2011's Top Ten!

We didn't get a family photo taken this year (believe me, we tried, but after making 3 attempts we decided to give up and try again next year).  We  didn't get a Christmas letter written either, so here's a look back at the year through the "eyes" of our blog:

In February, we took  a family vacation up to Pinetop, AZ   and the kids skiing for the first time.  Emma and Bennett especially loved it!

In February I got to take my first sisters' weekend EVER -- well, since being married.  It was a definite highlight!

In May the kids all finished up another school year (and preschool for Sarah).  They all are wonderful students and continue to learn and grow.

Emma has discovered VOLLEYBALL - she loves it and was even able to attend the summer volleyball camp at the University of Arizona.

Bennett discovered KARATE this year - he loves it and has worked up to green belt.  In  two more days he gets to try his hand at board breaking!

Briant and Sarah took swim lessons all summer - they did a great job!

In July, we welcomed back Nana and D from their 3 year mission to Little Rock, Arkansas -- we're so thankful for their service and example to our family!

We were able to travel to Utah this summer for a DREWES family reunion -- lots of fun with cousins and aunts and uncles.  We're so thankful to know that families are forever!

Next month Dave will complete his 2nd year as bishop.  He is amazing -- he continues to juggle SO many responsibilities and still be a great father and husband!

We all agree that the biggest highlight of 2011 was the birth of Chloe in October!  She is a sweet, fun baby and we all adore her!  She has been a real blessing to our family already!                          

Another Day to Celebrate!

 
S turned 5 last week!  She loved having Grandma and Aunt Suzanne her to help her celebrate her big day.  Five has become a magical age for her, and she is suddenly very grown up -- and old enough to do new things like brush her teeth without standing on her stool, reach things high in her closet by herself, and (some days) she feels a new power to do things without even being asked!

I love this little monkey!  Here are FIVE things I just adore about her (in no particular order):

1.  I love her energy!  She is almost always the first person awake -- she goes and goes all day without a nap.  Oh that I could siphon just a bit of that energy!
2.  I love to watch her dance!  She can't seem to help herself when she hears music she's just got to boogie -- and she's actually quite good!
3.  I love to watch Miss S as a big sister -- every day she says to me, "thank you for letting us have a baby sister."
4.  S is a determined little girl.  She has been in speech therapy since age 2 1/2 and has come such a long way!  She has worked so hard!!
5.  She is very curious -- sometimes it leads to things being broken as she takes them apart to investigate them -- but mostly it's fun to watch her mind work! Lately, she has become very interested in putting letters together and reading them.

Special Day

 Yesterday was C's Blessing Day.  Here in AZ baby blessings tend to be big family affairs due to lots of extended family in the area.  Since our family is spread out all over the country I thought I'd post these pics so you can be here "virtually."  We loved having my parents here, and feel so grateful for our sweet baby.

Feeling Loved

Today is C's 4 week "birthday" and tonight I will be making dinner for the first time since her birth -- actually since before her birth since my mom insisted I stay out of the kitchen as soon as she and my dad got into town.  My parents were SO wonderful and helpful while they were here for 2 1/2 weeks, and I have to admit I felt overwhelmed as they pulled out of town.  Then to my surprise, we started receiving nightly dinners.  I have felt so loved by the outpouring of friends (and meals) that have made their way to our door this month!  I'm blogging this to say thank you and also as a reminder to myself of the lesson I have learned this month.  That is, to be more aware of others and to remember that even what I might consider a simple dinner could be so appreciated by someone in need.  We have been given elaborate meals (note the baby cookies), and also what friends have called "simple" meals, but honestly we have loved every one!  Thank you, thank you to everyone -- and especially to my dear friend Tina who took it upon herself to arrange it all!

Growing . . .

C seems to be getting SO big - 3 1/2 weeks has flow by!  The first time we gave her tummy time at 3 weeks she rolled herself back over onto her back TWICE!  But, it was a fluke and she hasn't been able to do it again - thankfully:)  We sure love her!!

Happy Halloween

She's Here!!

Miss Chloe has arrived!  We are so thrilled to have her here healthy and beautiful!  Getting her here (the labor) was surprisingly long and hard for being our 5th, but she's so worth it!