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We had a great time visiting Mickey and his friends.  Even though we had a 5 day hopper pass for the two Disney parks, we still weren't able to see everything.  But, we definitely saw and rode a lot! 

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We've had a fun filled summer in AZ so far.  At the highest, we've had a count of 22 people present.  This number included 11 adults and 11 kids.  Highlights of our summer were Children's Museum of Phoenix visits, crafts, movies and story time at the library, meeting Ronald McDonald and a ventriliquist, eating free cookies, watching fireworks at the Peoria Sports Complex, sampling free chocolate on a chocolate tour, splashing at the splash park, watching the Selfish Giant play, playing games at the house, attending VBS, and of course endless hours of swimming!

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Jeremiah is officially 4!  As a four-year-old, Jeremiah enjoys spelling his name (first and last), singing songs, saying the Pledge of Allegiance, playing with his cars (of course!), and reading his books.  His current favorite book is Good Night Gorilla that was given by his Auntie Darlene for his 4th birthday.  He loves reading it and especially loves the page where the lights are turned off!  It makes him giggle every time.

This year, Jeremiah celebrated his birthday with his friend Aileen, aka "Allie", who is in his Preschool class and also goes to church with him.  These two four year olds are exactly two days apart.  On the day between their birthdays, they had afternoon tea with some friends, including special bear friends.  All the little ladies were picture perfect with their hats, gloves and frilly dresses.  The young gentlemen were dashing with their ties, collared shirts and jackets.  We hope everyone had a splendid time!

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Brendon turned two in January and is the cutest little lovebug ever.  Mommy is not too thrilled about her littlest one transforming into a toddler but little does he know, he will be her baby forever.

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The boys are back in school and go to the same school where mommy teaches.   Brendon's nursery class is just across the hallway from her 4th grade class and mommy loves peeking in to see how her baby is doing.  Jeremiah's Pre-K class is nearby too and one of mommy's favorite parts of the day is when she and Jeremiah are able to pass each other in the hallway and wave hello.

Mommy was laid off from work and was fortunate to stay at home with her boys for about 2 months.  Her last official day of employment with her former job was Friday, 11/14.  Her first day of work with her new job was Monday, 11/17.  So, she was never unemployed!  It was a little scary at first but God was always in control and had a plan...a better one.  We are thankful for mommy's new job and have been reminded that God is good!    

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We had a blast camping for the first time at White Horse Lake.  David and William went too.  We hiked, went fishing, had smores and slept in tents!  Hopefully we can go back again next summer.

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Jeremiah recently celebrated his third birthday.  Each day he is full of energy, ready to learn and take risks.  He's pretty good at throwing and catching a football, enjoys shooting hoops and playing with his sandbox.  Last weekend he learned how to scoot around with a scooter that mommy found for him at a garage sale for just $1.  He's constantly asking "What's that?" and counting with his fingers.  Some of his favorites right now are his Doc Hudson car and coloring his coloring book.

Brendon is doing fabulous too.  He's taking steps...the most unassisted is 6.  He enjoys sitting in his swing in the backyard, watching his big brother play and sometimes joining him too.  He's been a little cranky lately because his 9th tooth is coming in.  Brendon loves waving his hand "bye-bye" and blowing kisses.  Mommy and daddy especially love when he gives away wet kisses!

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We can't believe our baby Brendon is already one.  Brendon's favorite thing to do right now is use everything as a walker.  He pushes around his chair, his table, tall toys...anything that will move!  He hasn't let go yet but we know he'll be walking on his own any day now.  He loves climbing on top of things, like the Nemo car he and his brother share or big boxes.  He especially loves dropping his paci on the side of his crib.  One time mommy found TEN pacifiers behind his crib!  Brendon was sick a lot this month but is feeling much better now.  

