Polar Express 2012 - Part II

The Polar Express is a magical experience and is especially fun with the kids.

We are waiting in line to board the train that will take us to the North Pole - of course!

Little Chuckie's first time on the train (Mars' too...) and he is so excited. Look at that happy face!

Amara and her cousin Rylyn are looking for Santa's workshop at the North Pole.

Once we saw Santa on his sled at the North Pole...he surprised us all and came on the train.

For the kids that truly BELIEVE in Santa - they get a special gift from him.

Polar Express 2012 - Part I

Our family rides the Polar Express every year in Williams, Arizona.

Here is the little man opening his Christmas jammies and Mars opening her package.

Yeah! Mars also got a Polar Bear from her Grammy - doesn't she look excited!

Here is Amara is her bedazzled Christmas jammies!

Four Months

Little Chuckie is the most beautiful baby boy! He is growing so fast and already at 4 months is 17lbs 13oz and 25 1/2 inches long. He is a big boy and I love him!

Today we discovered the reason he has been having a hard time sleeping...

he has his FIRST TOOTH!

We even gave him his first baby cereal which he really enjoyed. Mars even tried feeding him a breadstick for dinner tonight. Soon enough he will be big enough to eat that too (what a good Sissy).

Christmas 2011

This IS the most wonderful time of the year!
Not only do we get to remember our older brother and Savior Jesus Christ, but we feel the urge to be kind, overlook shortcomings, smile at strangers and do good to all man.

I love Christmas and all the joy and happiness it brings. I love wrapping presents, making caramels, baking cookies, putting up the tree, seeing the temple lights and the fresh smell of the Christmas tree.

I am so grateful for my wonderful family and thank God every day for each one of them.

Children make you grow as a person, realize the important things in life and give you a chance to be a better person every day.

Here is a Merry Christmas from our home to yours - wishing you the very best this holiday and a chance to remember the life and love of our Savior.
~Alicia

Murder at the Flamingo

Chuck is a pretty amazing man. He wrote a murder mystery dinner for his work Christmas party. It was an incredible time for everyone and probably the best work Christmas party you could ever attend.

Set in Las Vegas in the 1950's when the mob was strong and ruled the town, real Hollywood glamar was evident and stars were more than just a pretty face. Our dinner party included guests such as Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardener and Sofia Loren...just to name a few!


Here are the bankers in costume...



and the characters...





Let the game begin!
The evidence - poison bottle, eviction notice, sketchy bookeeping ledger - who did it?

Being part of the mob back in the days of Viva Las Vegas was a tricky business - even head mob boss "Lucky Luciano couldn't keep up with the allegations.

It was the blond with the poison in the kitchen!

Tagged Blue

I'm not sure what would make a person spray paint someone's car in bright blue - but it was not a funny prank.
Good thing we took pictures for the insurance claim!

In the end we didn't need to call the cops or file an insurance claim for damage - Chuck's sister made gave him this original masterpiece.
Good thing we hadn't called the cops before we found out the paint was washable, although there are still some blue spots that will not come off.
FAMILY - what 'cha 'gonna do?

Faces of Love

Little bubba is getting so big - look at his face at 3 months old. What a prince charming!

Playtime

Mars and Mommy went to the play area so Mars could have some play time outside.
She was big enough to climb on the flowers...

and ride the ladybug.

I think she had fun - what do you think?

Growing Boy

Little Chuckie is growing so fast - here are some pics of the little pumpkin...




Looks just like his dad!

Halloween Fun

Every year we have a Halloween Festival at mom's house.
This year Chuck wanted to play Kill the Zombie...and he was the zombie. Dressed up in a while sheet and running around the football field, everyone got 10 paintballs to shoot him down. He did really good until I shot him with my first ball in the face.

The kids had a doghnut eating contest and this was the first year Mars was old enough for all the fun games! I guess when you're the little one, you get to use your hands too!

We also made a pumpkin say "BOO!"

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Du Bears

Here is Mars sporting her team's colors - go Bears!

Blessings

October 9 our littlr Chuckie was blessed.
Here he is in his bright white suit - he is such a little man.

Though we never planned on having the kids this close, he is such a special child and a blessing to have in our lives. I know he was supposed to come to our family at this time.

We named his Charles Clark after two special men in our family. Charles after his father and a long line of Charles on the Hilbran side and Clark after his Grampy.

"A child fills a hole in your heart you never knew was there"
~ Anonymous