Our Family Hike

We have started a new tradition in our family. Every Martin Luther King Day, we are going hiking as a family. We had the first hiking experience this past Mon on January 20th. We went behind our house to Hidden Valley, and it was so beautiful! The girls can't stop talking about it. Probably their funnest trip ever, and the cheapest trip ever!! At the top of the mountain, we had a little family meeting and talked about everything that we saw, and who made everything that we had, including the rocks, the train going by, all the birds that we heard chirping. Malin brought his binoculars so we could look out across the desert. We talked about how we have to work hard in order to achieve our goal, just like we had to work hard to make it to the top of the mountain(probably the smallest mountain you've ever seen, but it was huge to the little girls!) After we hiked we ate oranges in the back of our car, and then we went back to SARAH'S CAFE and had bean things, special order by Savannah. IT was so fun!!! Enjoy the pictures!

Colleen is 30!

Just had to add for History's sake that Malin's older sister turned 30 on January 19th! And she is beautiul! On January 18, We did sealings with the whole Lewis Family at the Mesa Temple. The Spirit was so strong. Afterwards, we ate lunch at "The Landmark" and had a private room for Colleen's party. Malin's sister, Julianne, presented a video to Colleen, with pictures and videos of her life from the past thirty years. ALSO, Malin and I wrote new words to the song "You're Beautiful" by James Blunt, and Malin sang it, and it was also included on the video. If you are looking for a good laugh, WATCH THIS VIDEO. Malin is a crack up! Happy Birthday Colleen, we love you!

Here's the lyrics to the song:

"Colleen is 30"Colleen is brilliant.Colleen is brilliant.Colleen is pure.She is an angel.Of that we’re sure.Even though she’s turning 30.and She’s got allot of fam.But we won't lose sleep on that,cuz 'She’s got a plan.Colleen is 30. Colleen is 30.Colleen is 30, it's true.You should see her face in a crowded place,we just don't know what to do,'Cause We’ll never be like you.She CAN EXERCISE,And be so wise.She can read, dance, cook, teach, play andStill Fly high,And We always think she’s the BEST BRO-SIS,And we have a sister that we’ll see till the end.Colleen is 30. Colleen is 30.Colleen is 30, it's true.You should see her face in a crowded place,we just don't know what to do,'Cause We’ll never be like you.La da da da da, la da da da da, la da da da da DAAAAAAAAColleen is 30. Colleen is 30.Colleen is 30, it's true.Colleen is an angel with a smile on her face,And we know that you had the best 29 years, But it's time to face the truth, 29 will never be with you.

Sarah turns a whopping 25.....

Yes, that's right, on January 14th Sarah reached the ripe old age of 25....and she has a wonderful husband and three adorable kids to show for it! It all started on Jan. 12, when the Richardson family celebrated it,combined with cousin Price Johnson's 8th baptism birthday and aunt Lori Richardsons bday which was on Jan 1st. We had an awesome cake and YUMMY Taco Salad. Thank you everyone for the cute gifts and thoughtful cards! That evening I got to go to the temple with my Hubby and MOm and Dad. It was a great spiritual session. I love the temple. www.lds.org Thanks mom and Dad for the new garments!

The Cake! Sarah and Aunt Lori All The MEN watching a football game at Aunt Nora and Kiley's Gorgeous custom home. Grandma Richardson, MOM, Aunt Nora, and Aunt Diane. Love you!!

Aubrey wanted a picture too!

Savannah with her second cousin, Camille. They're a month apart. She's my first cousin, but she's my daughters age.......weird huh?! Then on Monday, my actual birth day, My wonderful Sister in Law Colleen Keeler, insisted on watching our three kiddos so I could have the day ALL TO MYSELF! As the kids and I were opening the door to go to Tempe, where Colleen lives, we saw this on our door.

It was present from Mom and Dad Lewis! What afun surprise! Inside was yummy treats and a gift certificate for a free date night in Ajo, to one of the 20 mexican restaurants, and free babysitting, complimentary of Mom and Dad Lewis. Good deal, eh? Thanks again! It was a fun surprise.

So after I dropped the kids off at Colleen's, I went to lunch at Olive Garden with my wonderful husband. I got my favorite meal, Soup, Salad and Breadsticks! We did some dream shopping at JCPenney Furniture outlet store. They have AMAZING deals. Thank you Malin for a great lunch date!

After that, I went home, got in my bed, and read for three hours!! It was great! I read and finished the book, PeaceGiver. http://deseretbook.com/store/product?sku=4644455What an awesome book. I highly recommend it.

I also took a nap, watched a movie, and even cleaned the house a little.

