Happy Birthday Carlos!

This past Tuesday Carlos turned 31! Yes, he is a whole 2 weeks younger than I am. We were so glad that he was able to spend a few more hours at home on his birthday, since he has been gone and so busy lately.

Carlos was excited to get some new clothes, ice cream gift cards, and some Orange Patch orange juice!

Thank you Carlos for being a wonderful husband and father. We appreciate all the sacrifices you make for us and how the house just seems complete when you are here. We admire your dedication to your business and calling and hope you had a wonderful day!

Last night was our ward Christmas party. The kids loves the fun toys, singing and gift from the 3 wise men. It is so fun to see them get excited to see their friends. Each time one of Eliza's friends from the nursery walked in she would say, "Look mom, there's _____!"

So cute!

November stuff

This is my catch up blog for all the rest of the stuff that happened in November

The kids loved the Gilbert days parade a few weeks ago. Who dosen't love watching bands, floats, and have candy thrown at you?

Thanks to all my family and friends who helped me have a wonderful 31st birthday. And 31 is not nearly as bad as turning 30. Everyone came over that night for cake and ice cream and even Melissa skyped in from Japan.

The next night we went to the Zoo lights and even saw Santa.

Thanksgiving was great at my mom's house. Everything was delicious as always.

Here I am with four of the things for which I am most greatful: Carlos, Nicholas, Eliza, and baby on the way.

Our Thanksgiving tradition continued the next night as we went to see the lights come on at the temple.

"Playing" with the baby

I can't say I love everything about being pregnant, but I do love being able to feel my baby move. Lately we have been "playing" with the baby. He will start to move and then we will kind of poke my belly around where he is moving and then he will kick back. It is so cute. The kids are getting more excited too. Eliza loves to tickle my belly and Nicholas talks about how he wants to play with his little brother when he gets bigger. Now only 11 more weeks to wait!

San Diego

That timeshare presentation finally paid off! We had a great time in San Diego going to the Zoo and Sea World.

This was on the bus ride around the zoo. We were happy to save this part for the end when our legs needed a break.

The panda bears were one of our favorites. They were so cute, especially when they look at you. There was something about them that just makes you want to give them a hug!

The next morning we got up and headed to the beach at Coronado. The kids loved finding sea shells. Carlos and I enjoyed driving around Coronado Island.

This was inside the polar bear cave.

At the shark exhibit. They were swimming right above us!

Carlos fulfilled one of his lifelong dreams of seeing Shamu.

All the shows were great, but our favorites were the Shamu and dolphin shows.

Before we drove home we stopped at the Harbor and walked around. They had some great old boats out, along with some huge war ships. We had some delicious fish and chips at Anthony's. Carlos claims it was the best he has ever had in his life.

Halloween!

Thursday we carved our pumpkins. I asked Nicholas what he wanted to pumpkin to look like. He ran and got his favorite Halloween book and picked out which one he wanted.

Eliza was a BYU cheerleader. If you ask her what a cheerleader said she would say, "Goooooooo COUGARS!!!"

Nicholas was a ghost. He didn't like the white make-up though and wiped it all off.

Halloween night we all went over to the Wayas' house. We had a great dinner of chili and hot dogs with all the extras and then played games.

Eliza found a fellow cheerleader to cheer with!

The new babies stole the show as always, and don't these new moms look great?

We all had a great time trick-or-treating and hanging out eating candy.

Elder Cook

Last weekend we went to Nielsen's with everyone to celebrate Danny leaving on his mission. (If you haven't had thier Peach Cobbler it is amazing!)

He gave a great farewell talk on Sunday and afterwards we all said why we love Danny.

Danny is one of the most serving and selfless people I know. He is always willing to jump in and help out. Whether is it moving a trampoline, hauling stuff with the trailer, or watching the kids he never complains will rearrange his schedule to help someone. He is an amazing brother and uncle and the kids look up to him so much.

Saying goodbye.

Here is a very excited Elder Cook ready to enter the MTC.

We love you Danny and miss you already!

(Nicholas asked me on Friday if he was back yet...two years is a LONG time for a four year old!)

Family Pictures

I want to learn to take better pictures. Just look at what professional pictures can do for your kids! It can take them from looking like this:

to THIS!



A few weeks ago Amy Kroff (see link to site below) took some family pictures when everyone was here for Chambry's blessing. She did a great job and we love the pictures.
http://web.mac.com/kroffamy

Other updates:

My belly is getting bigger by the day,

we are about to launch the Office Keepers website (more info to follow)

Nicholas can almost write his own name,

and Eliza's finger is healing very well. We are finding that she is going to keep us on our toes. Just Sat I was noticing how well her finger looked. Then Sunday during sacrament meeting she stuck a raisin up her nose. I told her to blow her nose to get it out. Before telling her this I should have explained the difference between blowing and sniffing. She quickly sniffed as hard as she could and made the raisin disappear up her nose. After church we tried to get it out, but could find no sign of the raisin. She sniffed it up and all the way back down her throat!

Never a dull moment!

Show Low

A few weeks ago we went up to Show Low for the day. It was so nice to be able to be in cooler weather since it was still so hot here. Friday night we hung out at the Syrek's cabin since they
were up there too.

The kids had a blast playing on the trampoline and swing set. My favorite were the S'MORES!

Katie was the professional marshmellow roaster, and Joey, Jason, and Nico got really good at burning theirs.


Nico and Jason played on this glider for at least 45 minutes straight!

The next morning we walked down to the lake and then went to Pinetop for a little while. It was a quick trip, but great to be able to escape the heat for at least a day!