Jeremiah is also growing up so fast!  Right now his favorite number is 5.  He asks for "5  minutes" before bedtime, 5 more minutes to play with a toy, 5 pieces of M&Ms... 5 more of everything!  Jeremiah loves to sing his ABCs and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.  He especially loved singing Happy Birthday to his baby brother last week!    

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This Christmas we were blessed to have CA family from the Gacusan side come visit us in Arizona for 8 days!  We were able to do so many things together as a family.  We went ice skating 2 times, drove through a light display, played and fed ducks at a park, had fun with snow at the Glendale Winter Wonderland, enjoyed many nights of game night and celebrated 2 birthdays, one at Chuck E. Cheese, the other at a Japanese restaurant.  Although we missed all our friends and family who were in CA, we had a wonderful time with our visitors.  If you want to see pictures of our fun time together stop by the Photo Albums section.

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Jeremiah and Brendon celebrated their first Thanksgiving in AZ at their Tito Bill's house. 

Big Brother is our little chatterbox now.  He's learning more and more words everyday and often surprises mommy and daddy with a new word he's learned.  He loves to pray and bless everyone and everything that he loves each night.   When it's time for mommy and daddy to leave, he gives a flying kiss with one hand, a flying kiss with the other, waves bye-bye with one hand, then bye-bye with the other.  Sometimes, he lastly waves with both hands at the same time!  During this whole ceremonial goodbye, mommy and daddy have to follow every move he does with the correct hand.  If it's the wrong hand, he'll let us know.  Other favorite things to do is spy on motorcycles and semi-trucks while riding in the car.  He lets mommy and daddy know everytime he spys a motorcylce or "Mack's brother".

Little brother is on the move.  This past month he learned how to sit up on his own, crawl and stand.  He still holds onto furniture or anything nearby.  Soon he'll be cruising around!  He loves to eat and show off all his new teeth with his goofy smile. 

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Jeremiah is 2 years and 5 months old now.  He enjoys going to his twaddler class and playing outside with his friends.  He loves doing the motions to the song "The Wheels on the Bus", has excellent vision and often points out airplanes high in the sky.  He can count to seven all by himself and mumbles bits and pieces of the alphabet song.

Brendon is now 7 months old.  He can sit on his own now but still falls over once in awhile. He has his first tooth coming in!    It hasn't come out all the way but it's definitely there!  He's an expert roller now and has the desire to move...soon he'll be crawling.  He loves watching his brother play and has hopes to join him soon!  For now, he enjoys playing with all the toys that Kuya brings to him to play with.

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Mommy and Brendon went to CA for Uncle Jim and Auntie Joy's wedding in Napa.  Brendon got to meet a lot of family for the first time!   Brendon did such a good job during both plane rides.  He slept almost the whole time much to mommy's relief.  It was nice seeing everyone!

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We celebrated our first Independence Day in Peoria, AZ.  Luckily we live really close to a sports complex that puts on a firework show every year.  We walked down the street one block away, sat in our camping chairs, and watched all the colorful fireworks.

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Our boys are growing fast. 

Brendon is still our hungry little baby eating every two hours or so.  He's starting to follow things with his eyes and can lift his head pretty well.  His daily activities are eating, sleeping, burping, unfortunately throwing up at times, and consistantly going to the bathroom.

Jeremiah loves being a big brother.  He does what he can to comfort Brendon when he's unhappy.  One time he tried to share his sippy cup by throwing it at Brendon.  He meant well but he accidentally bonked him in the head instead. 

Jeremiah has officially added Brendon to the family.  Before he would mention Mama, Dada, and Bubba (himself) when referring to the family.  Now he always includes "baby".  Jeremiah asks for "baby" when he can't see him and always wants to lie down next to him.  He is already doing a great job as a big brother. 

Mommy and Daddy are tired from limited sleep but are proud parents and love watching their boys grow.  We look forward to when Jeremiah and Brendon are able to really play together. 

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Welcome to the family Brendon Bryce!  We look forward to watching you grow, explore and learn.  We love you!