Lil Ariza Monster

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

We are so excited to be able to say that come June Elijah will have a new friend. Our super great friends Jen and Jeremy are having a baby. Our small group had a Thanksmas dinner at the Kennedy’s house last Thursday. We ate wonderful food provided by all and then we started the White Elephant game. Elijah went to pick the first gift, we opened it and it was a picture of an ultrasound and it said “Coming June 2010.” Daniel proceeds to say, “Someones’ having a baby!” We all look around at each couple. I looked at Jen and said, “Is it you?” Jeremy said, “Maybe.” We all started to scream and I may have beat up the couch. The crazy thing before we left for the party I said to Daniel something about what if the Kennedys announce that they are pregnant. I have no clue why I even said that, guess it was just a feeling. Anna says I think someone is pregnant at every big event

We are so excited for them and are so happy to be a part of this new chapter in their lives.

Small Group Thanksmas 09. Jen, Jeremy & Baby Kakes in the middle

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends. Lauren and Josh came for a short visit. It was wonderful to spend time with them and for them to get to know Elijah a little more. We miss them already.

Mom (Baba) made me a Thanksgiving day apron.

Ariza men

My beautiful boy

Papa craving the turkey

So thankful for this man

Josh and Lauren

Ariza brothers

flying

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