Mesa, Arizona Temple Lights

On Saturday night we went to see the lights that are put up all around the temple in Mesa. My camera is just a little point and shoot so I didn't even try to take pictures of the lights because it wouldn't do them justice. We did however get a few pictures of the people who went.
The kids loved the lights and the nativity scene. It was a good chance to try and remind Heidi what Christmas is really about. I'm not sure how much sunk in.
I will have to do a better job this year of getting my kids to understand the real reason for Christmas is for remembering the birth of Christ. It is always nice to be together with family for the holidays. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I know I did.

Happy Birthday Heidi!

We spent Thanksgiving down in Arizona with Kevin's parents. Heidi is my Thanksgiving baby so while we were down we had a small party for her. We surprised her with dinner at Chuck-E-Cheese with her good friend Aleigha!
Heidi was surprised and had so much fun playing with Aleigha and opening her presents. I can't believe she is already five. She is turning into such a smart, helpful and fun little girl.
Thanks Marci and Mark for bringing Aleigha along to play. Heidi can't wait to see her again!

Our New Dog

We are now dog owners. I don't know what finally made me ready for a dog. I guess it all started out with going down to the shelter.
If you don't want a dog don't go looking for one. My friend Rachel started talking about wanting a dog. So one day last week we decided to load her son and my kids into the car and go look at the shelters.
I really had no intentions of finding one to take home. Long story short I found him and went back later the same night with Kevin and adopted him. We had to wait until the next day to pick him up because he had to be fixed.
That is why he is wearing the cone around his neck. Kevin really wanted a bigger dog, but the kids have been really afraid of big dogs. They have turned out to love Rico.
He is a 7 lb. Chihuahua mix. He is very lovey and wants nothing more to sit on my lap all day. He has decided that Heidi or Kevin will do as well.
He isn't so sure of Ryan, but that could be because Ryan has a tendency to shoot him or push toys in his face. Rico loves to snuggle down under the covers with Heidi at night. Kevin and I don't allow him to sleep in our bed, but he loves to sleep with the kids.
So everybody meet Rico!