Photo shoot??

As I was looking through some pictures the other day, I realized I didn't have very many good ones of Jace. So we went outside and I attempted to have a little photo shoot... I think I realized why I didn't have any good pictures of him! The second I whipped out the camera he ran away from me! I chased him all over the yard which made him think it was the funniest thing ever! A couple times I outsmarted him and got in front of him as he ran, but still didn't end up with very good pictures! OH well!!

Bein' silly

Sea World

We went to Sea World again when we were down in San Diego. Since we went a few months ago I didn't take a lot of pictures, which is actually kind of nice sometimes... :) It was a beautiful day and there weren't a lot of people- perfect!

Possibly the lamest penguin picture ever taken

This is seriously my favorite thing to do. A lot of people don't know about it, but there's a tank where they always have at least one killer whale. It's so fun to watch them swim, especially at night when the tank looks like it's glowing.

Beach

So many memories at this beach...








The girls

Cute sister Kara

Cousin time!

We had some good cousin time while we were there. My brother and wife, Rolene, and son, Clark, came back from their trip on Sunday. My kids were really excited to have another little kid around! These are all the cousins on my side so far...

My kids crawled around the house with Clark for like 20 minutes.

Fun beach time!

2nd cousins at my Aunt Linda's house (don't you love how Jace tries to play with the girls?!)
My little cousin, Hailey (with the green headband), was the last of all 39 Sheffield cousins to be baptised. It was really special to be at her baptism and to see a lot of my cousins and their kids.

Clark and Jace in matching PJ's!

Jace tries to love on Clark a little too much sometimes...

Christmas

We spent Christmas in Carlsbad this year at my parent's house. The weather was so nice, and it just felt so good to be home. We got to be there for a week and a half this time which was great since I really don't get to see my family a lot. All of my siblings still live there (2 still at home), so we were able to see all of them while we were down. I always love to sit under this tree and look at all the ornaments I grew up with. Here it is Christmas Eve when Santa had already come for my kids, but not the rest of us...

Christmas morning- can you say spoiled?

yet another princess polly pocket- I think this completed her set!

Jace's matchbox car garage

This was for Jace and Makenna, but of course Jace plays with it a little more!

My princess girl!

Makenna's highlights- littlest pet shop, princess stuff, barbie stuff
Jace's highlights- the above gifts and a wooden train set
Me- Garmin forerunner, and blender
Scott- Miter saw, badminton!

Aside from all the loveliness of giving and receiving gifts, we were blessed to be able to reflect on our Savior and that we celebrate Christmas because of His birth. He is what truly brings the spirit of Christmas into our homes all month long. We watched the movie "The Nativity Story" a few days before Christmas and I was truly touched by the sacrifices Mary and Joseph had to make and by the humble circumstances of His birth. (Great movie, by the way) There was a grand purpose to His birth and His life, and we are so blessed because of it.

Nativity

Our family tradition on Christmas Eve is to act out the nativity. This year was a little ghetto if I do say so myself because we didn't start until 8:30, and my video camera wasn't working! Oh well, I'm sure the kids didn't notice too much! Jace actually wanted nothing to do with dressing up. That kid does not like to wear anything remotely uncomfortable. That will have to be a future post because it is just so funny. Anyways...


here's Mary

Mary and Joseph (he looks a little more like Joe... )

Mary and her donkey, Charley the dog

Gingerbread casas

We got together with the Burns a few days before Christmas to make some gingerbread houses!

Jace had to make sure everything tasted ok

Makenna's

Jace's

Rudolf Dance

luminarias

luminarias are one of my very favorite things about New Mexico. At Christmas time, you will see them all around Albuquerque. Many people decorate their houses with them, and hotels and churches are also adorned with them. I think they are beautiful. Since I am not a photographer, I stole this picture to show you what they actually look like...

So last night we went to see a display of luminarias in Rio Rancho. It was really great, a little cold, but worth it. They had hot chocolate, candy canes, and carolers. The kids also got to make ornaments and meet Santa. It definitely put me in the Christmasy mood.

We got a picture with Santa and the Mrs. They took this sweet polaroid for us cause my camera died. Is it just me, or does Santa look a little creepy?

Aquarium

I know I have a million posts on the aquarium, but I thought you could use another.

that guy was weird

they are best buds 75% of the time... (this was not posed btw :)

did you know jelly fish have no brains? weird

I stinkin love going to the aquarium when no one is there. It is sooo fun and relaxing. I could sit in front of this tank all day and watch the sharks, sting rays, fish, and turtles go by.