Thanks everyone for the nice emails, cards, gifts in the mail, and phone calls.

And only 5 years till I'm 30!! AHHHH!

Aubrey Starts Preschool

Aubrey started Preschool this past week on Jan. 7, 2008. She loves it! She talks about it all day. We do a co-op with four other moms. They invited us to do it at the last minute and it worked out perfectly! She made a family tree her first week. Here's a picture of her with it. She loves to tape up ALL her artwork all over the house. It's adorable. She asks everyday if she gets to go to Preschool today.

New Years in Ajo, AZ

New Years in Ajo was , like Christmas, very relaxing. No agenda is the key to success. All Malin's siblings were there to get in on the fun. Malin got to go hunting with some of his Bro,Sis, and he had some good MAN time. Us girls learned a dance to the song " Apologize" by OneRepublic. Wish we had a video of it. Too cute. Savannah and Aubrey had ultimate non stop fun with their cousins. Grandma Lewis got to be their teacher in Primary on Sunday. We played Acquire probably 20 times, got a little too serious about it and had to stop playing for awhile, ate some good food, and stayed up late! An elderly couple in the ward asked if we could come pick their 8 lemon,orange,tangerine and grapefruit trees as the fruit was getting ripe and they didn't want it to go to waste. In exchange, we got to keep all the fruit! We had a whole truck bed full! Awesome for fighting off those nasty winter colds. Thanks Mom and Dad, and family, for the memories!

New Years in Ajo, AZ

More Christmas Pictures

Christmas in Thatcher

Christmas in Thatcher was very relaxing! We had a great time! We enjoyed caroling to good friends in the town, and Polar Express. WE went geocashing, but had no success. It was still fun!! We ate alot, slept alot, watched good movies, wrapped presents, had a nice Christmas Eve Breakfast complete with candlelight and sparkling cider. The funnest part was Santa surprised everyone with a WII!! Even Malin and I. It was so fun! I must say, it's a good thing we don't have a WII at our own home, because I could easily play it all day. It's that addicting! Malin got some yummy cologne, his favorite game ACQUIRE, which actually is not being made anymore and you have to buy it used on EBAY. It's a long running tradition in the Lewis Family. IT's SO FUN. I got Turbo Jam www.turbojam.com and Pearls from China. LOVE THEM!! The girls got a fun play house www.rosepetalcottage.com and other fun things that they just HAD to have. Baby Malin got trucks and a toolbench, but silly me,I forgot to get pictures. He is SO cute when he crawls around the house pushing his cars and making the CUTEST car sounds. I will definately post a video of him doing it! He also learned to walk pretty much in Thatcher.

6th Anniversary at Hannagan Meadows

Happy Anniversary....

Malin and I celebrated our 6th anniversary Dec. 22nd. We headed to Thatcher on Friday 21st, where we dropped off the kids so my sisters could babysit them for the night while Malin and I had a little get away. We headed up towards Alpine where we stayed the night at Hannagan Meadows http://www.hannaganmeadow.com/. My uncle is part owner of the lodge so he and my Dad where able to give us a smoking deal(FREE). THANKS SO MUCH!!We had an interesting ride on the way up as we where heading right into the snowstorm. We had to go appx. 30 miles the whole way and even had to use 4 wheel Drive when the snow got so thick on the pavement! MEMORIES! When we finally got there, we where the only ones there. Needless to say, we had the whole place to ourselves! We had a wonderful chicken fried steak dinner and then we went to bed for the night. It was the best sleep I have had in who knows how long! It was great! You never would have known it was 12 degrees outside. Our bed was so warm and cozy. I love my husband. He's truly a man of god who honors his Priesthood and wants the best for his family. We woke about 8:30 and had a nice continental breakfast. We debated whether we wanted to play in the snow or just drive home. After five minutes in the snow in 12 degree weather, we decided it was so much more beautiful from inside the car! The snow plow came shortly after that so we decided to follow him down the Coronado Trail. We went about 2o miles per hour the WHOLE way, because there was snow and ice on the road, but it was great talk time and beautiful scenery. Here's to the next year of our marriage! Love you Malin!

Big Changes.....

Wow, big changes are happening in our Stake. Maricopa was made a Stake today in Stake Conference.We were Previously a part of the Casa Grande Stake, which originally had 18 units. The Biggest STake in the church!! So it was time for a change. We also got Ajo Ward and Gila Bend Branch in our Stake. They were previously in the Buckeye Stake and now they are in the Maricopa Stake. As some of you might know, Malin's parents live in Ajo. WE are excited to be in the same stake with them now!

