Jackson is 5!

Argh! Time flies! We had a Pirate Party for Captain Jackson's 5th birthday this past weekend. I can't believe he is growing up so fast. :(

Upon arriving, the kiddos were provided an eye patch and pirate hat (no, the kids did not wear them long at all)! Then, they were given a bag for the candy/snack buffet...

After we got them hyped up on sugar, they got their treasure box favors and headed outside to add to them with a treasure hunt!

We then had a piñata, followed by a pirate themed "pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey" game. Our Pirate (Scott Jones) gave prizes from his treasure chest for the games.

Next, we had cake and presents. Jackson had a good time. His favorite present was definitely his Nintendo 3DS (along with the games), his Nerf guns and the remote control truck! We can't keep him off of that DSI and the Nerf darts are all over the house!

A Year in Review

As we move forward into 2012, I thought I would recap 2011, to remember what a wonderful year it was! Lots of weddings this year = Lots of babies in 2012!

We spent the first 2 days of 2011 in Santa Fe, attending the Inaugural Ball for our Governor, Susana Martinez.

Also, in January, I became a Councilmember of our United Way's Young Leaders Society. It has been a life-changing experience so far!

Jackson turned 4 on January 29. We had a Toy Story party. My mom and Aunt Janet flew in for the occasion, and Buzz Lightyear as well!

In March, we headed to Vegas for the Mountain West Basketball Tournament.

Also in March, we had a BTLRJ weekend in Austin for Louisa's Bachelorette party, without the J (sniff sniff)...

And, Jackson started playing for the White Sox! T-Ball, that is.

On May 7th, Preston turned 2! We had a Phineas and Ferb party at the zoo. My mom and Janet flew in and helped me with everything, which was a huge relief because I was sick!

In May, YLS provided grants for homeless high school graduates in Albuquerque Public Schools - and, for the first time ever, Rio Rancho Public Schools!

Also in June, my childhood friend Louisa got married in Nashville! We had a blast at that wedding.

In July, we spent 8 days in Cabo San Lucas with my aunt and uncle - Janet & Troy, along with their friends Debbie & Roger.

On our 7th wedding anniversary (July 31), we began moving in to our new house!

A week later, I went with Janet, my mom and my mom's closest friends to Vegas.

In September, our friends Lacey & Derek got married in Austin. That same weekend, my mom married Steve. Labor Day Weekend = 2 weddings in ATX!

2 weeks later, we flew to Austin AGAIN for Jessica and Jason's wedding! September = 3 weddings in ATX!

In October, I turned 30! Yikes!

On November 14, we finally closed on our new house. Yes, we realize that we did that backwards.

We had a quiet Thanksgiving, spent with close friends.

In December, we went to Vegas for a belated 30th birthday celebration for me! 

Later that month, we had a wonderful Christmas. My mom and Meemo flew in from Austin.

We spent the last evening of 2011 with good friends and neighbors, and all of the kiddos!

Christmas Portraits!

I tried really hard to be proactive this year for Christmas cards and even made the boys an appointment for portraits in October. We finally got in in early November, and got our portraits back last week! Christmas cards will be in tomorrow and out in the mail by Wednesday. Even with me trying to be ahead of the game it still didn't quite work out as I'd hoped. Anyway, here are my favorites! Thanks Kim Jew!

Jackson & The Photo Booth

I finally got to see the Photo Booth pictures from my mom and Steve's wedding. I knew Jackson had spent quite a bit of time in there, but what I didn't realize is that he is in more than HALF of the photos! I will post wedding pics of the boys in their tuxes later if I can find any.

¡Me Gusta Cabo!

We went to Cabo with Janet & Troy and their friends Debbie & Roger. We left the boys with Olivia and had a lot of (adult) fun. We relaxed some too!

A Wedding Trip to Nashville!

Yee-Haw! Went to Nashville in June for Louisa and Buster's wedding! We had such a fun BTLRJ time (as usual)! Since I do not yet have permission from the bride herself, I will only share a few highlights for now!

At the pub on the first night (Thursday)

Downtown Nashville after the Rehearsal Dinner

We had waaaayyy too much fun with the photo boot props

Waaaayyyyy too much fun

At the pub after the reception! This is pre-icing war!

Last night was just Scott and me. We had fun!

At the Ryman on our last day.

Did I mention how much fun we had with the photo booth?

My favorite!