Elias' many faces

In the span of a week, Elias got not one but TWO new bibis (cobija in Spanish is blanket- and bibi is the shortened version...both my kids use it to refer to their "blankies"). His favorite is now basically a knot of yarn, so the new bibis are to replace it...NOT. He will only sleep with the new bibis if the old bibi is tucked underneath...see picture.

Home renovations!!!

We got 2 sets of french doors put up in the entrances to our upstairs living room, which makes the area more elegant and private...eventually they'll be stained to match the hardwoods. I'm starting to like this remodeling thing...especially when I don't actually have to DO the work myself. :-) Maybe I just like the design part...hmmm.

Our house has a garage attached to the house and it had no door from the garage into the house. Things that make you go hmmmm... We would have to walk out the back door, and into the door on the deck, making you wonder "what's the point of the garage then?" Our point exactly- hence, we got a door cut from the garage into the dining room and we love it! It's much easier to get in and out with the kids, especially in the rain or cold, AND to get to the laundry room (which is also in the garage).

Elias' part in remodeling...

Bella being the remodeling cover girl...

Play date fun

David and Elias are buddies from church... Here they are in our play room (BEFORE I spent 2 hours organizing it this past weekend). They found new meaning in "toy box", the box is actually the toy I suppose.

Here's David's mom Mitzi and her little one, Noah...

Tumblin' Kids

Lately Elias and Bella want me to flip them or stand them on their heads all the time...here we are in action. Bella will flip over laughing hysterically, then resurface only to say "Gen. Gen" Meaning again mommy, again....and once more....

New Year's Fun

Andres' friend from high school/college Ramiro, and his sister Cynthia, came to visit us for the New Year holiday. It was very relaxing and fun, and great to get to know them. The kids LOVED hanging out with them. In fact, by the end of their stay Elias was calling Ramiro his "best friend". Here Cynthia and I are trying out my new American Idol Dance Showdown. That thing really makes you sweat!

And the challenge is on! The boys couldn't stand watching our dance-a-thon without shaking a little booty themselves. The funniest thing was watching Andres try to not only dance the right steps, but put "style" into it too!

A nurse that works with Andres gave us her son's battery powered John Deere tractor/truck for the kids! They love it and have gotten quite adept at maneuvering it around our hilly backyard.

In this one, Isabella assumes her position as "cool little sister hangin' in the passenger seat with my big bro"

Family New Year's Celebration: Finley Park

Elias is not afraid of riding anything anymore!


They roped me into riding this one, and I almost got sick! I had to stare at Elias' face the whole time in order not to lose my lunch. He kept saying "Mommy let's spin it faster" and I'd respond, "Elias, if I take my eyes off you, mommy's tummy is going to be very sick." I made it through the ride but was sick to my stomach for over 2 hours, ruining our dinner plans- what a party pooper!

Fun with Karaoke!

Here's Meredith rockin' out on my very cool Christmas present, a karaoke machine! Can you see a theme here? Yes, I'm a closet American Idol wanna-be!!! (OK, maybe not so "closet" for those of you who talk to me often...)

Bella and Elias took their turns singing Christmas tunes, and finally Cynthia got up her nerves to try it out!