... perfect!


Will even made sopapillas. They didn't puff up too well, but it was a valiant effort. Here is quite possibly the best New Year's Eve food in the world, at least it is for us: Mom's own posole perfection, Padilla's tamales with red and/or green chile sauce, any sopapilla, and a cool glass of white wine. YUM. Thank you, sweet Mom!!!

Slumber party with Nonnie!

After Dad left for NM, Mom moved into Sulli's room for the rest of her stay. We put a second twin bed in her room a while back, for occasions such as these! She's been calling it "Nonnie's bed" in anticipation! Oh my goodness... what fun Sullivan had climbing into Nonnie's bed for stories and visiting until they went to sleep. A four-year-old's dream!

Titus turns 9!

Titus' birthday is December 27th.... TWO DAYS after Christmas. If we adults look tired, it's because we are. At least I am. It's hard to entertain a house-full for Christmas and then turn around and put together a boy's dream birthday dinner. For my Titus, it was meatloaf, mashed potatoes, salad and birthday cake. I may be tired, but I love it. He is SO WORTH IT. We love you so much, son! Happy Birthday!!! (Dad was sick with the flu in the guest house. He could not make it to dinner... even though he stayed in CA just for Titus! :(






His favorite presents were probably the LEGO sets Nonnie and Popsie got him! LEGOs never get old.






Every year Titus requests this cake.... chocolate inside with peppermint buttercream frosting. I love that he loves it so much! (Note: he did not ask for pink candles; that is all I had.)