We were planning on going to Utah this Christmas, but the roads were pretty bad this year and the idea of a 18 hour car ride with four little ones did not sound fun. So we celebrated with the Idiarts at home, which was wonderful.
I love this time of year to think more about the Savior and how to be more like him.
Mary began piano this summer. She has had one student recital already, but this is her first done at the VA for parents and veterans. She did very well. I am so glad she is learning, and I might add that I am learning a lot too!
On Thanksgiving morning amid rolling out the rolls, Noah broke his collar bone while playing bucking bronco on his cousin's back. We didn't realize it was a complete break until we got x rays the next day. Noah was a real trooper and it actually healed rather quickly. Jared and Marcus brought him this awesome candy card, which may have made the break worth it.
Amatchi's funeral was beautiful. We traveled down and stayed at Linda's home. It is sad to see this chapter end. Our ties to the basque community won't be the same now and I will miss her. She has been gone for a time now, mentally, and for that reason it is nice to see her resting. I will cherish all the love and kindness she has shown me through out the years. I imagine a beautiful and touching reunion with Aitatchi and her parents in heaven and I bet there is a little bit of moose going on up there and a lot of celebrating. xoxo
Yesterday
we celebrated Nicole's third birthday and last night we experienced
my Amatchi's peaceful passing...a day full of life, memories, and love.
Beautiful. We will miss you...
Here's our princess Nicole and her princess birthday tea party. She is such a sweet and loving girl. She is also spunky and hilarious. I just love everything about her. Happy Birthday Nikki!
Last year Mae Richardson Elementary started a new award, the Ramtastic Student award. This award is given to students who make consistent good choices and are always respectful and do their best each day. Mary was the first to get it in her kindergarten class last year and one of the first in her first grade class this year. Each time we attended there were cousins and many LDS friends who got htis award. I think that says a lot about the influence our children have at the school. We are blessed to be surrounded by families who have kind and loving homes.
Last Year:
Mary joined an all girl's team with her cousin Annie this season. It was very exciting because the team was, well amazing! The coaches were serious about these girls and at times it reminded me of an intense high school team. We are so grateful Mary had an opportunity like this and that she learned how to chest bump, a very important skill.
We joined Noah on his class field trip to the pumpkin patch today. Cameron couldn't stay away from the goats.
Here are some pictures from Noah's fifth birthday party. It was sports themed and we had a BALL with all his friends!
Grammie and Papa Steve flew out for a visit. We drove to the beach and hit the sand, walked the Redwoods, and enjoyed one another. The weather was gorgeous. On our way home we went to Mary and Noah's soccer games. We had a great time.
Our first annual Back to School Dinner went off great. Our theme for this year is Be Kind. Mary and Noah are prepped and ready for a new year of learning.
