Douglas turns 32 -part 2

Douglas had his birthday off of school because it was Martin Luther King Day. So we celebrated all day and enjoyed leaving normal life on the back burner. Gracie was very excited to celebrate and she made invitations, party hats, cards and pictures for her Papi. Marley and Gracie both loved helping Douglas open presents and they were very excited about all the balloons. Birthday's are just magical when you're a kid! Douglas was like a kid using his birthday money and gift certificates to order all sorts of paintball gear and clothes. He was so giddy!

After our relaxing day we had dinner with our friends, the Skidmore's, the Lescarbeau's and Stratton's. Our friend Amy and Douglas have the exact same birthday and so it was fun to celebrate together. We had yummy fajita's, quacamole, cowboy caviar and some amazing brazilian limeade. Then we sang to Amy and Douglas and had cake, hazelnut brownies and blue bell ice cream. You just can't beat that! It was a great day and we loved spoiling our amazing Papi and husband. He's the best!

Gracie made us birthday hats.(They kind of look like Pope hats:)

She's very thoughtful.

The kids and I had fun decorating the house!

Gracie loves her Papi!

Marley loves his Papi too!

Balloons are such a great toy!

He looks upset, but don't let him fool you. I think he just didn't wan't his picture taken.

He's really excited about the hazelnut brownies and ice cream.

Douglas turns 32!

To celebrate Douglas's birthday we had a Saturday afternoon of paintball. Several friends from church came along with friends from Wingstop and Douglas's brother, Leroy. We had so much fun trying to outrun and outsmart each other. We played until the light was gone and we each had a few battle wounds to show off.

Most of the group

3..2..1..Go! Go! Go!

Nice shot!

Brandon & Joseph searching for Douglas

Dumpy

Leroy, Joseph, Douglas and Brandon

The couple that shoots each other stays together

No! Of course this wasn't posed!!

Run!

All tired out!

New Year's 2010

For New Year's Eve we headed to Odessa to celebrate Grandma Darlene's (Douglas's Mom) birthday. We opened presents and then had dinner at Ajuua's, a great mexican restaurant in Odessa. The kids loved sitting next to the huge fish tank and spending time with the grandparents. Then we headed to the great grandparents house for cake. Darlene's favorite is Italian Cream cake and it turned out yummy!

That night it was so cold and several of us were sick, so we bypassed the fireworks. sniff..sniff

It was the responsible thing to do, but it was painful to celebrate New Years with no fireworks. There's always next year.

We hope this year is a great one!

Gracie helping Grandma open her presents

Gracie helped me with the cake and the candles

So cute! Happy Birthday!

Eating cake always brings smiles

Being goofy at the restaurant

Getaway in Dallas

Our Christmas gift to ourselves was a 2 day getaway to Dallas. The Williams Grandparents were sweet enough to take the kids overnight and let us have some time together. The 4 hour drive was so peaceful and we carefully planned all the fun things we could do in 2 days. We checked into the hotel and then did some shopping and driving around town. Then we ate at Kaze, the best sushi place ever! Each time we go it just keeps getting better. Seriously amazing sushi!

That night we slept so well with no interuptions and we got to sleep in the next morning. Heaven!

Douglas was anxious to find an army surplus store so we checked out a few and found some pretty sweet camo and gear. Then we headed to the temple for a refreshing session in the temple. When we came out it was snowing and it was so beautiful to watch the snow fall with the nativity scene and the temple in the background.

For lunch we headed to Fogo de Chao, a brazilian restaurant where they bring meat to your table and carve it for you. It was as good as we remembered. The salad bar was fantastic with several different cheeses, veggies, fruit salad, potato salad, green salad and chimi churri. Mmmmm. Then we had some amazing chicken, lamb, pork roast and filet mignon. Then to top off our full bellies they brought fried bananas, polenta and yorkshire pudding type rolls filled with melted parmesan cheese to our table. We were stuffed, but happy. Walking to the car was actually painfull because it was so cold and we were so full! The snow was still coming down and we decided we better get home before the roads got too bad. Sweet Douglas drove home in the blizzard and let me take a nap for part of the time.

We had such a great two days and it feels good to reconnect and feel like a couple again. We're grateful to out sweet kids and parents who let us get away.

Dallas Temple

Fogo de Chao

Christmas Day

Holidays are always lots of fun mixed in with a little chaos and stress. Christmas Day didn't disappoint. Unfortunately Gracie was very sick the night before and didn't hardly sleep at all. So, 6:30 came early. But Christmas morning always holds a special magic and everyone was well enough to open presents and play together. Grandma and Grandpa Williams and Uncle Leroy joined us and we had a day full of special gifts, wrapping paper and good food. Douglas made sausage, biscuits and gravy for breakfast and we spent the morning playing Wii and trains. Afternoon naps are of course a must on a holiday and then we enjoyed watching the new movies the kids recieved. That night we toured the lights on the river again and then headed home with two sleepy children. Once they were asleep, we enjoyed a quiet Christmas dinner with good conversation and amazing food. It was so nice to stay home and have a quiet laid back day with plenty of family time. The spirit of Christ was felt in our home and the joy was overflowing.

My new Nikon camera and a family calendar from my sister Heidi. So exciting!

Douglas, Gracie and Marley opening stockings

Marley's new train set from Uncle Leroy. He was SO happy!

Marley's first look at his new basketball hoop. It has become his favorite sport.

Boys playing trains

Gracie and Grandpa. She enjoyed her new toys, but wanted to snuggle with Grandpa more.

We couldn't tear Marley away from his new ball.

Gracie making her character on her new Wii.

Such a sweet pair.

Grandma Darlene trying her hand at Wii bowling.

Marley and Grandpa playing.

Our family at the end of a fun day. Marley was out!

Awwww....Grandma and Grandpa Williams

Anita and Douglas

Douglas and his new shot gun. (He got it the next day)

Excited for Christmas

We are in the middle of formatting our first blog book and we don't want to miss a thing. So this is our attempt at catching up the last 2 months of life at the Williams home.

Preparing for Christmas is so much fun with kids around. The magic is everywhere and they are so excited about every activity. Of course treats are a must for the holidays and we definitely indulged ourselves! We made sugar cookies, which are a must for the big day and we made rice krispie snow men for some of our friends. Lots of sticky fingers and happy smiling children!

Happy Birthday!

Happy 32nd Birthday to Douglas!

Gracie, Marley and I are so blessed to have you in our lives and we wish you a very Happy Birthday! Thank you for being a wonderful husband and father! You are passionate, funny, intelligent, unique and so giving. We love every day that we get to spend with you and we're looking forward to eternity! Te Quiero!