beautiful.

 Last Sunday Madison received her Young Womanhood Recognition.

We are so proud of her and all the work she put into her Personal Progress.  Amazing.

A beautiful necklace for a beautiful young woman.

homemade gifts... kid to kid

This year we started a new Christmas tradition...

the kids drew each others names and had to come up with something unique and homemade to give on Christmas morning.

Very fun.

Next year dad and mom will be in the bowl, too!!

 Braden made Mad a custom pencil box.

Complete with an "M" made from legos glued to each side.

Spectacular!

And for Kimbel - a special frame made for her by Madison.

Kimbel promptly inserted a picture of her and her bestie, the other Mady!

Kenna presented Braden with a duct-tape wallet.  She has some seriously creative juices flowing!  Pockets and all!

Last, but not least..

Kimbel made Kenna a totebag with some iron-on decals and customized the back, too... with Ken's initials.

I am so proud of how they all worked so hard and love the unique gifts.  
We had an absolutely amazing Christmas around here!

I'm sure there are more Christmas pics to come! :)

Happy New Year!!

what I love about Christmas...

Here is the sign Braden made for his door.

"Anyone can come in but Madison.  

Why?  you ask?

Because I am making the present for Madison because I drew her name out of the bowl."

I seriously love this kid.

Santa "Cruz" and more...

I know, I know... it's been a lot of puppy around here.

But... he seems to be the one providing the excitement for the time being!

Above - our own little santa cruz - poor dressed-up dog.

And Saturday night...

Cruz and Braden tangled on the hardwood floor and after a flurry of arms and legs and a tail, Cruz didn't fair so well!

One trip to the PetER, a sprained wrist, and a Christmas-ey bandage later and we were all good!  (even Braden)

Happy week before Christmas, everybody!!

Who? Me?

better late than never... Raelene's wedding!

 Gorgeous day in Sacramento!

It was a seriously fun party!!

Good times and Great friends.  It doesn't get better!

Congrats Raelene and James!!

the santa parade .. and a really big baby!

one of the benefits(?) of having a dad who runs a hospital..

2 santas + banks + duffins = party on a float!

LOTS of candy.. and ONE really big baby on the back!

Hey big guys!

not sure if he's sharing his Christmas list.. or honking Santa's nose. hmm?

the REAL big guy.  Merry Christmas!