Ride! Bella Ride!

I came home from work on Thursday and Izabella told me that she learned how to ride her Bike that afternoon! I couldn't believe it! She has been so close in the past few weeks and she finally did it. We're so proud of her because we knew she could do it, she just had to believe it too! NOW, she can ride with the big dogs. This is what we get to see Friday and Saturday night, jealous?

Ahhhh.......this is the life!!

Just another night sitting out with friends talking about the week and what's going on and we all looked up to see this beautiful sky and remembered....I am SO grateful!

Texas Fun!

Here are all the other pictures of us having fun in TX over Fall Break. We really miss everyone back home and we hope to get back there soon. We're working on it as hard as we can!

Izabella finally let go and REALLY gave swimming a shot. Look how great she did!

Fun at Auntie Ann's & Uncle Wob's

While we were home we had a wonderful day and visit at Auntie Ann's and Uncle Rob's house on Sunday afternoon. Here are some shots of that day. You'll notice the girls started playing dress up and doing a nice fashion show. That's Auntie Ann, save up, you'll be having more girl time like this when Miss Ella gets big enough. By the way, I LOVE the backyard, it's really come together, I'm jealous! I think these cousins play well together! And what a bunch of good looking kids!

Fishes, Fishes and more Fishes..

David fell in love with fish when he started scuba diving years ago. So, he decided to bring that into the house. These are pictures of the 2 tanks he's got in the house. They are so cool and I can just sit and watch them for hours. You'll see him feeding some of them. There are also some pictures here of just some of the coi fish in the ponds outside next to the pool. He must have atleast 2 dozen of them and they are huge!

So proud of my big brother...

While we were home, I took a ton of pictures of my brother's house. It's just beautiful! They've been in the house for about 4 years now (I think) and it's still a work in progress, but I think they 've done more than they have to finish by now. I think the last few things to do are to replace all the windows, kitchen and to finish off the rest of the basement. I love staying there when we come to town because it truly is like a resort! Anyway, here are some pictures of the house. (these are in no particular order!)

While I was taking pictures of the house, I came across this wedding picture of David and Melissa and I just thought how beautiful it was and wanted to share it with some of you again and with some of you for the first time. They've been married now for 12 years! My how time flies!

We're off to TX to Surprise Grandpa Bill!

As you all know, we had planned a big surprise party for Grandpa Bill's 70th birthday! Still can't believe you're 70 Dad!! So, we're off!

Ah, to be home again, look at that beautiful sunset!

Now for the party. We got him! He had no clue, didn't even know that we were in town! He was completed shocked and ever so grateful that so many people would come to a party just for him! I don't know why, everyone I know loves him and were happy to be there to celebrate with him. Here are a few pictures from the party. For those of you that came, THANK YOU! you made him feel so special ! and for those of you that couldn't come, we missed you but take a look at how it all turned out!

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The 'ol string tied to the door trick...

So...Miss Izabella's front tooth was so loose that she decided instead of pulling it out, she wanted to try the string tied to the door trick like she's seen on America's Funniest Videos so many times. It was loose enough so Steve did his magic! You'll want to turn off my music at the bottom of this page first and then turn up your speakers to hear Steve's naration. Also, the boy in the background is Sandra's son Robert who just could NOT believe what Steve was doing. Apparently he's been threatened with this but never thought anyone ever really did it. He went home and told his parents and it started something like "you're never gonna believe what Mr. Steve just did..." Enjoy!

Right after the tooth popped out.....My poor little baby!

And 2 seconds later...My big front toothless young lady!

Most likely, this will be the one and only time we use the string to pull a tooth, we'll see, she's got 3 more almost ready to go. She's going to be wi-th-ing for her 2 front teeth for Christmas!

Check back soon, I have lots to post!!

We love and miss everyone!

Artists in the house.....

Izabella and I got creative this weekend. Izabella at school and me by command of Izabella. First is Izabella's 1st self portrait, that can only be seen within the confines of The Mingolla Kingdom. Not bad, eh? She wants to enter an Art contest at school with the theme of "WOW!'. She's still thinking about what she wants to do, I'll keep you all posted... Then, on Saturday while playing with Polly Pockets all morning, some how the clay came out and Izabella wanted to make cakes that Polly Pockets could come pay money for. So, we put our heads together and look what we came up with. I think we give the show "Ace of cakes" a run for their money, what do you think? Then as usual it was time to gather with friends outside. The weather has been awesome here lately, in the 80's and it's perfect at night with a little breeze. I snapped a few pictures of the kids, they were having so much fun!