8 Is Great!

Ella's baptism day was so special.

She was beaming and extremely excited for her big day to come.

We prepared her with a visit from the missionaries teaching her 

the importance of getting baptized.

We also had a little baptism photo shoot.

Just us girls which was such a breeze since Ella

is the easiest person in the world to photograph.

My friend Mandy took these amazing photos

in her baptism dress from grandma Lola. 

(thanks grandma Lola :)

They are my favorite ever. 

Such a treasure.

She looks like a beautiful little garden fairy.

Dan did a great job baptizing and confirming her.

The programs and talks were wonderful.

It was a happy and emotional day for me.

Seriously though, are they not the cutest?!

It was so nice to have Grandma Lola, Grandpa Allen, 

Aunt Candice and Uncle Brian 

and all our friends who came out

 to celebrate Ella decision to be baptised.

We were all so proud of our Ella Bella Bean.

Ella was baptized December 6th

 I wanted the decor to look whimsical with a touch of Christmas in there.

 Lots of gold and white, with hints of pink and green

Gold foil dots and fresh flowers.

 The entry table at the church

Luncheon centerpieces

We had a luchone back at the house after the baptism. 

The weather was perfect to have all the tables 

set up in the gazebo and back yard. 

We had salads, sandwiches, chips, dips,
crackers, cheeses, lots of desserts,

and the cutest mini fruit tarts you ever did see.

 It was a wonderful day spent with family and friends celebrating Ella's special decision to be baptized. Ella was the cutest and sweetest little girl that whole day. She took being baptized right to heart and was just glowing and smiling ear to ear. I'm so lucky she is mine. She is a sweet happy girl who is eager to please and so willing to do the right thing and make others happy. She is such a good example to her whole family. We love her so much and hope that she will always remember how special this day was.

8 really is great!

Sunbeam and Nursery Here We Go!

 Big boy status for both boys!

Oliver started sunbeams

And Leo started Nursery

Both in nursery for over 

a month together before the New year.

Probably causing double trouble ;) 

Super cute and a little sad (sniff) 

to see them so grown up.

Do You Wanna Build A Snowman

Utah!

After Christmas, we decided to brave 

the cold and snow 

and visit Dan's family in Utah, 

from Christmas till New Years. 

The kids were super thrilled at the thought of playing in the snow. 

It's been 2 years since we have made it back as a family  

it was long over due visit with family and friends.

 Leo was loving the Vegas hotel on the road trip out 

and all the monkey jumping on the beds.

 This Cali girl had to jump out of the car when we finally made it to the snow!!

 1st things 1st,

 we had to finally meet the family's pet pig Olive,

we heard so much about!

Shes not so little anymore.

 And the fuzzy pet bunny.

The kids were loving the Jones zoo

 Leo was loving on Auntie Laura 

was snuggling up to her almost the whole time.

 Some of the Jones gang at Zupas

Love that sandwich/soup place.

Cali needs to get one already!

 Day of sledding.

These Cali kids got their snow fix

 Oliver was a huge fan

 Not sure Leo was...

 Snowball fights.

I need to brush up on my snowball 

fighting skillz and demand a rematch.

Some of the snow gang

 We skied in a blizzard.

I may be smiling. but I'm crying inside

 Such a great too short visit.

Love this Jones Crew!

 Met up with some of my most favorite ladies ever!

Miss them already.

We have been friends for over 22 years. 

Love them to the moon.

Utah your were good to us. 

till next time

Christmas 2014

We had Uncle Ethan and Izumi, Aunt Louisa, bobby and Zoey, all over for Christmas eve dinner. Exchanged cousin presents, and decorated cookies for Santa. We opened our Christmas jammies and new Christmas book, then curled up cozy on the couch to read together. Watched 'He is the Gift' as a family and read the bible story of Jesus birth.

So  nice to spend Christmas eve at home with family.

 My cute little Christmas elves 

all snuggled up in their Christmas pjammies.

 Right before bed, we set out the cookies and milk for Santa 

and spread reindeer food all over the front lawn

 to make extra sure Santa wouldn't get lost 

trying to find our house.

 Ella loves to leave a thank you note for Santa, 

who happily responds back.

 Santa came!!

 

And brought new beach cruiser bikes for the fam!

Family bike rides, here we come.

 Santa did good. 

Ive wanted a beach cruiser since moving to San Diego 7 years ago.

Shes a beaut and is so comfy to ride.

 

Ella getting use to her new beach cruiser 

with a little help from daddy.

 

Leo was super cute at opening his presents.

this year he actually liked his present more than the wrapping paper :)

 

Leo is such a music fan!

Anytime he hears a beat, he starts to sing and dance.

Santa brought him a little piano and he was so excited.

My little Linus from peanuts, with his mini piano 

and he favorite blankie by his side.

 

jamming out to his doggy guitar.

too cute!

 Oliver got all things super hero/power ranger

including his much anticipated, 

mega force power ranger gun

 Ella is still very obsessed with beanie boos 

and that's all she wants to get.

her collection has grown in leaps and bounds 

since she started to collect over 2 years ago. 

All she has asked for and earned for that time.

she has quite the collection to show for it!

 

 I don't think she has enough?!? 

How has this collection has grown this big?

At least she keeps them organized ;)

Very Merry Christmas indeed.

Sure love these Christmas cuties.