Gabriel turns one!

It's hard to believe my baby is one year older! Gabriel celebrated his first birthday on December 18th. This year went by much too fast. Happy birthday Gabe!

Thanksgiving in Utah

I thought I better blog about this before Christmas is here. We had such a great time spending Thanksgiving with family in Utah. What a reunion! It's been about 2 years since my kids last saw their cousins. We had such a fun and relaxing time. It was hard coming home, especially for Damien. He had his moments on the way home when he would break down and cry. It broke my heart. He's really missing his cousins. It is definitely hard being away from family, but I have learned to appreciate them so much more.

Halloween fun

Visiting the Pumpkin patch with friends



My little Pumpkin


Amaya with her "sister", Brooklyn at the pumpkin patch


Trunk or treat


Aye, Aye, captain

Shiver me timbers! It's Jack Sparrow!

The kids had so much fun trick or treating but
couldn't wait to get home to pass out candy.

Happy Birthday, Amaya!

Another year older! It's hard to believe my baby girl turned 4! She has been talking about it for over a month now, telling me a dozen times a day that she wants the puppy dog that swims and the mermaid that flaps its tail.

Happy Birthday Amaya!

Looking Forward

The day came and went and now it is a fact; I am thirty.

30 is the new 20, right? I remember when I turned twenty thinking thirty seemed so far away. Inspite of getting a little older, I am really looking forward to what the 30's may bring.

Here's to being 30!

Back to school!!!

I know I am a little late a posting this, but I can't hold back my excitement any longer... no more dragging 3 kids to the grocery store, or having to hear them wine of boredom, or constantly fight. I can finally sit on the couch to read a book without having to lock myself in my closet. I can have a conversation on the phone without being interrupted. No more fighting the crowds at shlitterbahn with my arms overloaded with floaties, a huge beach bag, and a cooler, while pushing a huge stroller with 2 kids trailing behind me.

Okay, I know I still have 2 kids at home, but one more really does make a difference. Amaya started Joy school last week, so I do get 4 hours a week to get a lot of things done, and I finally get to spend some time alone with Gabriel.

Damien is now in first grade and loves it. He was so excited when he found out his teacher was going to be Mr. Wilson. What an awesome teacher he is! First grade is a lot tougher for him than Kinder. He talks a lot in class and that's been a problem for him. His teacher said he does outstanding academically, but struggles with following directions.

Amaya goes to Joy school twice a week and is now a 'big girl'. Me and four other moms take turns teaching every 5 weeks. I taught last week and it was a little crazy having all those 3 & 4 year olds here, but we had fun. I look forward to my break next week.

Madsen's visit Texas

We began the summer with a full house. Riley's family (entire family) came for a visit. We kept them busy by taking them to some of Texas' most known and most fun places. We started off with a day at schlitterbahn (a huge water park smack dab in the middle of our town). The kids had a blast floating the lazy river with Grandma. They loved showing Grandma & Grandpa where they get to spend their summer.

No Texas trip is complete without a taste of the local cuisine...BBQ. That night we took them to a popular spot in town called Rudy's. They loved it, but our favorite is still Granzin's (another popular BBQ joint.

We spent the next day visiting Shamu (at Sea World of course). We fed the dolphins, saw some shows, and rode some roller coasters. It was so hot we decided to cool off by sitting in Shamu's splash zone. We got soaked! Next time we'll remember to keep our eyes closed and mouths shut. The salt water is pretty gross.

We were all pretty worn out by the 4th day, so we decided to spend a somewhat relaxing day visiting the Alamo and strolling along the river walk. This must have been the hottest week of the year. We spent a good amount of time in a local haagen dazs indulging in a fine dairy treat. With an ice cream in each hand, Grandpa especially loved it.

The next day I took the girls to the huge outlet mall in San Marcos. We shopped for 7 hours! I haven't shopped like that in a long time! It was a much needed break from the kids.

For their last night in Texas, we took them to the Adobe verde for an authentic Tex-Mex dinner located in the historic town of Gruene. The live music was awesome.

They Left for home Father's day, but we were able to spend that day with them at home. We had a BBQ and just enjoyed being together.

It was hard to see them go. We really miss everyone and can't wait to see them again.