Christmas Presents and New Year's Resolutions

The one thing I asked my sister to give me last year for Christmas/New Year's was more quality time with our families together. We live 15 minutes away from each other, but until this year have only seen each other on special occasions and/or holidays. This year, I wanted that to be different. I wanted it to be different for me, because I want a closer relationship with her. But I also wanted it to be different for the kids - I want Ava and Emma to know their cousins and be able to spend time with them on a consistent basis.

We both knew that this would take intention on our part, and we would have to make time in our already hectic schedules, but somehow this New Year's resolution has been one that has already come to fruition.

Other things that have yet to come to fruition in the first half of 2009:
1. Life insurance/Will
2. Retirement Fund Started

We still have time...right?!

4th of July

The fourth of July for us is usually marked by a
family BBQ, time in the sun and time in the pool (or fountains, or hose!). This year though, it landed on a Saturday night, which for Michael and I translates into being at the church. This meant our quality time as a family needed to happen before the 2:00 call time.

Keeping all of that in mind, we woke up early and spent the morning in the pool and sun just relaxing! After lunch and naps, we made our way to the church. They did a great job at offering an experience of free food, water bouncies for the kids and a section of the parking lot blocked off to sit and watch the fireworks from the nearby Surprise Stadium. So after two services, we made our way outside to join in the fun.

One of the water bouncies was a giant slip and slide. Michael thought it would be fun to throw Ava down the slide (since she is too small to get the running start like the bigger kids) and this scared the living daylights out of her. She screamed bloody murder! Needless to say we went back to just the regular bouncy!

Not too long after the bouncy experience the fireworks started and we enjoyed the 30 minute show. Ava loved the fireworks. She said, "I want to eat the fireworks Daddy!" I'm not sure Emma noticed them until we got to the grand finale and then her eyes were fixated on the colors.

It was a great day - lots of quality time - and lots of fun!!