Alex's Prayer

We really struggle with Alex and prayer time. For about the last year or so, he fights praying on a regular basis. He is a stubborn kid, and once he gets an idea in his mind, it often sticks. So we have been working on this issue a long time. Tonight, after some gentle prodding, I encouraged Alex to say a prayer and to really think about the things that he is grateful for. Here's what made the list:
"Heavenly Father, I'm thankful for this day. Help me to have a good sleep. I'm thankful for my family. I'm thankful for my home. I'm thankful for my stuffed animals. I'm thankful for my brother the most. Amen." A parents dream come true. Thankful for his brother most? I LOVE IT.

my child

Mom to Will: Will, you smell so good! (as I'm hugging him- it's hard to believe but he has held on to some of that baby smell)
Will to mom: Mom, I am not a FOOD! You CAN NOT eat me! I'm not for breakfast!

Christmas Eve/Morning

Christmas Eve was spent with the Curtis Family at the Brenchley's. The traditional Nativity program. Don't mind Mary(cousin Kate) and a King (Will-guy) who are fighting over a toy in front of baby Jesus.

Happy boys on Christmas morning.

Guatemala 12/08

Oh, the fun that was had on our trip to Guatemala. We left Christmas Day at around noon- which is a tradition my family had for years as I was growing up. We always had a quick Christmas morning with gifts, etc. and then we packed up and headed to the airport. The boys were so excited to see Grandma, Grandpa and cousins. It was more exciting than Christmas! They had no problem leaving behind all of their toys. They knew that they would have more fun than they could imagine....and they did.

First day at IRTRA (sort of Guatemala's answer to Disneyland).

Alex having the time of his life on the "Caterpillar" with Grandma.

IRTRA'S Disneyland Castle- they use a a pyramid

At the resort with Grandma

We went to small branch on Sunday....the kids made fast friends with all of the Guatemalan children.

Zach and Will were great buddies on this trip.

Cousin line-up

One of many meals with all 21 of us at one table.

Life-sized chess was a highlight!

Ready to head to the water-park.

We helped over 500 Guatemalans be fitted for eye-glasses at the eye-clinic we put on one afternoon.

Cousin-races while waiting for the clinic to end.

We headed to a church camp about an hour a way from Guatemala City where we played with the orphans and had a picnic with them.

The Orphans
The look on his face sums up how we all felt about this trip- SO MUCH FUN, SO MUCH FAMILY, SO MUCH HAPPINESS. We loved it.

Alan and I were laughing about Will falling asleep on the old man next time him on the plane ride home. We were all exhausted.

Thanks Mom and Dad!! We love you!

SuperHeros

Check out these tough-guys. Who says boys don't like dress-ups?

oh the joy

...and complete excitement.

Before I forget

Will's prayer tonight:
"Heavenly Father, Thankful for this day. Thankful for my new primary teachers. Thankful for my Buzz Lightyear gun so I can shoot everyone and kill the lamanites. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

New Years Update

SO- Since I don't have time to catch up on what's been going on in our lives, I want to make 2 very important announcements instead:
1. The Cleanse begins again tomorrow. Anyone want to join in the fun? So far 11 people are joining me in the madness. I went to 4 grocery stores today in search of healthy food. Let the fun begin.
2. Registration for the The Camp Pendleton MudRun is open! If you want in, you must register ASAP. It always fills up within 2 weeks. Just FYI, this is one of our favorite traditions, we LOVE the mudrun. It is a great way to stay motivated to hit the gym. If you think you can't do it, you are wrong. If I can do it, anyone can. Join us!