Giggles Galore

This was from back in Iowa. I stumbled upon it while looking through pictures and it made me happy so I thought I'd share! Malia was being crazy creative with her lunch and apparently it amused Abram. I sure do love these kids!

Sea World

During David's last week we took a day for our little family to head to San Diego and visit Sea World. I must say it was my favorite part of leave. The kids loved being at Sea World. I love having time for the four of us to spend together. It makes me so excited for when the kids get a bit older and we can visit other theme parks. We contemplated heading to Disneyland but decided to wait until they are older. I love road trips with David. Not just because he drives the whole time, but because I love sitting by his side for so long. I sure do miss him. Soon. Soon!

A Little Bit of Mexico

We went to Mexico in order for David's mom to get some medicine. Its only a couple of hours away. Here is where the family always stops to eat. I had a HUGE shrimp cocktail. Not at all like the cocktail I know. Its shrimp, avocado, cilantro, tomatoes, and onions in tomato juice eaten with saltines. Delicious!

As you can see Malia was delightful on the way down...

The pharmacy...

Malia giving her tio some attitude while waiting...



The view while driving...

This is at a gas station in Arizona... Classic John Deere...

A closeup of little man Abram...

Just a little day trip, but fun nonetheless. If only we had more time! With only two short weeks, time sure did fly by fast.

Arizona and Albondigas

Now on to activities in Arizona! Being that we rolled into town really late the night that we were reunited with David, no pictures. Rest assured, it was a sweet reunion. I loved getting my husband back, and the kids sure missed their Papa!

It was also great being back with all our family in Arizona. Malia got right to work in the kitchen with her Grandma and Tio Nany. They were making one of David's favorites, Albondigas...

Pleased as punch to be cooking...

Although Cirenia HATES getting her picture taken, I couldn't help but capture such a sweet memory for Malia...

Not only did Mali bond with her abuela in the kitchen, but they also have one other hobby in common... SHOPPING!! Those two will go shopping anytime, anywhere, for anything!

Our Little Sunbeam!

Calling Papa to tell him about her first day in primary...

At the first of the year, Malia entered Primary at church. This youngest group of 3 year olds is called "Sunbeams". Malia only got to go to Primary twice while in Iowa before we moved. She loved it and was in class with my cousin Adam. While in Arizona she did okay with Primary, but it was a little more challenging with being a whole new setting. Tomorrow will be our first day going back to our ward here in Colorado. I hope it goes well and that she loves her new Sunbeam class. I can't believe my little girl is old enough to be in Primary! Next thing you know, she'll be graduating high school!

Some Serious Catching Up To Do...

So, I'm a bit behind on my posting. After the holidays it was about getting ready for the move to AZ and David's R&R. I have every intention of posting pictures and videos from our time in Arizona, but thought I'd better catch everyone up on the Mata Family. Mid-January I took the kids down to AZ, accompanied by my sister-in-law. Thanks Liz! We got to spend two, all too short, weeks with David while he was on his leave. After he left, the kids and I stayed in AZ to spend time with family. Lots of fun memories, that I hopefully will post about soon, including Abram's 1st birthday. Last week, I packed the kids again and headed to CO, where we are stationed at Fort Carson. We are staying with a friend while waiting to get into post housing, which should be mid April. Keeping busy with getting the kids enrolled in activities and trying to keep up with the Colorado weather! So there you have it. David should be home soon and we can't wait! Until then, I guess I'd better be busying myself with blogging. Tomorrow sounds good :o) In the meantime, enjoy these pictures of the loves of my life....

I sure can't wait to have my man back home!

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning was great and could have only been made better with the presence of David. The kids are at really fun ages. Although, I had to WAIT for them to wake up! I was the one that couldn't fall asleep the night before because I was so excited and then woke up super early waiting for them to stir. Here's a little collage of some of the highlights. Malia was pretty excited about her "house" and still isn't thoroughly convinced that Santa left it for her AND Abram! As you can see, Abram equally enjoys it. Our little man was also pretty entertained by his new Leap Frog piano. I love Leap Frog since they make their toys bilingual. Also a big fan of Melissa and Doug toys. Abram's stacking rings and the dress up doll Malia got from Grandma and Grandpa are Melissa and Doug. This year Malia got into the whole princess scene. She got a Cinderella dress up set and a set of princess dolls that come with stretchy clothes. I almost didn't do stockings, figuring the kids wouldn't even notice. At the last minute, literally, I decided to and was glad I did. I love that Malia got so excited over simple things...like pudding! I also love the set of bibs I found for Abram... "My Daddy is My Hero". Also in the collage is the pillow I made for Malia. You heard it right folks, I made it! Well, I made the pillowcase. I don't sew. However, its one of those skills I desperately want to acquire. I attended a Relief Society craft night where I made a Christmas pillowcase and got it into my head that I wanted to make one for Malia. She and I looked for a couple weeks for fabrics and then I made it Christmas Eve. It is by no means headed to the County Fair, but not to shabby for just starting. She loves it and sleeps with it every night. Right after we opened presents, David got online and Malia was able to show him all of her presents. Soon after that Britt and the kids came over. We lounged around all day, played games, and ate yummy food. A great Christmas day!