The Final Gift Exchange

Eric and Vanina spent Christmas in Utah with his family, so when they returned the day after Christmas we had another gift exchange for the kids and a white elephant exchange between the adults.

Ahrian still wasn't feeling quite himself so he still continued to cuddle with anyone who would hold him. Ayla was again the gift giver and wantd to help everyone open their presents.

One thing that we definately know how to do is get together as a family, eat food and have a good time!

A Groggy Christmas Day

Christmas Day was a very sleepy and groggy day for everybody.  When kids are involved sleeping in doesn't happen (at least with our kids).

Ayla changed her outfit at least 10 times that day.  I think she was quite excited and overwhelmed with all the new clothes she got.

 Aunt Ray Ray (Rachel) sent both kids super capes. Ahrian's has the Batman symbol on the otherside and Ayla's has a princess crown.

 Grandpa spent some time on the floor with Ahrian playing with the building blocks that Grandpa and Grandma gave him.

Other than playing many games of Sequence and the kids enjoying all their gifts it was a very relax kind of day. The days of being able to handle staying up that late are long gone.



Rosas/Anderson Christmas Eve

We had a very full house for Christmas.  Those who were here for the Christmas Eve party were both sets of Grandparents, McKelle, Gerson, Heidi, Greyson, Elton, Jeannie and Heidi's parents.  We did the Rosas family's tradition of eating a late dinner Christmas Eve, which consisted of Milaneses, Enchiladas de Mole, Sangria and all the typical condiments.
After we had dinner we played several games, such as Sequence, which is a family favorite.
Poor Ahrian had a high fever from teething and swollen lymph nodes.  He was quite miserable the entire night but many enjoyed cuddling with the sick boy.
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Another Rosas tradition is opening presents at midnight.  I did put Ahrian down for a nap shortly after dinner since I knew he wasn't going to make it to the gift exchange otherwise. 
Ayla was the center of attention (as always) by handing each individual their present and even helping them unwrap it.
There was so many presents that it took quite some time to get through them all.  By the time everyone was getting ready to go to bed it was 2:30 am. I have no idea how the kids managed to stay awake so late!

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And Let the Christmas Begin...



We were blessed to get to spend the Christmas season with both sides of the family (minus Kathryn, Rachel, Brandon and their families).

We spent Sunday evening at Justin and Celeste's for dinner and gift exchanges.  Ayla and Ahrian were spoiled, as always!  I love that despite both Milton and I being from Utah we do get to spend most Holidays with family.

Monte Vista Christmas Party

Once again the Spanish Ward did not disappoint with the Christmas celebrations and food.  I think Ayla is happiest when with her Yeya (Abuela/Grandma) and Ahrian with his Abuelo/Grandpa.  They both have very strong attachments (probably because they let them have whatever they want, especially their attention).

Ayla wasn't in the Primary yet but she had no problem inviting herself to join them during their Christmas presentation. I am so grateful that she is so outgoing and willing to have no fear in most situations.  I was quite shy growing up and would never have had the courage to be the center of attention.

She also danced her little heart out with her Papa and anyone else that would be her partner. However, she has no problem dancing solo either.  I think we have a future performer and leader on our hands! 

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Ayla's Final Performance

Ayla had her last performance of the year for the Boy's & Girl's Club Christmas party.  Her abuelos, grandparents, Justin & Celeste and McKelle were able to see her dance.  Unfortunately, it was the shortest and hardest one to see.  Later we all went out to have some ice cream.

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Princesses for Our Princess

 

 

We decided to spend our Anniversary celebration by taking our little princess to Disney on Ice.  A couple months prior Ayla had seen a billboard advertising the Disney on Ice and exclaimed how much she wanted to see it.  So, that's all it took...I ordered the tickets.

We invited Ayla's friend Jayden and his mom to come along.  I'm not sure how much he enjoyed it since it was all about Cinderella, Rapunzel and the Princess and the Frog. Tangled happened to be the last act which made Ayla very happy. 

