Junior Jazz

Finally took a couple of pictures of Joaquin's undefeated Junior Jazz team.  The team wins, but they are also pretty unselfish and everyone gets shots and playing time.  Good to see youth sports happen this way.

A great 2014 gives way to 2015

When I was kid it always seemed that when I was excited for something it took ages for the day of excitement to finally arrive.  I believe it was Einstein that used this phenomenon to describe the theory of relativity.  In any event, maybe the theory of relativity does not hold for adults.  Now that I am an adult life moves pretty fast. If I don't stop and look around once in a while, I miss it.  (Wow, Einstein and Ferris Bueller together--somehow I don't think Einstein would be too upset by this).  Anyway. maybe that should be my goal for 2015--to stop and look around at my life so I don't miss it. 

One thing I was wishing that I had missed was the 3:45 am wake-up call from our oldest.  This is the first year this has happened.  Usually we are in bed until 8 am, but this year we were sending him back to bed to wait.  I think we eventually opened Christmas at about 7 am.  We did wake up to a white Christmas with a couple inches of snow on the ground and another 3 or 4 inches to come.  It was a nice day just to stay in and enjoy the gifts.  

Shauna's aunt Lynette braved the snow and came over for breakfast and gave very generously to our kids.  She has been great to us and them and we were glad to spend sometime with her on Christmas.  

My life is pretty darn good and I have been blessed to have everything I could possible want.  I have had great parents, mentors, examples and teachers in my life that have borne to the place I am currently--in particular God and Jesus have been very patient with me and have always been there to listen and bless.  

Here's to a special and wonderful 2015 where things sink in and mean more.  

Best Time of the Year.

We have been busy around here as is always the case during Christmas time...the excitement acute for the kids.  We have been going to lots of bball games on Tuesdays as Joaquin's team is undefeated and making it to a few Utah games as well.

Laney also had her dance recital and did a great job singing "Let it Go" stealing the show.  Shauna will have to post the video since I was not close enough to get a good shot.

Joaquin got an award at school for his success in the class room.

Joaquin's class also went to caroling to a retirement home near the school.

We have had parties and also headed out see the lights a temple square.  We went late in the year and managed to avoid the massive crowds that are around during most of December.

As always, have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Tree is up.

Utes playing.  

Nana and Ruby at the recital.

Ward Christmas party with Santa.

Going to school all dressed up.

JJ receiving his award.

The lights at the Temple.

Happy kids.

Merry Christmas and Wow!!

Just had to drop by my blog and say Merry Christmas to all those feeling the joy- and especially for those that may not be feeling so much joy.  Maybe this dunk will cheer you up.  All I can say is that kid is a magician.

Also, Joaquin has been playing J Jazz the last month and working hard to get better. He has been dribbling the ball around the house...and I just let him.  Guess I know where my priorities are.  Keep it up Joaquin and you may end up like Delon.

Home for the Holidays

Again we find ourselves on the cusp of another holiday season.  It would be nice to slow down and enjoy this more, but not only is it the most wonderful time of the year--it is also the busiest time of the year.  It could be that it just seems that way with the shorter daylight we have.

Sometimes it is just nice to kick back and sit for a few minutes and enjoy the scene rather than feel like if we aren't doing something every second of everyday we are missing out.  I think you can start to see a theme in my posts about how sometimes I just like to enjoy a night at home.  Don't get me wrong, I like going to parties, concerts, family dinners, and the like, but taking a second to let it all sink in is nice too.  It gives a chance for reflection on Thanksgiving and Christmas and what is important about these holidays.

If this one creeps you out, try the one below.

Here's to another special and wonderful holiday season.  Let us enjoy and give thanks for all the blessings we have and not neglect a thank you that needs to be shared.

Joaquin's Baptism

Our first born is growing up into a smart, talented, and wonderful young man.  On November 1, 2014, he followed through with his decision to be baptized and receive the holy ghost.  It was a fine day with family and friends that came out in large numbers to support this great young man.

He wore a new suit for the occasion and cut a fine figure.  We love this young guy and hope and pray the best for him.  He is a joy to have in our family.

 

Eight Years

Hard to believe that eight years has gone by with awesome, nice, smart, good and loving son.  He turned eight this month and will be baptized November 1st.  It makes us happy to see him getting excited about his baptism and tries really hard to read his new scriptures.

I would like to take some space here and let Joaquin know that he is a blessing to our family and he has brought so much love, goodness, joy and adventure into our home.  You are a smart, kind, energetic kid, who loves his family.  Thanks for the wonderful eight years!!  We love you.  This is to many more years of wrestling, clash of clans, building Legos, riding your bike with out shoes, and generally keeping life interesting around here.  Happy eight my son.

Oreo and milk accidents.

Hanging with famous literary figures.

Carving awesome pumpkins.

Funny face paint.

Working hard on Christmas list.

Swimming.

Photo bomber.

Go Utes!

Only time he has ever taken a nap since he was two.

Happy kid.

Loves vacation.

Wants to drive.  Not yet.

Knows how to kick back.

Again.

Skier.

Cute kids.

Buddies.