Christmas Eve

One tradition we have with our friends is a gift exchange. This year we exchanged gifts at Kelli and Kyle's house. So, this was officially Kiera's first Christmas present! Thanks, Bill and Terri! She really loves it.

Gabriel got his gifts from his Godparents Daniel and Holly. We haven't played with the Moon Sand yet, but he likes the police man parts for his Mr. Potato Head.

Christmas Eve we were able to spend some time with both sides of my family. First we went to my parent's house for dinner, and then we went to my aunt Nancy's house for presents, Santa, s'mores, and spending some time with family we don't see too often. Then we stayed up wrapping gifts and putting things together. One of the best things about having children is seeing them so happy and realizing how their happiness can make you so incredibly happy! Edward and I are so blessed.

Kiera with her Great-Grandma Crow and below Edward reading "T'was the Night Before Christmas" to the kids before leaving Aunt Nancy's house.

Christmas Preperations

I've been slacking on the posts lately, but we have been busy preparing for Christmas!!!

Edward, Gabriel, and I put up the Christmas lights. I have yet to remember to take a picture at night. I must say we did a great job, though!!

Here we are with after picking out our Christmas tree!

The kids had a great time even though it was raining a little bit.

Traditionally, Auntie and Uncle Steve go with us to pick out a tree! The kids love it!!!

Grandpa has been visiting, so he helped us pick out a tree and get it set up.

Gabriel had to help carry the tree in!

Here it is. Hopefully I will post some pictures of it all decorated along with pics of the outside lights.

Auntie and The Godfather

I have some really cute pictures of Auntie Leia and Uncle Steve (aka The Godfather) with Gabriel and Kiera, so I thought I would share!!!

Kiera relaxing with her Godparents!

Genuine Happiness!!!

Auntie with the kids in the snow. We went to a breakfast with Santa and they had snow for the kids to play in!

Week 11

Edward starts week 11 of 19 this week! They started wearing uniforms a couple of weeks ago so a stole a quick shot. I am really proud of him!!! Graduation is just 9 weeks away!!

Kiera and Gabriel were able to enjoy spending good quality time with thier dad over Thanksgiving!

Daddy and Kiera especially like taking naps together!

Catching Up - Thanksgiving

Edward took the kids to do some Christmas shopping (maybe Gabriel is talking enough that I can get something out of him :) he he) so I have a few minutes to update.

Well, we were supposed to spend Thanksgiving in CA this year, but with Edward in the academy he isn't supposed to travel and he didn't want to chance taking the trip. Instead his family came out to visit us!

Great-Grandpa and "the boss" and his "princess"! Those are his special nicknames for them!

Grandma and Kiera (a little blurry because the battery in the camera needed charging)

Auntie Linda and Kiera

Uncle Walter and Kiera

We had such a great time and we can't wait to see them again soon!!! We love and miss you all!!

Mad Mud Run!!!

In training for our half marathon, Leia decided that we need to do the Mad Mud Run in Scottsdale. Well, we convinced Holly and 2 friends of Leia's and made our team of 5. Our team name was "Hookianda" which was letters from each of our names. However, we discovered this when the 3 of us went to take a picture:

All nice and clean

Leia and Laura before the race (notice no mud). Laura left later that day for her new job in Conneticut. Good luck, Laura!

Here we come after some obstacles and a 4.2 mile run!

I love this picture for a couple of reasons. For one when we entered the mud pit Holly had a plan to take me down. Well, she underestimated me and I won the mud wrestling competition. It is hard to tell but I am pushing her down in the mud in this picture. If you look in the upper right hand corner of the picture Laura (who already finished the race with her team) decides to jump on Leia's back and go for a ride through the mud. Leia flipped her though shortly after.

We were a mess, but we had a ton of fun!!

7 months old

Our baby girl is already 7 months old! We can hardly beleive it! She is up to a lot these days:

• she has 2 front teeth and loves playing with them by sticking her finger in her mouth



• crawls whenever and wherever she wants to (look at those dimples!)
  
  


• just started pulling herself to stand this past week
• loves cheerios
• is a little attached to her mom (can you sense the sarcasm?)

Congrats Keri!

My older sister, Keri, works for the state, and she just had the opportunity to apply for a better (and better paying) job. She applied, interviewed, and got the job! This is such a blessing for Keri and her family, and we couldn't be more proud of her!!!

Keri and Mark enjoying dessert after our celebratory dinner.

Go Cards!

Last week Edward and I were able to get a much needed break from our lovely kiddos and head to the Cardinals vs. 49ers Monday Night Football Game. The game was great! Thanks Carrie and Tony for the tickets. The kids were able to have some quality time with their Grandpa Ed! Thanks for watching them, Ed.

# 3 - No. Not another baby!

Ear infection number 3. Our poor child was back at the doctor Friday, and although she seems fairly happy in the pictures she was one sick baby. :(

I'm still cute!!

Wedding Day

The wedding was beautiful, the bride and groom were so happy, and the kids were too cute!

The boys are on their way to the wedding for pictures! This is why we love our boys!! (all of them)

Here are the kids walking down the aisle. They were pretty cute! Abby didn't really want to wait for them, but Gabriel and Addisen held hands!

The happy couple

I couldn't resist including this picture of Addisen. It is too cute! She is like a little proceline doll!

Keira and I getting out pictures taken while Edward and Gabriel got theirs taken below!

The Hache's!

Halloween

Yes, I am aware that I am the last one to blog about our adventure for Marc and Kristin's wedding, but here it is now!

So, our good friends Marc and Kristin got married on November 1st in Tucson, AZ. Edward and Gabriel were in the wedding, so we made our way down on Halloween for the rehearsal. Edward actually came late because he had to work, but the kids and I made our way down with our hitchhiker Ernesto. :)

Here the kids are practicing their walk. Addisen is the witch, Gabriel is Frankenstein, and Abby is a ladybug.

Gabriel and Kiera, the Giraffe, going treak or treating.

Gabriel and Addisen waiting for their treats!
So worth it!!!