Merry Christmas!

I have some time to spare and thought I would catch up. Reese is a doll, she will be 7 weeks tomorrow. She is a pretty easy baby, however her and the twins...that's another story. There is not a dull moment in our home, ever! Gavin is such an amazing big brother. He is very helpful and loves holding Reese. Speaking of helpful, I have the most wonderful mother. She is constantly checking up on me and she has gone to the grocery store for me more times than I can count. She also has given me a few nights off when I am alone. She doesn’t read my blog but, I have to publicly thank her.

I love the Holidays and am so excited for Christmas! This year I will be hosting Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day for both sides of the family. To some this might be a bit much, to me hauling 4 kids ( 3 of which are babies) is more work. So I am MORE than happy to host things here. 

P.S.

Next year is the year, the year I will participate in the Holiday cards. I say that every year but this time I mean it. I am bound and determine to do so. I will have to take some lessons for Lynn on how to create them. I adored he card this year! 

Introducing.....

So it is about time I introduce our new addition

Reese Adele Ethington

6lbs 15oz 19inches

11-01-11

We are so grateful to have such a beautiful baby girl bless our lives. I am not going to lie, juggling the craziness has been difficult. I am so lucky to have such amazing family! They have been a huge help to me and especially the kids. I also have to say I have an amazing ward! They have brought me dinners for a whole week! Not having to worry about making dinner is a HUGE help. Thank you to everyone who has been so helpful. When I can I will update more..... baby crying :)!

Halloween

This Halloween was a Star Wars theme for our family (don't they all look cute). Gavin had a blast trick or treating and scored some good candy, which I later enjoyed. The twins enjoyed it for a short period of time. At least they were able to experience it right?! We couldn't be out too long we had a very big event they next day. This post will come soon..... Happy Halloween!



                                               

Troy turns 31 and Lincoln and Ameree Turn 1!

So, it is evident I’m a blog slacker. I try to remember to take pictures when I can. So my poor husband’s birthday was only documented by my sister in law. At the end of the party she asked why I hadn’t taken any pictures. Again, my mind is not only constantly filled with things I need to get done but, being pregnant makes me forget everything. Thank you Brooke for taking the only pictures I have of Troy turning 31. I don’t think Troy really would care if his aging was documented or not. 

For Troy’s birthday (back in July) we had family over for dinner. Followed by my husbands favorite cake, German chocolate. I have to add this is my least favorite cake! 

The twins, they turned 1 (in June). Again, I am awesome at blogging. I wasn’t planning on throwing a party since, they wouldn’t remember it anyway. However, my sister said I would later regret this. Honestly, I would have! Lynn, also gave me motivation with he post on Jack turing 1. The pictures were adorable and I knew I had to do a little something. I use “little” lightly, being that Troy has a large family as do I. 

I can’t believe they are a year! Time has flown by. It’s a bittersweet feeling, one filled with excitement and fear. Having a 7year old I know how quickly life passes you by. I just forgot how quickly. Good thing in 3 weeks I can start the whole baby process all over again. Yes, 3 weeks and our little Reese will be born. Husband (amazingly helpful),  7 year old (extremely helpful), twin 16 month olds (a little less helpful), and a newborn, piece of cake. Sarcasm, just in case any of you were wondering!

I also need to add, my ADORABLE little man is in 2nd grade this year, SECOND!! I am so proud of him and all that he does. 

4th of July

We were able to escape the heat this 4th of July to some place cool, Pinetop. I love the afternoon rain and of course the view. Our cabin is currently under construction so we rented one with my sister and Giselle. Gavin was so excited because every morning he got to play with Elijah. I was so excited because going with my sister and her family means I get to enjoy Wade’s delicious cooking! It was close quarters but, it worked perfectly.

Although it was a vacation for me I don’t know how much of a vacation it was for Troy, Wade, and especially my dad. The worked liked dogs at the cabin, which is turning out beautifully. I can’t wait to enjoy more time up there when it is all completed.

We drove to Hawley Lake enjoyed some family time and some good old fry bread. This is something I look forward too every time we go up there. I am aware that I could make my own or buy some at the many road side stands however, it is NOT the same. The atmosphere is different and I believe it makes the fry bread taste better.

The boys rented a boat and went to fishing, while we had a picnic by the lake. Mother Nature had other plans and it was moved to the back of the car. No fish to cook that night but the experience will last forever.

It was a wonderful trip filled with great lasting memories. Thank you to the cook, the babysitter, the help, the comedians, and the host. In other words, thanks FAMILY!!!

Catching Up

Time moves too quickly these days! We are FINALLY in our home. As to be expected there are many “little” things (and big) that still have to get done. I lived in my last home for 3 years and when we moved out there were still things left undone. I’m not expecting this to be a fast process. I am however extremely excited to be able to unpack boxes that haven’t been touched in 2 years. I use the term loosely because I am also scared for what has been living in them. Throughout my box opening adventure I have come to realize I keep way too many things. Next step, I need to have a massive garage sale. So that is what I am trying to do. I have a slight feeling it’s going to take me awhile.

For Easter I was able to visit both families. We have a true Lebanese dinner at the Saba’s, it was delicious! We then headed over to the Alvarez’s side for some more food (of course) and family time. It was a wonderful day!

Other events included Gavin turning 7 ! I can’t believe how big he is getting, he grows up too fast. We had a small family dinner at home on the day of his birthday. I made a cake and let Gavin choose what he wanted for dinner, he picked Rubio's. For his 7th birthday he went camping with Troy, Travis, and Kaden. Troy surprisingly didn’t take any pictures, but said Gavin had a terrific time. I packed a cake and candles so they could have a celebration in the forest! He came home exhausted and dirty but couldn’t stop talking about all the fun he had.

Gavin also had his first grade end of the school year performance. He did awesome and all their songs where original. They put together a great performance!

Lincoln and Ameree will turn 1 in a few short weeks! I am so excited and devastated at the same time. Why does time fly so fast!!!! I guess I will be able to do all over again come November. As most people know we are going to have another baby. I am going to loose my mind having 3 children under 2. I’ll be eager to know how it all works out!