Pinewood Derby

This was Ethan's 4th year participating in Pinewood Derby and he still loves it.  

He decorated his car using comic book pages and he won 1st place for the design!

Gracie was very excited to cheer her brother on and it must've helped because he won 1st place twice during the race.  

**Ethan broke his elbow a couple days before the race.  Let's just say that I think he learned his lesson and will not be trying to trapeze walk across a doorway anytime in the near future!**

9+1= Double Digits

Well now Ethan has finally done it.  He has reached TEN despite my pleas and nagging.  I've been telling him that being ten was nowhere near fun, so he needed to hurry up and figure out a way to stop time.  His usual answer was, "I haven't built my time machine yet, so it looks like I'm turning ten."  He's super excited for what the future of being double digits will do for him.   I, on the other hand, feel sick to my stomach.  He is my sweet little guy that is addicted to Minecraft, Legos, and his skateboards.  He has very little fear which makes him the perfect rider and stunt maniac.  He could care less what others think of him and I absolutely love that about him.  He gets along with pretty much everyone and does really well in school that I rarely have to tell him to study.   After telling him one night that if he didn't get a 100% on his test, he was going to study the way I suggested for any future test.  Well my words came back to bite me because he got a 108% and proved his point that he was in control of his studying.  I can always count on him to love and help his younger siblings, but he is a true boy when it comes to his room.  I keep a fair distance away and just pray that no stray animals are being kept in there.   I've realized there's only so much nagging a mother can do.  

Ethan decided that he wanted to use his party money to get himself a big gift, so he choose to celebrate his birthday by going to the shooting range for the day and then pizza for dinner.  After the boys had enjoyed their day, they made it back home for the requested cookie cake and presents.  

Ringing in the New Year in New Mexico

I flew home for a super quick visit to celebrate my niece's 15th birthday.  While everyone was in town, we made sure to take a few family pictures.  I had a great time catching up with my family and friends, and watching my niece dance at her Quinceanera! 

Julian, Stephanie, Dad, Jenny and me. 

Dad with his family

Grandkids (minus 3) with Grandma Mary Lou 

Grandpa Abel with grandkids (minus 3) 

Grandpa Abel, my Dad Abel, and me. 

My nephews 

My brother Julian and his awesome girlfriend Bree. 

My friend Kayla who I have known since middle school

I can't wait to stand by this chick as she marries her love just like she stood by my side 12 years ago. 

My dad and I ringing in the New Year 

Me, my mom, and my sister

My mom and dad ringing in the New Year

My niece Annalicia and my nephew Trevin. 

                                                   
           

My nephew, Joseph and I.  

He was being such a trooper while everyone was running around him. 

My amazing grandmother, Maria.  

I owe so much of who I am to her.