The biggest change was that Malin Walter Lewis, our father and grandpa, was called to be the Stake President of the Maricopa Stake. Wow, what a great experience to see the process take place and feel the love of Neil L. Anderson , acting President of the Quorum of the Seventy, as he set apart Dad Lewis to his new calling. The Lord truly works in amazing ways. What a spiritual high it has been today. I am excited for the future and for the opportunity to have temple interviews with Dad and President Lewis. The Gospel is True.

After everything was done, all the siblings pretended that they were going home, but they actually came to Maricopa and surprised Malin on our doorstep with a Happy 28th Birthday Song!! He was TOTALLY surprised. And actually, prior to the surprise he was kind of bummed because noone wanted to come and visit and hang out at our house. So the surprise was even that more exciting!! We had a great afternoon talking and laughing, and bonding:) Dad and Mom Lewis arrived later and we all had a great time listening to him tell about all his experiences this past weekend with being called Stake President. Truly Amazing.

I also wanted to add that Malin and I traveled to Tucson this past Friday to visit my Grandma Innes in the Hospital. She had a stroke on Wednesday and has lost control and complete movement in her left arm down to her leg. She is 78. It's very hard to see your grandma in that condition. I fed her her lunch, which was pretty much baby food and she could not talk much or open her eyes. I love my Grandma. She is very unselfish and giving. And she makes the best Sunday Roast Beef Dinner I have ever tasted. While I was feeding her lunch, I asked what the secret was to making a good Roast. She said "Make sure you brown it." Then I asked her how long I cook it, and her slow response was, "until it's done." She still has her sense of humor. I hope and pray that Heavenly Father will let her stay a little while longer.

Here's an update on our little family for History's Sake.

Classic Picture of the First Step!!! Don't you love the look!!!Nov.30th,2007 His First Step!

Savannah and Mommy had a Mommy Daughter bonding time making sugar cookies!! Dec. 1st 2007. She was so EXCITED to be with JUST MOMMY. Both babies were sleeping. He's the cutest little mess I've ever seen. I need the baby proof cupboard doors, he's getting into everything!Grandpa Malin and Baby Malin. He's so intrigued with his Grandpa Lewis. He's always looking for him and wanting to play!Play Ball Grandpa! From the Inside, Looking Out.These two pictures I just took with dreams of being a Professional Photographer someday. So did I capture a good shot? I thought it was a good picture of their cute little silhouettes. And Aubrey picking her nose. Here's a Video of Savannah and Aubrey's rendition of Jingle Bells and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. It's Sweet!

Family Pictures

Done by Wick Lewis Photography. Nov 17th, 2007 Mesa Arizona Temple

Thanksgiving with the Lewis Family

Aubrey says the silliest things....

A couple of days ago, Aubrey was trying to ask me a question and she kept reapeating the words "Can I" over and over again."Can I, Can I, Can I, Can I......." So I got a little impatient and said, Aubrey, Can you what?" And she sat up straight and said ," Mom, I'm singing the "Can I'" Song!!!"

Aubrey turns 3!

On November 10th 2007, we celebrated Aubrey's third Birthday in Ajo, AZ. her actual birthday was on November 14th. She loved opening her presents and watching everyone sing Happy Birthday to HER. She is such a sweet jewel. I love her more than words can describe!! Happy Birthday Aubrey! We love you!! Thank you to everyone who sent her cards and gave her gifts. You know who you are! She loves getting presents!! Aubrey loved blowing out her candles and making it "go Dark" She got this adorable doll from Grandma Lewis that sings cute cheers and attaches to your feet so you can do them with her. It's so fun ! And in case you might have forgotten how cute Baby Malin is, here's a sweet picture of him in his lion costume. He's so fluffy.

Savannah at Age 4(through her eyes)

This afternoon both Aubrey and Malin were sleeping so I decided to have a little fun with Savannah, since she is over the napping stage. I asked her these questions and she had a fun, silly time answering them!

