Colton and I spent the day at the Phoenix Zoo yesterday with some of our friends. It was very exciting for Colton to see so many animals up close. He also enjoyed playing with Carter and Brady. The boys loved climbing on the trackers at "the farm".
Colton couldn't take his eyes off the lion to smile for the camera!
All three boys checking out the tiger!
Checking out the ducks and turtles at the zoo enterance.
The giraffes were in Colton's words...."high".
What a fun day!!
Mike's sister Jennifer is getting married this October. Last weekend the Gauthier's threw them a nice engagement party. All of Jennifer and Eric's friends and family were there to celebrate their engagement. The weather was perfect and many people spent the evening outside on the patio. Everyone had a good time.
Eric with his groom's men and ring bearer.
Jennifer with her bridesmaids and flower girl.
Opening a fun present with snorkel gear for the honeymoon in the Cayman Islands.
Our niece Emily celebrated her 3rd birthday earlier this month.
The kids all enjoyed the pinata!
Carter celebrated his 3rd birthday at the train park on Saturday. We had a wonderful time playing, riding the train, and enjoying the beautiful Arizona sunshine! Colton loved running around, playing ball, and of course....eating cake!
Raj & Grace
Birthday boy on the slide.
Lee and Jackson
Colton and Daddy.
Mike's sister, Valerie, and her family came to town for a visit in January. Valerie came out first, then her husband Dan and their kids, Kelly and Ryan came a few days later. They live in Pennsylvania, so it was great to see all of them. We were able to share many dinners and lunches while they were here, along with a hike at South Mountain. Dan also ran in the Rock-n-Roll marathon, finishing in 3:29. That is under 8 minutes per mile! What an awesome run for him! Colton enjoyed playing with his cousins, aunt and uncle. Can't wait to see them all again in October.
Kelly and Colton eating pizza.
Dan and Val
Us with the kiddos!
Dan, Kelly, Dennis, Ryan, Mike and Colton
Washing windows outside was a big hit!
Christmas was so much fun this year! We had a lot of parties and events leading up to Christmas that were a lot of fun. The gingerbread contest, an ornament exchange, visit from Santa at the Merrill Lynch party, girls night, going to see The Spirit of Christmas, a cookie exchange, Zoo Lights, and much more! On Christmas Eve we went to an early church service, then over to Mike's parents house for a celebration with his family. We also learned that Mike's sister Jennifer got engaged that day! Jennifer and Eric plan to get married sometime in the fall of 2009. Mike's cousin John Paul brought down a truck full of snow, so Colton had his first experience of a snow ball fight. Christmas morning Mike, Colton and I opened presents together. Colton was not too interested in actually unwrapping the gifts, but he loved each new toy! After presents at our house, we went to my parents house and had breakfast before opening presents with my brother Jeremy, his wife and two girls, my parents and grandma. The kids had a wonderful time playing with each other's new toys. Finally we headed home for Colton's naptime. Later in the afternoon we had everyone over to our house for dinner. Mike's parents, my parents, both of my brothers and their families. It was a wonderful Christmas and we feel so blessed to have many wonderful friends and family. 2008 was an exciting year and I just can't wait to see what 2009 has in store for us. Happy New Year!!!
Colton's new train table. Daddy had so much fun making it perfect and Colton had fun destroying it within 30 seconds!!
Snow!!
Reading with Grandpa
Christmas Eve at the Gauthier's
Kylie, Emily and Zachary watching a video with Jeremy
Christmas morning
Staying warm at Zoo Lights
Colton loves his new cars and ramps!
Kylie passing out gifts.
