Easter Threads

A few things I love about Ethan:
He is such a hard worker. He is the most dedicated player on his teams. He loves his sisters. He's extremely independent. He loves to learn new things. He's a great listener. He's absolutely a lady killer (but doesn't have any clue yet).

A few a things we love about Licity:

She is super lovable. She gives the best hugs. She tells hilarious stories. She loves to be equally loving to everyone. She loves school. She's an adorable dancer. She loves to make-believe. She's friends with everyone. She has the most beautiful eyelashes.

A few things we love about Maci:

She is absolutely full of life. She is always smiling. She is super smart. She talks- A LOT. She counts to 20 and spells her name. She takes care of her big sister. She has the most beautiful eyes. She is completely in love with her mommy (and her daddy).

*I took these pictures myself and obviously still need a little work with the lighting :)

Hmm... where to start

It seems like such a long time since I've posted, but really I can't think of anything too fun that has happened. I did miss a post on my trip back to St. Louis for my Grandma Rees' funeral. I wanted to write about it, but when I started, I decided I needed a good picture of my grandma to go with it and so I started digging through my old photos and not finding what I was looking for, I got side tracked, and well, obviously nothing ever came of it... so I'll start again.

I hadn't been together with all nine of my siblings (without our families) since before I can remember. And even better, my parents were able to join us with a short leave from their mission in Romania. So just like the good old days, we rented ourselves a van and piled in together (well two vans). We shared a combination of 4 rooms and had some good ol' Rees family bonding. Being the youngest of the nine, I realized how little I remember about growing up with a full house. Some of the stories were absolutely priceless (and confidential). Knowing that it will most likely be a long time before making it back, it was a great farewell to my hometown.

Maci with her Grandpa Rees and cousin Bradley- she was the lucky one who got to tag along on the trip. I couldn't have asked for a better traveling buddy. She was SOOO good and adorable. By the end of the trip I found myself getting a little annoyed at how many people had to stop us to comment on how cute or sweet or well behaved she was. Not much of a complaint, huh?

Back Row: Rich, Mike, Kim, Les

Front Row: Suz, Amy, Sarah, Rebecca, Me

Maci with Grandma Rees and cousin Colton

In other news, Ethan has started his first season at baseball. I can't say that he's loving it, because he keeps talking about playing basketball and football but I do think it's safe to say that he loves sports in general and this one is doing the job for now. Plus it's the first sport where it's actually okay to slide- and that he likes a lot!

Ethan and his best buddy Caden (who came to watch his first game).

I have some more fun pictures from Easter, but I'm calling it a day for now. Stay tuned!

New Year's Day Arizona Style

The weather has been so beautiful here! I love when it is just cool enough for a light jacket, but then warms up enough to take it off in the afternoon. Anyway, New Year's day was like that, so we took advantage and drove out to Scottsdale to this beautiful bike trail. The girls rode in the bike carrier, but Ethan kept up on his own bike. He did awesome- not that I'm surprised, but it still impresses me. This was a perfect way to get 2009 started!
This is Maci saying "Cheeee-se!"FYI: Ethan got a haircut after I saw this picture, he has the best cowlick in the front of his head, but with added bed-head it makes for some really bad hair days. Good thing he's so darn handsome anyways.

Christmas at the McEuen's

We Started with the
Christmas Program for preschool...

Then we were ready for our very own McEuen program on
Christmas Eve at Aunt Nikki's...

After that, we went to Aunt Leslie's for a wonderful Christmas Dinner and Gift Exchange but didn't get any pictures. (Darn it.)

Finally,Christmas Morning...Ethan got Bakugan, a Nerf (mega) gun and new video games. Licity got the Diamond Castle Barbie, Carriage and Castle.Maci got a phone a purse and a Barbie car with a new barbie.

Kyle and I got a promise for extra chores from Ethan and lots of hugs and kisses from the girls. After dumping all the candy from the stocking, Licity found the apple at the bottom... she's the best eater!

These KettCars we got as a hand-me-down from Kyle's boss... just in time to stick a bow on them and take all the credit! The kids LOVE them!

And then, Christmas Dinner at "G" and "Pop's" house...

It was certainly a Magical Christmas at our house this year! Ethan's expressions were just what we were hoping for. We may have spoiled the kids a little too much and set the expectations a little too high for next year, but this year was perfect!

Christmas is a time for...

A visit to Santa...An attempt at a family picture...Getting a nap wherever you can...And not sending out this year's Christmas Cards...

(Maybe next year.) MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Love, The McEuen's

Mmm...Pie!

It just wouldn't be a great Thanksgiving without pie for breakfast the next day.

So yes, it was a wonderful Thanksgiving. We spent the day with Kyle's parents and the kids were spoiled. Ethan started with going shooting with his daddy and "Pop" in the desert. We squeezed in a super yummy Thanksgiving feast prepared almost entirely by my very talented mother-in-law and also included a Lucky Charm appetizer for the kids. Then it was back to the desert for more shooting (but this time Lisie joined the boys, pig-tails and all).

The next day was spent at this awesome park that the cousins met up at. They had these great bike "ramps" that even Kyle and I had a blast on!

We went back for more the next day (and I'm sure it won't be the last time).