How old are you? 4 How old will you be when you grow up? 5!!! Who is the funniest person in your family? Mommy and Daddy What is your favorite food? My favorite food is broccoli What is your favorite color? Um, purple What is your favorite animal? A zebra How come? Because they're so pretty. How strong are you? I'm very strong, LOOK!(she shows me her muscles) When you are sick who takes care of you? Mommy...duh.... Who is your best friend? Nickie, Malaya, Caylin ,Aubrey and Kylie What is your favorite toy? Barbies! What are you really good at? I'm really good at puzzles What do you want to be when you grow up?A mommy How tall are you? I'm bigger and strong and I can carry everything, and I can carry a big bag of marshmallows. How much do you weigh? 40 pounds and mom, you weigh 30 POUNDS!! What is special about you?I am good at drawing. and playing with friends What is your favorite place to go? Nickies' House What is the best thing about school?Show and Tell and Prize Box Do you have a Boyfriend? Ethan, but he's just my friend mom! What is your favorite sport? Soccer What color are your eyes? One's Blue and One's Green How many teeth do you have? "...(counts quickly) ...16 How old is mom? 17 How old is dad? 29 giggle, giggle What is your favorite movie?Cinderella What is your favorite shape? A heart with pretty colors on it. What is your favorite treat? Suckers What do you like? I like balls that bounce How many brothers and sisters do you want? I have a sister, a baby brother and another sister(NO, we're not announcing...) What do you like most about your mom? Her Pretty eyes. What do you like most about your dad? I love his nose, and he's nice and he plays with me.

Diaper Duty

A couple of days ago, Savannah was searching desperately for her Polly Pocket High Heel shoe. For those of you who have girls and Polly Pockets, then you know that trying to find a lost Polly Pocket shoe is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Well she didn't find it, of course. So this morning while changing Baby Malin's poopy diaper, I saw a green object in the middle of all the BM(bowel movement). I examined it closely and realized that it was Savannah's Polly Pocket shoe!!! Baby Malin was the culprit!! It had gone through his little digestive System and made it out alive! Maybe that was why he was so honory and whiny this morning........? you think? So I told Savannah, and she came and took a look. She couldn't believe it! Being a 4 year old, she wrinkled her nose and screamed, "Ew mom, he at my shoe!" she couldn't stop laughing! I asked her if she wanted me to get it out and wash it. She decided that was NOT a good idea. Me too. So, that's the beginnging of our Friday morning. It's gonna be a good day. And, yes, we have no pictures of the "Poopy Polly Pocket Pump". :)~

THOR, Grass, Music Makers, Shopping Carts and Coyotes

CHECK OUT THIS DOG! He's HUGE!! This is Thor, Chad and Carolyn's dog. We were at their house this weekend for the blessing of their new baby girl Brooklyn. Thanks Chad and Carolyn for a great Sunday! Brooklyn's a sweetheart! Okay so back to the real reason we came to their house..... to see the dog ofcourse......(just kidding)He's a NewFoundland(hope I spelled that right) and he weighs 120 POUNDS!!!!! He's really good around the kids. Baby Malin didn't seem to mind him at all, as you can tell by the picture.The girlies are VERY cautious when he comes in the house. And when they scream, he thinks they want to play so he gets right in their face! He was very entertaining to watch. I felt like I was in the movie," Honey I blew up the DOG!""Mom, what is this dog doing to me?"Here's the latest picture of our grass!! It's doing very well!! And really thick! Here's our lawn mower. Joe McFarlane, one of Malin's coworkers and good friend, gave it to us!! Wow what a blessing!! Malin is mowing it for the first time. Our little RUSTY(yes that is his official name) is scared of the lawnmower and was begging to go inside so he could get away from it. Too funny! He's getting big too!(not as big as thor though:)) Savannah at Music Makers with her friends Ethan and Alyssa. They were doing the "Funky Turkey". We are doing songs all month about Fall and Thanksgiving. We went to Ace Hardware today and I couldn't resist getting a picture of Baby Malin taking his first ride in the Shopping Cart Car. He really like honking the horn. Sweet Aubrey loves wearing those glasses.

Sorry if this picture makes you sad(because of the dead coyote)...but, Malin got his first Coyote!! How could I not post about that?!He went last weekend with bro Glen, and he did an awesome job calling them in. The Game and Fish actually want you to catch the coyotes, because they are so over populated, so I guess I shouldn't feel bad for the little feller, right?. Malin is quite the hunter.

Aubrey's latest Quotes

Aubrey is quite the talker and her imagination is flying.(Her sister teaches her so much) I have to write down some hilarious quotes that she has said recently. All day Savannah and Aubrey have been carrying around those sticks that you use to mix paint and pretending they were magic wands like Harry Potters. They would pretend to use there wand and turn me into different things like a frog, witch, monster etc. So later in the day Aubrey was disobeying me and I had to discipline her for it, and without skipping a beat she says," Mom, you're mean....... hurry Savannah, let's turn her into a witch!" Last week on Halloween, Aubrey was so excited to put her bumble bee costume on and go trick or treating. She was telling me how excited she was when all of the sudden she got this worried look on her face and she says to me, " Mom, all the kids are gonna tell me, 'Shew fly, don't bother me!'"