Christmas 2011

I can't believe Christmas has come and gone! The holidays flew by this year mostly because we managed to cram major life changes into a months time. We first had a baby, enjoyed Thanskgiving, moved into a new house, and celebrated Christmas. Woah, I'm exhausted! Sleep isn't really coming that easy for our little boy, and little Leila isn't calming down during the daylight hours. I am convinced busy is just a way of life now. Someday I will figure out how to leave the house with 2 kids!

We celebrated an early Christmas in Hemet visiting my mom, and sister, brother in law and kids for a ugly sweater/tie party. We had a great time, yummy dinner, and we enjoyed watching the kids open gifts. My mom then made a visit just before Christmas. I wasn't ready for her to leave. I loved having the extra hands with the kids, laundry, cleaning and dinner. Luke loved having the extra arms to fall asleep in as he loves being held. We stayed home for Christmas this year and hosted an early dinner at our new house with Adam's brother's family, and parents. It was such a great day of eating great food, opening gifts, and playing games. I love this time of year with all the family festivies.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! I can't believe 2012 is around the corner. Happy New Year!

Thankful Thanksgivng 2011

This year Thanksgiving took on a new meaning as our due date fell on Turkey Day. Luke was born on the 22nd, and every 4 years he will celebrate his birthday on Thanksgivng, starting next year. So much to be thankful for! It is such a great time to get together with family as well. This year we were discharged from the hospital the day before, and celebrated Thanksgiving at Adam's parents house, with his sister & brother-in-laws family, and my mom.

My mom was here for a week helping with Leila, Luke, laundry, and cleaning. I was sad to see her leave, but happy she was able to spend the week with us. Happy Thanksgiving, love from our turkey's!

It's a BOY!

We are so excited to introduce Luke Michael Pakes born November 22nd at 1:55pm. He is the sweetest, most mellow little boy. We can only hope he stays this way. Leila is adjusting well and loves to give her little brother kisses and hugs.

We had so many wonderful visitors at the hospital including big Sister Leila as well as my Mom (Gram-Mimi), Adam's Parents (Papou and Yai Yai), Auntie Alison, Auntie Angie & Uncle Pete, and Uncle Jon & Aunt Kristin.

We had a short stay at the hospital. It was so nice to get home and start our own routine as now a family of four!

Trick or Treating

Every Halloween we trick or treat down on Main Street here in Havasu. The town closes down the street and businesses set up booths to hand out candy. It's safe and fun, but does get a little crowded. We went down early and Leila had a great time. She walked the whole time holding onto our hands and was in awe of the lights, music, and costumes. My niece Alyssa painted my pregnant belly like a Pumpkin. It turned out really cute, and got a lot of people commenting about how cute it was while downtown. It was the new baby's 1st costume! Happy Halloween!

First Pumpkin Carving

Yesterday we carved our first pumpkin with Leila. Last year she was too young and it was enough to get her into her costume and smile for Halloween. She helped Daddy but didn't like to touch the gooey insides of the pumpkin. According to her it was "Gross and sick," but this morning she woke up asking about her "Punkin." I love making new memories with our munchkin.

Our little Pumpkin

The finished product! We had so much fun!