Christmas 2013

We had a wonderful Christmas! Aunt Kacie was here to celebrate with us. Santa brought Layla the purple violin she has been asking for! Time to start violin lessons. Tatum got a scooter and a drum set. 

Christmas Trees

So fun to see how much the girls have grown each year in front of their Christmas Trees

Halloween

Another fun Halloween in our neighborhood. Layla was Cinderella, Tatum was a witch, Daddy was a pirate and Mommy was a flapper. I made a big pot of chili and the girls loved trick or treating in the neighborhood with their friends.

Lunch date

Occasionally we can talk Juan out of his office for a bit. Today he couldn't say no to lunch with me and Tatum. It is always fun to get to spend a little one on one time with each girl.

 

Tatum practicing using her chopsticks on Daddy's hand

 

Flying to the car!

 

Letting go

Kindergarten has certainly been a big transition for us.

Letting go is really hard....

Watching your baby soar is amazing!!
 

This little girl has mastered the swings :)

 



Panties!

Or "Pa-ees" as Tatum calls them. Here goes potty training.....

Tatum did great! I sure got lucky with 2 little girls who were so easy to potty train!

Tatum 2 year check up

We went in for Tatum's 2 year check up today. She weighs a little over 26 pounds and is 35" tall. She is quite the talker. She calls Layla "LaLa" and still is completely obsessed with her blankies.

Check ups are much better with a sister by your side

No shots and a lollipop!! Happy girl!

Tatum's 2nd Birthday

Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl!!

 

We arrived home so late the night before Tatum's birthday. Everyone was still a bit thrown off schedule from the time change so both Tatum and Layla slept in til almost 10:30 am. That, thankfully, bought me a couple hours to head to the store for balloons and some decorations for Tatum to wake up to. Grandma Sharon was here for the morning but had an early afternoon flight home. It was a pretty relaxing day with all of us trying to relax from our vacation :)

 

It was toasty outside so it was off to ride the train at the inside mall. Tatum loves riding the train (go figure....this is exactly what Layla requested for her second birthday as well).

 

After dinner we went home for a present and some cake. Her present was waiting for her in the garage.

 

 A new ride!



 

Tatum having a lick of her cake

 

Yummy!

 

Back for another finger lick

 

Earlier in the day I stopped to pick up a yummy bundt cake. So delicious!!

 

Daddy had to wait until we put the girls to bed to finish putting the car together. They just couldn't wait to get inside and play in it.

Of course they were off riding down the street in style the next morning. Tatum is a little bit too small to control the gas pedal still so Layla was/is more than happy to drive.

We have a Graduate!

Layla's Preschool Graduation

We are technically missing the official graduation ceremony since we will be in Hawaii. But Mrs. Stacey was kind enough to give Layla her hat and diploma before we left. I still can't believe this little lady will be starting Kindergarten in just a couple months! We are so proud of her and all the hard work she did in preschool. She is such a smart, responsible, sweet girl.

Last day of preschool

A very bittersweet day! Layla has truly blossomed and learned so much the last 2 years in preschool with Mrs. Stacey. She is an amazing teacher and such a great lady! We are going to miss her so much but we are excited for the new adventure of Kindergarten.

 The kids get to wear their pajamas to the last day of school and enjoy a fun party day!

 Layla with her cute friend Elysse

My beautiful Mom

Karen Lynn McDonell

December 17 1948-May 5 2013

 

On Friday May 3rd I flew up to Utah with Tatum to say goodbye to my mom. She was very quickly losing her battle and we knew she didn't have much time. It was extremely hard to leave and fly back home knowing it was the last time I would see her on this earth but I am so grateful I went and was able to spend that very special time with her and my family. Sadly, on Sunday May 5th she passed away.

 

 I love this photo of her! It is her high school senior picture.

 

 

The day of her funeral was a perfect spring day. There were so many great friends and family there to celebrate her life and say their goodbyes. I have honestly never seen so many flowers before! It was so clear how many people loved her. My Mom's final resting place is the most beautiful place up on a hilltop surrounded by gorgeous mountains and trees and is very peaceful.

 

 



 

Sweet girls

 



I am so thankful to have such great friends who left their families, jobs, etc to be by my side and with my family during that very difficult time. 

 

 I feel so fortunate and grateful for the love and support we have received. Sweet cards in the mail, meals delivered and listening ears extended. Unfortunately, we also saw the other side of that coin as well. That has been extremely surprising and hurtful to my family. Thankfully, the good and love we received has far outweighed the bad!

 

So glad I have these 5 to go through this with!! We know how important it was to our mother that we love and take care of each other. We miss our mom everyday.

 

Cute cousins playing together afterwards.

 

and 2 cute girls with Papa Bill and their blankies (of course). So happy to have been able to spend time with Papa Bill. We love him a whole bunch!