Lil Ariza Monster

So after having Elijah for 16 months and 1 day I am finally understanding the importance of him having a sibling. He has had such an amazing time being around Kali and Will. It made me (and him) so sad when they had to head back to Denver. While they were playing together Daniel turns to me and says, “I totally get now why siblings are so important.” It is one thing to have them but it is another to see your son interacting with his family members. I’m not saying we are going to be rushing to have another, it just really makes us think. I know now that I definitely don’t want Elijah to grow up an only child.

In other news, I’ve been in contact with Pam Anderson (heehee, not that one) to register Elijah for Northland Co-Op. CRAZY!! I can’t believe I’m already getting him into a “preschool” program. Time is flying by. My boy is growing up so fast. He won’t start till after he turns 2 but you have to get them register cause they have limited spaces. Northland Co-Op is such a great program and we have so many friends that have their kids involved there. When I get back I’m going to go in and take a tour and talk more with Pam about their program. I’m excited for him to start it.

-Kaci

We finally made it to Breckenridge!

We took off for Denver, Colorado at 11:15 a.m. Elijah once again did amazing on the flight. Slept for the 1st hour and a half in my arms and then played and watched Yo Gabbagabba for the other 2 and half.

My dad came and picked us up and we headed to Kyle and Wendy’s place in Arvada where we were warmly and enthusiastically greeted by Kali and Will. They were so excited to get to see their cousin Elijah. We stayed at Kyle and Wendy’s for the night. E loved every second of playing with Kali and Will. It is so cool to see him getting to play with his cousins.

The next morning we headed for my parent’s house in Breckenridge. We settled in and Daniel and my dad hit the slopes. I know Daniel was jonesing for some snowboarding. This year he has the pass so he can go anytime he wants to.

Tuesday, my Dad, Daniel and I went snowboarding. It was awesome how easy it was. I was super nervous about snowboarding this year since I didn’t get to go much last year. It was like I had never stopped. In the afternoon we headed out with my mom. Great first day boarding and I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks. He deserves every second of this vacation.

Wednesday E, mom and I headed out to let E play with the snow. We also went for a sled right on good old lightening guider. He loved it. Can’t wait to take him to the real sledding hill.

Kyle and Wendy came up to the mountain house Thursday. We went out to dinner to one of our favorite local joints called Rasta Pasta. We were pretty much the only family there (since we got there at 5 p.m.) so E, Will and Kali got to run around the restaurant while us adults enjoyed our food. Pretty much the only restaurant I know that encourages noise

Today Kyle, Wendy, Daniel and my dad headed to Keystone.

That’s the update for now. We are enjoying our time here. So happy we’ve got another whole week.

-Kaci

We are getting ready for our annual Colorado snowboarding trip. Only 9 more days to go. I can NOT wait.

Daniel has been extremely busy with work, pulled a 52 hour shift with no sleep. Saying he needs a vacation is putting it lightly. I am so proud of him for doing what it takes to get the job done inspite of the many obstacles that have been put in his way. I can see God molding and shaping his work/business into what he wants it to be. I’m excited for this next year.

Elijah was just 4 month old when we went to Colorado last year. I really feel like that trip was a turning point in him. From then on he was so happy and he has never looked back. I’m excited to see him interacting with his cousins Kali and Will now that they are all older.

I’m taking a break from facebook for Lent but will keep updating the blog and flickr during our trip.

Here’s a picture of us sledding in downtown Breckenridge. He is going to LOVE sledding this year.

Our boy is 15 months old today. Amazing how fast time flies.

Sportin' the Peterson ski school gear *originally worn by a 15 month old Kaci

It is amazing what a full night of sleep will do for ones spirit. The combo of Elijah sleeping through the night and our new mattress, I feel renewed, refreshed.

If I ever have a sweet baby girl I would love to do something like this. All furniture and most items are thrift store finds. I just love the pretty, whimsical look to this room. Girly but not over the top, and so much character. Pictures from www.ohdeedoh.com

After 14 month of health it finally happen, Elijah got his first cold. He has been a trooper. Still running around playing like crazy but now with lots of heavy mouth breathing. Poor kid can’t breath through his nose. The first night he was sick he was up every hour. We were both exhausted the next day. Now he is sleeping through the night. Unfortunately I got the bug from him. He handled the cold way better than I am. Praying I get better before I start back teaching Wednesday night.

I promise I’ll be back later with a more interesting blog.

The Holidays have come and gone and we had an amazing one. We enjoyed lots of time with family and friends.
Last year Elijah was only 2 months so it really feels like this year was his first Christmas. He loved the entire Christmas day, which is the polar opposite of last year. I thought for sure all he would want to do was play with the wrapping paper and boxes, I was wrong. He loved all his new toys. His favorite being an elmo cell phone from Baba and Papa. Although sometimes he gets kind of frustrated with it. All it ever says (sings) to him is “Lalalala Elmo’s World.” You’d get kind of pissed too if your friends response to you was some lame song.

We got to spend New Year’s Eve at the Lawley’s house for a cocktail party. Baba and Papa graciously babysat Elijah. The night was filled with sipping prosecco, lighting sparklers, eating Kristy’s delicious desserts, dancing to PYT and counting down to the New Year. We were surround by the people that have given us so much support this past year. Thank you Jeremy and Jenn Kennedy, Anna and Gary Ware, Kristy and Rob Lawley (and Christina and Ryan Drake, who were unfortunantely not able to make it) for all you have done for us. We can’t thank you enough. I am looking forward to our small group starting up again!

We are so excited for 2010. (Is it two thousand and ten or twenty ten?) Daniel’s freelance busy is flourishing. Jeremy Pinnix and him are getting to work with some awesome people on some pretty amazing project. This year is going to be a great one and I’m so excited to see where God takes them.

I’m loving my time with Elijah. He is pretty awesome. Coolest kid I know. The past year has been a blessing to be able to see him grow into a beautiful 14 (almost 15) month old. God has truly blessed me with an amazing husband and son. I know that this next year is going to be even more exciting.

Happenings of 2009:
• Snowboarding in Colorado
• Daniel turned 30
• Daniel and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary
• Elijah learned to crawl
• Elijah learned to walk
• Got rid of our second dog
• Daniel’s business grew
• Kaci started teaching at Valencia Community College
• Birth of Bastian Soto
• Birth of Noah Berkeley Drake
• Birth of Luke Joel Hunter
• Elijah’s 1st Birthday
• Elijah says Mama and Dada
• Kennedy’s announced pregnancy
• Elijah’s 2nd Christmas (although I really feel like it was his 1st, he didn’t enjoy Christmas 2008)
• Painted our house