Thanksgiving

We had a nice Thanksgiving dinner at my mom & dad's last night. The guys had many deer hunting stories to share. The kids had fun playing - the cousins don't get to see each often . . . . so they absolutely love getting together and playing! Blake was sick - but after some medicine, you couldn't even tell! Chet is growing up so fast . . . . he is no longer a baby, but a big boy! He loves being the center of attention with the kids!! The picture in the middle is of DJ and Grandpa, DJ went early to help Grandma and Grandpa getting ready for the meal. The bottom picture is an older one of DJ getting ready to go to work at Pizza Hut! She is doing a great job getting good grades and holding down a part time job!! She has also purchased her first car! The picture is a little hard to see - but she purchased a Chevy Caviler - and she loves having her own wheels!!

Jimmy and Gavino have now set their travel plans for visiting Mexico for Christmas. Jimmy is excited to be able to spend Christmas with his family, he hasn't spent a Christmas there in 16 years! It will be very different for us, but we think Santa maybe available to come early to our house; so Gavino doesn't miss his favorite time of the year!!

GNO (Girls Night Out)

My dad called this morning looking for the boys to go out to the woods with him, so that turned our day into an all girls day. (Jimmy had to work) We decided to take a trip to Marshfield and hit the stores. Since we rarely go shopping outside of Abbotsford, this was a real treat for the girls. Before we even left home, they had the dinner menu picked out from their favorite place - El Mexcal. It cracks me up - they have to go to a Mexican place to order corn dogs and batter fried shrimp!! I guess it must be the chips and salsa that keep them coming back!!

We decided to have some fun with Vanessa's hair by straightening it. It is always a challenge to keep it straight!! The girls are growing up so fast - as you can see they even had to have some color on their lips to go to the store . . .

Well - we're off to watching some home movies!! They girls want to see our wedding video!! I'm sure they will be real proud of how cool their mom and dad are!!

let it snow... let it snow... let it snow

Yesterday the kids woke up early just to go outside and play in the snow, we barely had an inch of it but they already made a snowman. they played outside until breakfast then went back outside and played some more. Raquel volunteered to take the pictures because I wasn't going out in the cold. By the end of the day everything was melted anyway.

Grandpa came this morning and took the three kids out to hunt and were going to go over later!

Weekend at the Cabin

Well - now that the rut is in full swing . . . Jimmy is going crazy with his hunting hobby. We spent the weekend down at the cabin . . . which allowed the guys to hunt morning til night. Ben, Jason, and my Dad were hooked on hunting as well - hoping to get a monster buck (which is what Buffalo County is famous for)! Mom and I took to reading for the weekend. It was beautiful weather - so the kids took advatage of having a place to run and play all weekend.

Because we didn't get back home until about 10:00 p.m. on Sunday night - it kind of cut into my weeknd prep for the next week. We're still trying to catch up!! This week has challenged us with having things go on every single day.

Here are some pictures of the cabin - this is where we excape to!! The kids have made friends with some of the neighbors! Raquel once again had fun taking all the photo's!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

The kids were off school since Wednesday at noon . . . and needless to say were anticipating Friday night all week! I had hopes of leaving work early on Friday to get a head start on the evening; but as always . . . . I had too many things to get done and not enough hours to get them done. I finally hit home about 5:15 and trick or treating started at 5:00. The kids were all dressed and ready to go!! Mateo was so excited - being his 3rd year now, he kind of remembered the past year!! We made it around our block then piled into the van to go across town to visit the thrill of the evening - the neighbor a block over who dresses up like a gorilla!! Of course Gavino and Vanessa knew what to expect . . . . but Mateo was sure surprised!!

The kids had a great time - and got way more candy than anyone should be allowed!! Mateo's already ready for next year!!

Raquel didn't have a name for her costume . .. she stayed home and handed out candy. Gavino was a pirate, Vanessa was a combination of a spider princess with a silly mask and top hat, and Mateo was my handmade pumpkin costume!! Remember a few years ago when Gavino was a pumpkin?? I still have the crying pictures . . . he hated it - but Mateo sure loved it :)

The other picture is of the girl I work with - Natalyn and her baby, Preston. Preston goes to Becky's with Mateo and they are good friends!! Although - Mateo somehow renamed him at Becky's to Baby Justin!! Preston was the cutest Dalmatian I have ever seen!!

We are now off to the cabin for the weekend!

More pictures . . . .

Here are some picutes from last Sunday at Adrian's little boy (Emiliano)'s birthday party. The kids sure had fun with

a pinata . . . . and of course with the tons of candy they received after it broke!!

Raquel and Jessie (Humberto & Elia's daughter) are posing here. They are 11 & 12 years old . .. but going on 20!! I never notice how grown up Raquel looks until I see it in a photo. It sure scares me!!

I swear this year . . . . .we are not spending money on toys . . . . . Mateo had more fun with this empty box today than any other toy he has ever had!!

Double Ouch!

Ouch!!

Who is bigger??

The day has finally came in Raquel's world . . . where she is now officially taller than her big sister! They are still able to share clothes - but it may not be for much longer! Raquel's growth seems to be taking off~

Who would believe there is six years difference between the girls!! Seems like yesterday DJ was begging for Raquel to grow up - so they could play!! In the blink of an eye - - - - it has happened!

Damion & Diego!

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On Saturday Diego spent the afternoon with us! The boys had so much fun. They are becoming big boys too quickly! The girls thought it was funny because they found them playing barbies!! This picture may turn into blackmail material someday!

Baby Damion is growing fast . . . . and is cute as ever! These too little boys are certainly not lacking love!

2008 School Pictures

Here are the kids pictures! They are sure growing . . . . each year when we review the pictures from the years past it sure reminds me how the kids are growing up fast! We are eagerly awaiting DJ's senior pictures!! She had them done when we were in Florida this summer! We were fortnuate enough to schedule a photo session with a true professional - Rachel Absher.

Sorry about the crooked picture! I'm out of time~!

House updates . .. .

I have promised Jackie some pictures of my home improvement projects . . . . they are nothing too fancy!! I put most of the pictures up when on the phone with Jackie!! It's amazing what I can get done when on the phone! The first four are from in my bathroom and the last one is in the kitchen.

Time's flying . . . . .

Here are some fun outside pictures. Again - Raquel was playing photographer! We seem to have no time to ourselves lately! Jimmy is still off work. His next doctor appointment is October 17, and we should see an end in site! He is now attending physical therapy two times every week. He is able to walk and get into regular shoes now! He has came along way in the last two weeks. Raquel is almost done swimming, Saturday is the last meet and it is a conference meet. She was able to swim a few races on varsity, which is very exciting for a sixth grader! As busy as our time has been, we will be sad to see the swim season end. Mateo is loving being home everyday. He will have an adjustment having to go to Day Care again! Vanessa and Gavino are loving school. Gavino comes home muddy from head to toe from playing football at recess. I have taken on a new challenge of teaching Gavino's CCD class on Wednesday's after school.

Parents Night

Tuesday was parents night for Raquel's swim team. The season is coming to an end with only two more meets to go. Raquel has done an awesome job continually improving her speeds at each meet!