Christmas Tradition.... a day at Joshua Tree

The first year Jason and I moved to 29 Palms, We decided to got up to Joshua Tree as a tradition.  We love it up there.  Today we decided to go a different way and hiked along White Tanks.  It was A LOT of fun and as always so gorgeous!  Sarajane did famously, she nursed most of the time while in the carrying case (yeah that is right I have got skill!)

Christmas Day 2013 (VIDEOS)

The boys woke up at about 6:30 and Sarajane woke up at about 7.  We started opening presents at around 7:30 and wrapped up things about an hour later.  Here is how the day went....

We feel so blessed to have so many loved ones send thoughtful gifts to us and our children.  Christmas is all about giving love freely and being thankful and we are indeed thankful.  


The kids got so many wonderful presents! 

(Best Day Ever... as Jax puts it:))


After the gift opening was done, Jason let the boys out back to see what Santa had left (what Jason help put together; see last post).  A TRAMPOLINE!!!

We played most of the morning, napped, then had a good meal (Beef Tenderloin, Mushroom sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli, Bread, and Chocolate Trifle for dessert.  Jason invited some of his young marines and their wives over for dessert and a "Santa Claus" marathon (we only got through the 2 one).  It was a good day full of new things and laughter.  May all the season be always bright:)  Lots of love!

Christmas Eve 2013

I hope all or your Christmas celebrations were full of love, laughter, and spending time with close friends and family.  The Dennis family had quite the Christmas.  Starting with Christmas Eve, we had a low key day for the most part, went to the park, played, and got ready for the evening festivities.  We had already looked at lights early that week, so we decided to forgo that and spend more time at home.  We watched the Grinch cartoon, got to open one present (Jason got socks, the boys and I got Duck Dynasty PJ's, and Sarajane got "My First Christmas" PJ's), watched the Nativity and talked about the birth of Jesus Christ (sang a few songs), read Twas the Night Before Christmas, and then said prayers and went to bed.  Sounds like a great evening right?  Well, the REAL work was about to begin (mostly for Jason though).  You see, Santa had left a VERY special gift for the boys, and we volunteered to help Santa out and set it up.  It took Jason almost three hours to complete.  What is it you say.... see the next post to find out!

Merry Christmas to All

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  I am truly thankful for this year and the many changes in our growing family.  And also the learning experiences I have gained through trials and uplifting moments.  We are truly blessed to have two healthy and active boys, and now to be blessed with our sweet and mild baby girl.  I am indeed grateful for the birth of the Savior and for his example in my life.  I do cherish the gospel that he founded and for its blessings in our family.  May we all enjoy the season and the reason for it, our beloved Savior Jesus Christ.  Here comes 2014 and it looks bright:)

Our dear friends

This past Friday, we watched our friends kiddos while they had a night to celebrate their ten year anniversary.  We love these kids and are so glad that they are friends with our kids.  Brinley just loves Sarajane and was quite the help with her. 

Patty Cake (VIDEO)

Sarajane loves to laugh:)  Her favorite "game" right now is Patty Cake.

Snow in 29 Palms? (VIDEO)

Jason found this by chance.  An evening last week, Jason was getting off work and we decided to meet up with him at the golf course where they were having sleigh rides around base to look at the lights.  Sadly, it started to rain and the lightening was getting bad, so we met there but decided to just head home.  Well, on our way the weather miraculously got better and Jason noticed this mound of snow on the softball fields.  He called me and told me to turn and around and follow him.  The kids had a blast.  What a treat and a fun replacement for what would have been:)

Sarajane Turns 3 months old

Time, oh so precious.  I wish it would slow down a bit.  Our sweet smiley Sarajane turns 3 months old today.  No doc apt. until 4 months, so measurements are estimates:)

Weight:  12.5 lbs
Height: 24.5 inches

Sarajane continues to be such a sweet girl.  Her day normally starts with her waking up at 7:30 with a big smile on her face.  She rarely cries in the morning to let someone know she is awake.  I check on her a few times (the boys still wake up between 5:30-6:30) before she actually wakes up.  She nurses for about 20 minutes, then plays on her tummy or belly for a bit.  She'll want to go back to sleep after her diaper has been changed and she nurses again (roughly 2 hours after her last feeding).  Then she'll nap until about noon or so.  Just in time for the boys to sleep, Sarajane and I will enjoy her and me time.  She nurses then naps again (a very short nap).  All my kids will then be awake from 3:00 to bedtime (8:00; she sleeps through the night still!!!).  She will nurse once more in that time and just play.  She spends about a total of 30 minutes on her belly each day.  She holds her head up and is starting to hold things with her hands and reach for them.  She continues to "talk" to us and smile whenever she can.  She really loves her brothers and giggles and smiles when they "play" with her.  What a joy she is in our lives.  We feel complete with our sweet girl in the family.  Happy 3 months SJ!

Comparison #2

Jax at three months

Jax at three months

Josh at three months

Josh at three months

Sarajane at three months

Sarajane at three months

Not sure who she looks like right now.  I think she is a good combination of the two, honestly.  What do you think?

Santa Pics...more to come

Tonight was our ward Christmas Party and Santa showed up.  Jax jumped right on his lap while Josh cried and asked for Mommy and Daddy the whole time.  The pics are fuzzy which makes me mad but they took pics too so hopefully those turned out better.  Sarajane was too sweet.  Wearing my red dress she just looked so calm and precious.