tales from a far-land

One of our favorite ways to ring in the New Year is with dear friends and fondue.  New Year's Eve 2016 did not disappoint.  We resurrected this fun fun tradition.  Not only did we fondue, but this year, we even spiced it up a bit with some backyard fireworks.  We ate.  We drank.  We laughed.  We shared hopes and dreams for the new year.  We watched our kids play like siblings.  We all had such a great time. We all had such a great time.  We are very blessed to have such amazing friends, whom we cherish as family, to close out the end of one year and celebrate the beginning of a new one.  Let's hope 2017 continues to bring us all love and joy! Madi and Mae All of the kids Aiden with his sparkler Madi too! Cannot forget about Mae And Keaton Fireworks in the backyard The ladies... Fondue! Jenn and Paige Cheers!

As we reflect back on 2016, it was a year of travel and adventures.  We journeyed to places afar filled with cultures different than our own.  We drove to visit family and friends.  We traveled to the beach for fun, sun and relaxation.  We visited Northern Arizona for cooler temperatures.  And we finally earned our Mouse Ears as a family.  We are so fortunate for the opportunities 2016 delivered to us. And we are excited to see what is in store for us in 2017.  Wishing everyone a new year rich with the blessings of love, joy, warmth and laughter.  Happy New Year!

This year Christmas was very cold and rainy.  In fact, it hailed that morning.  This is the closest that Phoenix will come to having a white Christmas. However, Santa still prevailed and presents were still delivered. Our morning started at about seven o'clock.  We have to have the only kids in the entire world who do not wake up before the sunrises on Christmas.  After waking up and sauntering downstairs, they quickly noticed what Santa left for them. Each of the kids received exactly what they wanted from Santa.  Aiden a Spider-Man motorcycle and Madilyn a puppy and stroller.  They weren't as excited as Santa may have hoped for them to be right that that moment, but later on, when they finally had the chance to play with their toys, you could see their happiness and joy shine. Aiden on his Spider-Man Motorcycle As a family, we continued to open the rest of our morning presents from the youngest person to the oldest. Madi received quite...