85th Birthday Bash!

Right after we got back from California (and almost had the kids back on schedule), we flew to Scottsdale for the weekend for Ben's Grandad's 85th birthday party.  It was a lot of fun and we were so glad we were able to go and celebrate his life! He is the healthiest 85 year old I know!

Sunday was the party. Here is a little brochure I put together for the party. Grandad is a great man with  many amazing achievements. 

There was a photo booth, and a game truck there. It was a lot of fun!  And close to 50 people came to celebrate with us!  Here are some fun shots from the photo booth:

Grandad had a photographer come and take some family pictures since we were all together:

It's always fun in Arizona! 

Five

Here they are at 5 months old.  Alex is spittin' image of Ben (minus the blonde hair and blue eyes) and Claire looks a little more like me (or my side of the family):

You decide:

Pulling all her toys in her new sled:

This girl is so pretty. 

This month we said goodbye to our pretty kitty, Minnie.  We loved her and had fun with her the last two years but my sister Anna took her to Chicago for a more permanent home. 

My little Valentine.  I love this boy.  He is such a great baby. We are so lucky. 

We love our little family! 

Californ.i.a.

The end of January, we took a little trip to California to see Jon and Jaclyn, hang out with family, and drive up to San Fran to see our family and friends there.  It was a great trip!  We couldn't get over the weather! It was about 75 in Newport, AMAZING!   We went running a couple of times, walked on the beach, swam, and just relaxed! 

We took advantage of the pools.  Claire is our little fish!

The swim diapers were a little big:) 

And Alex enjoyed it, too!

We shot some family pictures since we were all (almost) together:

We celebrated Ben's birthday and Lisa graduating by going to Medieval Times. It was a fun show! 

We also got our birthday presents from Lisa, SO comfy! 

I only have this one picture from our time in San Fran. We stayed with my Uncle Alan and Aunt Christy (LOVE THEM) and saw a few of our good buddies, The Thomas clan. We only stayed 2 days because we had to get back, wish we could have stayed longer! We love that place. 

 Claire played with her friends Wyatt and his sister Mo. They were so cute! 

Here are Claire and Wyatt when we lived there:

  

(our hour-long stop at McDonald's in Winnemucca)

The drive home was loooong, but both kids did great.  Thanks, everyone, for a great trip!