Drive In Movie Night at AWANA

 We have been so happy with the decision to jump back into an AWANA club this year.  I love leading the sweet Sparks group and the kids are learning and growing in God's Word each and every week.  No better way to spend our free time!

Throughout the the year, the club holds special nights to celebrate all that they have been achieving in their AWANA books.  Drive In Movie night was a total blast!  We made "cars" and watched a Veggie Tales at church with popcorn and Red Vines just like a real drive in. 

I waited to late to get a good picture of the room with all of the cars.  It was packed wall to wall.  

Palomar Mountain Weekend

We spend the weekend pretending we were the Ingalls family except for the fact we had indoor plumbing (ha!).  Our getaway to a quaint cottage in the mountains was filled with warm fires, family game nights, roasting marshmallows, shooting BB guns, hiking, storytelling, and just being together.  

No cell reception or internet connection.  Unplugged from the world and plugging in to making memories with our children.  

We hiked out to the Palomar Mountain Observatory and took a quick tour inside.

These to think they are quite amusing.  Trying to get one "normal" picture.  I love how goofy they are and they love to make me laugh, which they were very successful in doing.

Veteran's Day Celebration for the City of Anaheim

 The 13th MEU's sponsor city is the City of Anaheim.  Anaheim donates resources and hosts many events in order to help the MEU provide support to their families and Marines throughout the year.  The city asked Chris to be their guest speaker at the Veteran's Day celebration they hold each year.  

The ceremony was beautiful and Chris did an excellent job speaking.  

I felt bad for all the Marines in uniform since it was about 102 degrees in the sun that day!  Mimi and Papa were here visiting and I'm so glad they were able to join us for such a special occasion.

Baby Bear turns 5!

Our baby is 5!  Five years ago you were born in the middle of a huge storm and you have been blowing us away with your amazing smile and heart ever since.  

You are funny, loving, caring, crazy, silly, wild about your brother and sister, tell everyone you meet about Jesus, and such a joy to our family.

You've got Daddy wrapped around your finger and my heart bursts when you squeeze my face and whisper that you love me to the sun, moon, stars, heavens, and Jesus!  

"Frozen" was themed at your sweet party.  A bouncy house and cake were all you asked for to celebrate so we gathered your friends and did just that.  Mimi and Papa came to celebrate and we had such a blast with then while they were here.

On your actual birthDAY, you got your very first American Girl doll.  She looks like you  and you named her Julie.  You and Hayley have already clocked hours and hours of AG playtime.  I love to listen to the two of you playing with your dolls together.

Happy 5th Birthday, Hannah Elizabeth Steele!

Daddy and I love you so much, Baby Bear.  

You are so beautiful inside and out.