I didn't even think to dress Ayla up like a princess (bad mom I know). Next time, this little girl will be decked out.  She will only be a little princess once!
Ahrian must have had too much princess stimulation.  He fell asleep in the car and didn't wake up once even with Ayla giving him lots of kisses, me changing his diaper and even putting him in his pjs.

 

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Holiday Fun - Redneck Style

 

We started off the Christmas spirit right by doing what city Rednecks do best...go to Bass Pro Shop. Justin and Celeste invited us to go and I'm glad we did. Actually, it was the best meet Santa I've ever been to.  Not to mention it was all free!!! Including the merry go round, snow man craft, games and window shopping.  Well, I managed to walk out without spending anything but of course Justin didn't get so lucky. That store was totally meant for him!

Ahrian didn't really appreciate the Santa experience too much.  He's usually pretty easy going but being put on that jolly man's lap wasn't too funny for him.

Afterwards we went to eat dinner at Del Taco.  Ahrian had a bit of a mishap while trying to climb through their highchair.  Luckily, his sister and cousins were able to pull him out of the mess he got himself into.

 

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Decorating the Christmas Tree

 It was really fun this year that Ayla was old enough to really decorate her own Christmas tree. Of course, she did get some help from her Aunt McKelle.

 This was very serious business!

Ahrian on the other hand...wasn't much help but at least he made up for it with his cuteness.

Little Man Goes to Nursery

 This handsome little boy is just growing up way too quickly! He is such a sweetheart that loves his Mama very much. It's great having a Papa's Girl and a Mama's Boy.  I think our family is very well balanced.

Ahrian is posing for his first day of nursery.  Ayla and Ahrian will be in the nursery together for one month until she graduates to the Primary.

 

A typical moment in our household. 

I can report that Ahrian did great at nursery.  Went in and played the entire time without a single tear!

Much Needed Family Pictures

Our family as of October 2012 down by the Platte River near Brighton. We are so blessed to have such amazing children. Kusko (who just keeps on living!) was even able to make the photo shoot.

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1st Rosas Family Christmas Card (EVER)

I know, I know...some may be wondering where the heck we've been lately...well, you will soon find out. But here's a little preview of what has changed (mainly the kids are growing up too fast).
I made our first Christmas card, I guess some things do take 6 years to get around to.

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Rosas Family Thanksgiving Dinner 2012





We have truly been blessed and are grateful for the family that we have! It's really starting to grow with the addition of Tyler and Greyson this last year. Our house was very full and unfortunately we weren't all able to eat in the same room anymore, but it was still the best Thanksgiving yet (just look at Milton reading a book)!

It has become a tradition to go against traditions when we have Thanksgiving with the Rosas'.  None of us are huge on the turkey or ham so we decided to go with Mexican food instead.

One tradition we have started is eating at a mexican buffet the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I don't know why it's so hard to come by mexican buffets...maybe that will be one of our business ventures in the future. 

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The Entire Rosas Family - More Much Needed Pics!

Other than for weddings the Rosas family has never had professional pictures (at least not during the time that Milton and I have been married).  We were finally able to manage to get everyone together, despite work schedules and all living in 3 different states.

 

 Eric, Vanina & Tyler

 Elton and his fiance Jeannie

 Gerson, Heidi & Greyson

 You can tell they truly love eachother.  I am so grateful that we had such good examples of marriage and working together for the eternity!

 Los Abuelos con sus Nietos

Monte Vista Thanksgiving Dinner

When we moved to Northglenn this past May we decided to start attending the Spanish Ward again. No ward can ever throw parties like the Spanish wards! The food and attendance just can't be beat.

Even though the Spanish ward can be difficult for me in particular (mainly just me communicating) the kids have blended right in.  Ayla actually wants to go to nursery!

