Christmas 2012 - Nonnie and G-Pop's house

We had Christmas with Nonnie and G-Pop a few days before actual Christmas because we would be with Antonio's family. The boys decorated gingerbread men and opened some presents. Ninja was excited about completing his Harry Potter set. Rocket got a school bus tent (not pictured) that he thinks is cool, and Gambit got some an angry birds set so he can make his own towers.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Gingerbread fun

Antonio had a night home with the boys (plus a few cousins) and helped them make a gingerbread village. I'm pretty certain all the boys ate more than they put on the houses, but they were pretty proud of the result.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Professor McGee

I got Rocket a bow tie to wear for Christmas. The first day we had it (a wednesday) we wore it around all day with his t-shirt and jeans. He refused to let anyone take it off. It's his new fashion item of choice and he sure does look good in it!

 

Posted with Blogsy

Maria's Visit

Many years ago Antonio served a mission for our church in New York City, New York. He was assigned to labor spanish speaking and met many awesome people from all around the world. Antonio met and taught the gospel to Maria who still lives in Queens, NY. I had the opportunity to meet her several years ago when Antonio and I went to NYC for a trip, but she had never traveled outside of NY, except to her "home" in Puerto Rico. We thought she deserved a trip to the Wild West and invited her for Thanksgiving week, which happened to coincide with Ninja's baptism. It was a wonderful 10 days with her here. She makes delicious food (she cooked our turkey this year!) and is such a loving soul. We told her she should come stay with us forever :-)

 

Posted with Blogsy

A Boys Dream

Antonio took this holiday week off and has been spending some great quality time with the boys while I work. They went to a local kids attraction that was a big hit with the kids. It's basically a large warehouse filled with lots of those huge bouncy houses. Gambit probably thought he'd died and gone to heaven! He was too busy having fun to stop and get a picture. It's such a perfect place for three active boys let off some steam. Now that the rainy season has started, we're already feeling a little cooped up in the house.

There's a great area that's just for kids under 5. Helps keep the little ones away from the crazy big kids.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Baptism

Ninja was baptized this past Saturday, the 17th. It was a very sweet event with our friends and family. Uncle Buster was scheduled to give a little talk, but he came down with the flu and decided that morning he couldn't make it. Aunt Sally gave the talk and did a wonderful job. Uncle buster did end up coming just in time to witness the baptism. We are lucky to live near so many of our family members. It's great to be able to share all these special moments with them. Ninja got a journal and recorded his thoughts and feelings of the day. He let me read it, and I was amazed at his maturity and the strength of his testimony. He is an amazing boy.

Ninja with Uncle Buster, Aunt Sally, and Cousin Dee

Antonio, Mammie, Papa, and Ninja

A cute pic of Gambit and Cousin Zee

 

Posted with Blogsy

Eight is Great

Ninja turned eight years old last week. This was a much talked about and much anticipated birthday! He now gets to join cub scouts with his friends, and get baptized. Ninja has matured a lot in the past year. He didn't ask for many toys for his birthday gifts, but chose more practical things like a suit, journal, and clothes. He is such a fun kid to be with. He still loves basketball, math, school, and his friends. He likes to help others and is great at taking charge and getting his chores done. Instead of having a big birthday party, he chose to go to some Blazer games with

 

 

Posted with Blogsy