Babies and Christmas!

Ok, so here I am. Again. It's been a busy Christmas season. I was in mad woman mode to get all I could done before the baby was born. And I am happy to report (even if it is late) that I did get it all done. And not a minute too soon since I was putting up my christmas tree 2 days before and wrapping presents the day before she was born, 2 weeks early!! Then came Christmas all too fast and it all feels rather hazy and foggy. However, that could largely be due to sleep deprivation. ;) now quick or I may never publish this post (it has taken me a few days to publish it already..don't ask) on to the pics:

The girls got an easel for Christmas!

New arrival: Kate Denise Hellewell
Born: November 23, 2011 at 2:55pm
Weighing: 6lbs 10oz and 18 inches

Hanging out with aunt Jamie! I just have to add that they left and went back to school at BYUI and I miss them so bad! Aaron, their son, could be mine with how much I adore him. :)

Kate loving grandpa

Bath time

Look at all that black hair.. Apparently red + blonde = black ?? :)

And of course because we have a new addition to the family and our little Nissan sentra will not fit another car seat we had to upgrade to a minivan.. A Kia Sedona. And even though I was hesitant to own one, I have to admit its been nice to have more room. I can actually put my purse on the floor next to me! ;)

Merry Christmas everyone and happy new year! I hope you had an enjoyable season and that you were able to feel the love of our savior as we were!

Where did summer go?

Well, its been a busy summer as I am sure you can all agree with. Sometimes I seriously wonder if I fell asleep and woke up 2 weeks later. Its that bad. Slow down!! Well this summer has been fun and filled. My sister and brother came home from college at the end of July and we have been spending as much time with them as we can. I had my ultrasound during July and found out we are having a....SURPRISE. :) Actually that's totally my fault because I decided I wanted to try going the whole time without knowing what we were having. Call me crazy.. Its ok, several have. Even I would have a few years ago. But for some reason I wanted a surprise and you know what? Its really quite exciting. next we went to Idaho Falls to visit Eric's family. It was a long trip down and back home, but it sure was fun to visit family and play LOTS of games! :) Lastly, Shanna started preschool. I have mixed feeling about this. Shes my baby. I can't believe it. She really is enjoying it though! Now for the pics:

Getting ready to ride my aunt Teresa's horse.

I couldn't believe she actually did it! I was so proud of her.

Whats better than a movie, popcorn, and snuggle time with Grandpa?

First day of school

Sorry, the lighting is horrible in this pic. But if you can't tell Lindey has her little back pack on as well. She insisted on taking it with her when I dropped Shanna off at school.

Mazatlan Mexico!

From the 18th to the 25th of June my parents, sister, Eric and I went to Mazatlan, Mexico! It was so much fun. Nice warm weather, beaches, pools, lots of fun activities and of course lots of spanish and good mexican food. Every day was packed with lots of activities. Monday was hanging out at the beach and parasailing, oh and I did get stung by a jellyfish. Tuesday was boat rides, snorkeling, and kayaking. Wednesday was zip lining. Thursday was deep sea fishing, Friday was playing on the beach and relaxing, and Saturday was packing and flying home. What I loved most was going outside no matter the time and feeling warm and the breeze was warm. It was just something I was really missing since summer hasn't really come to Washington yet. We were really glad that Eric spoke spanish because we were able to communicate and on Sunday when we went to church Eric translated it for us every now and then so we could get the gist of what was being said. Even though the chapel floors were tile and there were no pews, and everything being said from the pulpit was spanish, it was definitely the same church I go to here in Washington. That's what I love about the gospel. No matter where you go, the spirit is still the same, and the principles taught are still the same. It was a neat experience. We really enjoyed our time there and I have a bazillion pictures to show you, hope it's not too many! I could have added millions more.



The view from our patio.






That's me parasailing!! I was nervous. It was kind of high! :) but the view was breathtaking. And yes, I did get my Doctors permission.. :)


My dad


Eric


Our gear for zip lining... We look like construction workers.


We were allowed to go upside down on a few of the lines. That's me :)


Eric


My dad


My mom


My sis


Enjoying lunch after zip lining.


They had this popular store over there called "señor frog". It had everything, toys, clothes, etc.


I just think it's gorgeous there!


My dad caught a sailfish!



Huge fish.. It was 8 ft 76 lbs. He got a certificate when we got back to shore.




We caught 5 of these called "mahi mahi"





Sisters <3


Dad with his girls


Elise and I caught in the crazy waves


We laughed so hard at this car. A limo slugbug?


We saw millions of lizards and iguanas. I have a picture of a huge one at least a foot and a half long. But alas, it is on my other camera. But it was funny that the lizards were like the squirrels we see everywhere up here.

Girls having fun with Dominoes...

So I guess here goes my monthly update. I wanted to put these videos up a few weeks ago, but I needed Eric to help me with them. He loves to do trick photography and unique video editing... You have to watch the videos to find out whats new in our house though...Because I'm not telling ;) Enjoy...

Oh and, yes, the videos have no sounds, so there's nothing wrong with your computer. :) In case that video was confusing to you, here is one that might make more sense...

Easter was fun this year as Shanna is beginning to understand the true meaning. I would ask her to tell me what Easter was really about and she would tell me, " Jesus was resurrection ". "And he was risen again (and in a sing song voice she would sing the next part). "Aaaalleluuuiagh" It was so sweet.

My aunt Kathleen sent the girls matching Easter dresses. They were adorable and as you might all guess (at least with the next few pics) that I absolutely LOVE to match them.

Dying Easter Eggs, Shanna had never done that before so she really enjoyed it..

Here is Lindey with her Grammie. And since it was just barely Mothers day I wanted to talk a little about my wonderful mother. Its just amazing to me when I look at these sweet babies of mine and the extreme love that I feel for them and know that my mom felt the same for me. It brings me closer to her in a way and helps me to appreciate all she did for me. The sacrifice and prayers are only just a few of what she did for me. What I wouldn't give to have her patience and insight into things. She is who I want to become and I love her for it!

I got these matching outfits at Costco. I just about died when I saw them. Fluffy skirts.. Love them! :)

The girls just love each other and it makes my heart melt to see them hugging and kissing each other.

(Also from Costco)

And of course we had to include a sleeping picture. These are the moments when they look the most innocent and after a hard day with tantrums and disobedience it all seems to melt away when I see my girls' sweet sleeping faces. They look like they were just sent from Heaven.