Family Christmas Photos

Well, I FINALLY got our Christmas card photo taken. this year, it took me a long time to take some photos and send out our cards. I love sending cards, but, I feel like a have so much less free time now that I'm working again, I just feel like the day is done long before I have completed everything that needs to be done. But, we did finally get all dressed up and, fortunately, we were able to get a few really cute pictures among all the crazy ones. I am so lucky to have such beautiful children - if I do say so myself! I am so happy to be a mom to my children and to help them learn and grow. I truly hope that they have a wonderful Christmas full of joy,love, family and surprises.

Holiday Fun

Well, we are fully into the Christmas spirit now and having a really fun holiday. we have our house completely decorated. The kids love putting on the lights every evening and ask to leave them on during the day. Of course, I explain that the lights are for when it's dark. We had a wonderful experience going to our stake's Creche again this year. I absolutely love seeing all of the beautiful nativities on display and the musical performances are so lovely. The kids enjoyed it, too. they particularly love the kids' area that has a dress up room. even Erik liked it. We got to visit Santa at the library this week as well. The girls were very excited to see him and tell him what they would like. Erik was not so enthusiastic. Luckily, he did not scream, but, he was not happy about being placed on Santa's lap. We look forward to the rest of Christmastime and all the joy that comes with it.

Decorating for Christmas

The weekend after Thanksgiving is always devoted to getting the house decorated for Christmas. We put on Christmas music and have a fun time taking out ornaments and decorations and getting the tree just right. The kids also love putting on Santa hats and just being silly.

Our Big Boy

Erik is looking like such a big boy now. Brad made me cut his hair because he claimed it was getting too long and he was looking like a girl. I don't think that is possible, but he said either I do it or he would. So, I took my trusty clippers out and trimmed it only on a 6 guard and then trimmed around the ears with scissors. Erik sat very well for it - I think it was harder on me than it was on him.

Happy Birthday to Me

Well, as of November 18, I am now officially one year older. I had a really fun birthday. Brad and the kids made me a strawberry cake - just like the kind I always chose as a kid. The girls were a big help; Erik was a bit of a nuisance. I got to open gifts, which is always fun. Then Nathan signed us in to Disneyland after school. It was a great day for that. It was a Tuesday, so the park was pretty dead. We rode on alot of rides and had a fabulous day. The Saturday before my birthday, Brad even took me to the ballet. I couldn't have asked for more. You know, I thought I'd be a little more weirded out more about being 31. I guess it wasn't so bad because I have now had a full year to resolve myself to being in my 30s. I have a feeling that my 30s will be wonderful and that some of the best times are coming up.

November in SoCal

Well, with all the wildfires swirling around us, we have been fortunate that they have not gotten close enough to us to cause problems. Yesterday afternoon, we looked out our front door and saw the huge smoke cloud resting over the mountain. It gave the sky such an eerie glow with the sun trying to shine through. It has been unseasonably hot this month, with temperatures still averaging in the 80s! Granted, it usually is only in the low seventies right now, but, that is a 10+ degree difference. Of course, the kids are taking advantage of the hot weather by enjoying themselves outside. I'm posting a few pics of them playing this morning - and remember, these are from November, NOT July!

New Niece has Arrived!

We are so excited to announce the arrival of our first cousin on the Sperry side of our family -

Cadence Diana Douglass. She is our first niece - all the Ellis cousins are boys. She is simply adorable!!! Congratulations to Carissa and Clint!

Halloween Fun

We had so much fun this Halloween. Erik was old enough to realize that Halloween means fun. The girls loved helping to take him trick or treating. A special treat this year was that all the Ellis cousins were able to meet for a family Halloween dinner and trick or treat all together.

Happy Autumn!

Well, the new school year is off and we have all gotten into the swing of things. Caroline is in first and doing wonderfully. She loves school, her teacher and her friends. She is in Brownies now and is gowing up so quickly. Julis is 4 and blossoming in her pre-k year. She is making friends and bonding with her teacher. It is so exciting to see her grow and learn. Erik is 15 months old and is a real character. He loves running and playing and exploring. He has no fear and a strong curiosity to learn about everything. He is growing so quickly - he even had his first haircut this week. I am back teaching preschool and I love it. i am at a new school named Clever Endeavors. It is a fabulous school. I am so grateful I get to be there and teach a pre-k class. Brad is doing well with his job and loves to spend his time with the family. We are all looking forward to a fun Halloween and all the fall will bring.