Plus, she loves to dance and at every party there is always music and dancing.

 

 

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November 2012

Customize a free digital collage The middle of November we started watching cousin Greyson Mon-Fri.  Ayla was estatic and in heaven holding him.  I was a bit nervous because this was going to be the real test on what it's like to have 3 kids (we will see if we make it to our original plan of 4). It's been a challenge in the sense that I loved having my freedom of older kids and now we are back on a newborn schedule, but we do love the little guy. At least it was good timing right when winter is setting in and we aren't going out much anyway.  The real challenge will come next summer when Greyson is mobile and we are attempting all of our summer activities.  I will say that I'm not above getting leashes for these guys (especially Ahrian).   Tio Elton has been living with us since July and the kids have loved it.  We are surely going to miss him come February after he gets married and moves to Las Vegas.   I can't believe that Ayla's hair is nearly to her bum.  I remember dreaming as a little girl of having such gorgeous locks. Ayla was such a good actor when I tried to get her to re-enact the girl from The Ring.    

More Water Toys!

Another free digital invite by Smilebox One November afternoon I hear a lot of noise outside.  I look out to see that a semi had backed itself in front of our house and was unloading a huge crate.  I figured it was something of Elton's and didn't pay much mind.  However, I was informed that it was a water trampoline that Milton and Elton had ordered.  I knew Milton had really wanted one months ago but I thought that the idea had finally died. Well, here it is...our new water trampoline with launcher. What can I say, other than next summer is truly going to be a blast!!!

Halloween 2012

This picture collage customized with Smilebox Our Halloween celebrations started out on my birthday October 27th.  I had been planning on doing the Monster Dash 5k race for several months and was very disappointed when I woke up with the terrible cold that the kids had. Regardless, Milton spoiled me with a very nice Nikon Coolpix camera, which I had been hinting about for quite some time. We put it to use that very day while we cheered for Eric and Vanina who were able to do the 5k without me :(  Unfortunately, Ahrian was just as sick so he was in no mood for the celebrations.  I believe he actually had croup and made for several sleepless nights. Every time he would cough (or should I say bark) I would be all ears and terrified that if I didn't go check on him I would regret it. Despite feeling absolutely terrible it was a great birthday, even if I still can't believe that I'm 28!   That following Tuesday Ayla had her preschool Halloween party.  She was very excited to dress up again in her Baterina custome.   I took the Ayla and her friend Jayden (Elton's fiance's nephew) trick or treating around our neighborhood Halloween night.  I attempted to bring Ahrian in the wagon but he just wasn't having it and ended up crying the entire time we were away. Ayla got the hang of running from house to house without a problem.  Our neighbors were overly generous and we called it quits early because we had no more room in their buckets.   

October Fun

Personalize your own collage October was a rather relax month compared to what it had been for us over the past year. Ahrian and I was able to go on our last ride together before it got way too cold (barely 40 degrees was my threshold).  I was very sad to say goodbye to the rides until it gets warm again.   Ayla loves it when Grandma Anderson sends her gifts, as you can see from her estatic face.   It was also one of the last months that we were able to go on our daily walks/bike ride.  On this particular bike ride Ayla wasn't paying attention to where she was going and got completely clothes lined by the mailbox.  It took her off the bike and I'm so glad that she was wearing a helmet or I think the outcome would have been much more painful.   I am so grateful that Ayla and Ahrian get along so well.  You can just tell that they really do love eachother.  It's moments such as these that I realize everything Milton and I work so hard for is paying off.    

This free picture collage made with Smilebox  I really am amazed at the patience that Ahrian has with Ayla.  She is always doing things to him that most may not tolerate.  She took Kusko's leash and clipped it o his pjs and made him crawl around pretending to be a dog.  He went along with it until she started pulling too much on the leash.   Once again the weather is always unpredictable and we had an unusually warm day.  Outside we went to enjoy the weather and for me to practice using my new camera.