Christmas 2012 at the Reiersen's

This Christmas was very eventful at our place. This year was the first year that we didn't go to see my family for Christmas in the 4 years that we have been married, so in the weeks leading up to Christmas I was a bit worried how it was going to go since I was not able to see my family but it turned out great. Neal's parents came down on the 23rd to Phoenix to spend Christmas with us. We were able to go see the temple lights, go to the Arizona Science Center and watch movies together and Neal and I  along with Adam and Christine, Neal's sister were able to go on a date while his parents watched the kids. We had so much fun with family. I did talk to most of my family on Christmas and that was nice to talk to them. I realize that no matter how far away we are, we are still family and we love each other.This Christmas eve, we went to Christine's house and we had a big turkey dinner and then we always open a present on Christmas eve, which is pajamas and the kids loved being with their cousins and grandparents. 

 This is is the first year we were able to do our own Christmas day on our own. It was so fun. The kids were up at 6:30 am wanting to do presents. They had lots of fun opening their stockings and eating oranges. Neither of the kids got chocolate but Aubrey got oranges and grape tomatoes and fruit snacks and capri sun drinks. Neal and I had decided that it was the best thing to do is give things that they don't normally get and those things neither of them get very often. Colby got some chex in his stocking with oranges. He had fun though too. It was really the best to watch your kids open presents. It was also the first time that Aubrey understands Santa (at least a little bit) that we got all the presents ready and set out in front of the tree and it was cool to see the kids face when they saw the presents. Aubrey got the purple dog in the picture and then colby got a glow worm and a little touch pad that plays music.

 Here are colby's santa gifts the touch pad and the glow worm. He had lots of fun with them.

 They also got a nativity set from my mom and a kids mp3 player. Colby got some blocks from my mom. They got to play with them a lot and just be together.

 Colby had fun opening presents for the first time. He was so cute to watch. Aubrey knew what to do and she was fun to watch also.

Neal and I didn't exchange any presents, but we were able to have as much fun with our children as we would have if we got each other something. We had a strict budget for Christmas presents and we did really well on it all. We did get kitchen stuff and a food processor and I got some books and Neal got a new shirt and some gum from our family. We also got a game from Neal's brother and then Neal's sister gave us a nice Christmas decoration. We have been so blessed this year as a family and are so grateful for the experiences that we have had as a family. We are so lucky to have each other and what we have been so fortunate to accomplish.

New things around us...

 Well, where has the time gone, Colby is already 7 months old. I feel like it has not been very long since we brought him home from the hospital. Anyways, this is the day before he turned 7 months. He was so proud of himself for knowing how to stand up in his crib. The perfect picture of him.

 Every time you see something new, you need to give it a good taste. That is what everyone does right??

I feel so blessed to have this little guy in my life. He has taught me so much and helped me grow so much. An update on the rest of us. Neal is still working for Choices Network as a case manager and going to school. He is enjoying his life and just got his new mountain bike (pics to come soon). Aubrey is still not talking a lot but is picking up some new phrases seems like every week. She is doing really well with nursery and loving running with mommy and colby in the stroller and on her own two cute feet. I am in week 5 of my marathon training. I am currently running about 65 miles a week. I love it so much. I run and bike everyday and take a break sundays. I love taking the kids with me and aubrey wants to go run herself every day and we go on run/walk all the time. I love that I am teaching my kids good habits when they are small and by doing something that I love. I am so blessed to be healthy and able to run. I am not sure what I would do with my time if I wasn't able to run.

Halloween 2012

 Happy Halloween!!! I know this is late but I am still posting it so everyone can see our cute little ones. We had a fun halloween. We went to our ward trunk or treat and handed out candy at our car. Aubrey was so fun. She is still not talking but she had a ball getting candy and dressing up. She was cookie monster and colby was a chocolate chip cookie. I thought that would be cute to make their costumes match somewhat. We all had fun and can't wait for next year!!!

 It is General Conference weekend, on sunday the 7th and we have nothing to do. So we end up making a fort and having fun helping it stay up. Aubrey and colby loved going in and playing with daddy. This is them playing with a light neal bought for his bike so he can ride at night. I guess it is really cool how it shines.

 It was also the day that Colby turned 6 mos. He is now eating solid foods and he loves it so much. Neal and I decided to not give him any store bought baby food. We make all of it from scratch. I make oatmeal for him and just blend it and put it with all of his favorites so far: avacado with lime juice, masked bananas, pears, carrots and applesauce. He does like mashed potatoes but he doesn't love them yet. He also has had graham crackers, rice, raw peaches. I am loving not having to depend on Gerber for the food that I give him and so far so good. I will keep you posted about how he likes the other foods.  We have sweet potatoes and greeen beans and rice cereal to try this week so we are really excited for this new adventure.

 Aubrey is loving that colby is sitting at the table with us to eat. She is always offering her food to him. Now I say to her that she needs to give him a little bite instead of telling her no he can't have it. Anyways, she is really loving it right now.

You are probably wondering why you see a picture of him in bed and half asleep. This is me forgetting to get a picture of him on his 6 mos. mark. This is my attempt at capturing this cute little guy that really has made me proud to be his mommy.

Good times !!

 Here is Sweet Colby when he turned 3 months July 7,2012 ish

 Here are both aubrey and colby just playing together. This is what you usually will find at our place.

 Here is Mr. Colby as 4 months old. He has grown up so fast. He looks a lot older than he actually is.

Here is a great picture of dear colby, you guessed it on his tummy for some play time.
It has been a month since I blogged and a lot has happened since then. We moved to a new place that is closer to Neal's work and that is a better match for all of us. We got new furniture. It is the red that Colby is sitting on up above. We got a new bed too. We are sad that we are leaving friends but we really aren't but it sure feels like it. Anyways, I am still working out a lot with the kiddos and Neal is still going to school and working. Everything is going well in our area of town. I am having so much fun with these two little ones.