Jasen's Graduation

My "baby" brother is going to be in high school! I can't believe the same little guy who I had to help wipe his butt (I had to write the most embarrassing thing I could think of) just graduated Jr. High! It has been fun to see him grow up and go to the same schools. I am so proud of him and the young man he is. He has become involved in his youth group and is serious about his relationship with God. My mom told me that she found out he was taking his Bible to school to read during silent reading so that someone might ask him questions about it! I can't wait to see how he continues to mature through high school!

At his graduation, I was a little concerned that the 5 of us attending wouldn't make enough noise for him. I was surprised to hear SO MANY girls scream for him. Hum...Poor guy didn't see it coming. Jesse and Jose surprised him by covering him in silly string!



He should have learned! He was shocked when they did it on his way out!


Aubriella loves her Uncle Jasen and wore the bib to prove it!
I've got to add that Jasen (like his big brother Jesse) was voted best eyes in the yearbook.

Hawaii!

Our biggest recent highlight was our trip to Hawaii! Jose's friend Kirk and Melanie got married on the Big Island and we were blessed to be able to attend!

If I had a sliver of worry that Aubriella wouldn't travel well, I shouldn't have! She did amazing! The flights were great and we constantly were told how beautiful, smiley, happy, and well behaved she was! She was quite the little show off too!

I got to admit I was kind of disappointed with my first impression of Hawaii. The Kona side of the Island reminded me of San Diego and mars (because of the lava rock) and was not the tropical jungle I'd envisioned. It felt a little silly to pay so much and travel so far to see the beach that wasn't all that different from what we have here. However, soon the sea turtles and coconuts won me over!

Jose was able to spend his first Father's Day in Hawaii and I know it will be a memory that lasts a lifetime! We hiked out to Kiholo Bay that Sunday, and Aubriella had a blast too!

Of course the highlight of the trip was the Davis' wedding. I LOVE all things weddings, and let me tell you this was by far the most impressive wedding I've ever seen! From the great welcome dinner/lawn party to the day after farewell brunch- no detail was overlooked!

I could post a million more pictures of our trip, but my facebook album pretty much sums it up already. Click HERE to see them!

Where to begin?!?

It has been over a month since I last posted! I have thought about sitting down to update many times, but the truth is it has seemed a little overwhelming! So many things have happened in the past month and so many pictures have been taken I haven't known where to start!

Life has been good. I love being a mom and I'm enjoying my position as Children's Pastor! Aubriella and I are getting more into a groove and she has improved in her napping schedule. The hardest thing for me is prioritizing what needs to be done while she naps! I have to find time to have a daily devotional/quiet time, work on Children's ministry things, clean, eat, and get ready...We look forward to when Daddy gets home so he can play with and entertain her and I can get a few more things done uninterrupted!

So here we go, my plan is to post at least a few updates soon- lets see how far I get!

Twinkle Toes

Could this really be the same ballerina?

At 7 weeks she tried on her little tutu onesie from my mom

And look at her in the same shirt at 17 weeks!

This is her "I-may-look-cute-but-I'm-tough-enough-to-punch-your-lights-out" look

I know it is only wishful thinking that she could be ballerina with the anti-dancing genes she inherited. I'm hoping though that if I start her young enough nurture will over ride nature!

Baby Jesse Joaquin

Jose's family has been busting at the seams with new babies! He and all his cousins announced pregnancies back to back. To recap... In August baby Adam was born, November Gulianna, January Aubriella, and now May brought Gizelle and Jesse's baby Little Jesse! (Don't worry there are more coming! In August Derek and Lindsey will have a girl, and September Maria and Tavo are having a boy!).

We were able to meet little Jesse at the hospital! He is so cute and we love him already! I've already offered to watch him while his parents go to Vegas in November- I hope they will take me up on it!!

Jose, Gigi and the very proud Great Grandparents with their two youngest.

Roly Poly

Aubriella is a littly roly poly! She has learned to roll from her stomach to her back and it is so fun to watch! She used to HATE tummy time, but now that she is getting stronger she is starting to enjoy it.

I love these big eyes!

Getting Ready to push herself over

Happy to have made it on her back!

She hasn't learned to roll from her back to her tummy, but she loves to tip over. This progression of pics cracks me up!

"Look at me grab my feet!" "Losing my balance!"

"Oops I tipped!"

First Hair-do

I'm laughing to myself that I am writing another blog on Aubriella's hair! I had to post these pictures of my attempt to put her hair in pony's. She was patient for a couple of minutes sitting in her bumbo but got tired after my fifth attempt! I better learn quickly how to get good at doing hair!

"I don't know about this mom."

"Ok. I like it!"

This was just for fun. She didn't leave the house like this!