Pre-Birthday Party

With SOMEONE's birthday just around the corner, the celebrations have officially begun!  Luis and I decided not to throw a big party for Raquel, but instead, chose to invite a few friends over for some cake and ice cream a week before her birthday.

 

Since Raquel will be getting several farm animal toys for her birthday (not planned), we decided to go with a farm theme.  It wasn't a PARTY, so we didn't go all out with decorations, but we did try to make it a little fun.

 

As you can see, Raquel was INCREDIBLY interested in her first cupcake.

 She thought the cupcake was mediocre, but what she really went for, was 

ICE CREAM!

It was so fun to have some of our friends over.  Even though bedtime was really late for some of us, the sugar rush set in and we all had a good time (though we did miss our McGarys and Ranes).

Raquel even scored some new duckies from the Mohlmans.

Happy almost birthday Raquel!

3rd Anniversary

Year 3 has come and gone and now we're headed into round 4.  On January 9th, Luis and I celebrated our 3rd Anniversary!  We celebrated by getting a babysitter and going out to eat.  This may sound mean, but I was incredibly excited to eat a meal, at a restaurant, alone with Luis.  (I think you moms can relate.)

Before the restaurant, our celebrations began early when Luis got out at noon and surprised me with some beautiful flowers (which, by the way, are still looking mostly alive).  

Since Luis was in charge of planning our anniversary this year, he picked out a new restaurant called Cannataros Italian Restaurant.  It was a quaint little place, not busy at all.  The workers certainly don't "hustle and bustle" because it seemed like it took awhile for each new phase of our meal.  We walked in and waited a few minutes before anyone came out to seat us.  Then, it took another 10 minutes before anyone came to take our order.  Thank goodness we ordered an appetizer, because our main entree didn't arrive until an HOUR later.  Probably to your shock and amazement, we weren't annoyed in the least.  It was a RELIEF to not be rushed.  That way, we could just take our time while we talked and enjoyed our night out.

I love my Luis.  I love that he tells me I'm beautiful every day.  I love that he laughs at my really lame jokes.  I love that he involves me in decisions.  I love that he plays with our daughter.  I love that he holds the priesthood and loves the Lord.  I love that he is so calm and patient (he gets that from me, I think).  I could go on and on, but I'm just so grateful that he's mine forever.

Have I mentioned?

Have I mentioned we spent Christmas in California?  Oh I have?  Well, in case you missed it, Luis, Raquel, and I spent Christmas in California this year.  I thought I would be super super homesick, but I guess being with my own little family made the day really wonderful! 

Throughout the morning, Raquel was very focused, serious, and curious about this thing called wrapping paper!  

  

The one toy that caught her attention was a little noisy little train.

 

Though most gifts contained the name "Raquel," there were a few with "Luis" or "Ashley" inscribed upon them.

 

Raquel's other favorite seemed to be the puffs Santa left for her.

By the time we were through, Raquel had quite the pile...



...and quite the smile.

 

After a nap or two, we had even more surprises in store from our familias.

 

 

It was a merry Christmas!