A date with Sammy

Since we already had plans to take our girls to the MOTAB Christmas Concert we decided to venture out to see the lights on Temple Square with just the boys of the family. Everything sparkled in the cold night air and it was truly beautiful. While there, we saw a sign for the musical, Savior of the World being performed that very night and jumped on the chance to take the boys to see it. We purchased the tickets and later realized it was only for guests 8 and older which meant Samuel was out of the loop. I didn't want Matthew and Joseph to miss out on the show and offered to hang out with little man and make a date of the evening.

It was so fun to walk hand and in hand with my youngest son and soak in the magic of Temple Square this time of year. We watched the nativity presentation, listened to carolers in the Visitors Center and talked about the larger than life paintings that draped the walls of the building, but it was the Christus statue he loved the best. He kept asking me to take a picture of him with "The Second Coming" and so I did. How I love that little man of mine!

Life on a Sleigh Ride

So much to say and so little time to say it! We have been busy making/enjoying ridiculous amounts of music. I'll have to post more when things slow down around here. For now, enjoy a little duet performed Sunday night by Analisa and her friend Alex.

Winter Formal

Analisa asked her long time tennis friend to the latest dance. The asking looked like this:

A few weeks later this was the response:

In case you can't read the blurry snowflake it say's, "Even though I was a Flake for not answering sooner...Not even a blizzard could stop me from going with you!" The blizzard contained her favorite, an Oreo shake with the words YES written on the spoon. Cute, huh?

They went ice skating downtown before hitting it up on the tennis court.

They went home and cleaned up looking like this:

Thanksgiving Oklahoma style

After our three day excursion to Disney, the girls and I hopped on a plane and headed to my sister Marisa' s place for a Zarate Thanksgiving Reunion.

My Dad, aka Papi, decided it was high time to gather his girls and as much of his posterity as could make it, to a central meeting place to celebrate the bounties the good Lord has given us as we enjoyed each others company.

And that we did! There were 32 of us in all. Air mattresses were stacked high in corners of bed rooms while cute little dark haired children ran a muck of the place. My talented Momma took over the kitchen and worked hours preparing meal after meal of scrumptious food that left us wanting MORE!

Amidst the chaos there was ...

music

feasting

drama

fashion

bonding and laughter

pride

cuteness

craziness

and LOVE! I miss my little tribe. Can't wait to see them all again soon!

Girl Time

Christmas came early for me this year! Remember the trip to Disney we won off the radio. Well, we cashed in our frequent flier miles and and headed out West.

There is no way we could have spent a week away without the incredible support of Handsome Hubby/Super Dad. Love you babe!!

Our flight was a little turbulent at the get go. I looked over at the girls and saw them holding hands, taking care of each other and my heart melted just a little.

Spending three days in close proximity with these girls, memorizing every freckle and eyelash on each others faces while waiting in lines was priceless. We reminisced about the crazy boys we live with and their silly antics, made friends with strangers and made some pretty crazy memories of our own along the way.

The little white dog Sarah brought along on EVERY ride is affectionately named "Blakey". Who would think the girl who turns 18 in a month and a half would be carrying around a stuffed animal?! But she did, and we love her for it!

I'm a BIG chicken when it comes to big dip rides. But I rode them and I was proud of myself. Can't you see me? Crouched down, hiding there behind Sarah.

Dumbo was more my speed:)

We got to hang with one of our favorite galaxy defenders, Buzz Lightyear.

Along with some of are favorite princesses who, unlike the movies they star in, were fully dressed this time. They spoke with us about the lands they came from and took a genuine interest in my own little princesses. It was a delightful time.

We got serenaded by some way cool jazz singers one chilly evening. Jazz hands!

We had an Absolutely, Awesome time. A treasured time I'll hold close for years to come.

because I love her smile

I thought I'd post just a few more tennis pics.

...warms my heart every time.