Hey there 2014! Looking good! *Wink*

 So this year started with Mark returning to work after a very much appreciated long leave of absence (Thanks babe!). Like always, he let himself go. Here is a pic of his "cleaned up" version...

Still VERY handsome!! 

At the end of January we celebrated Gracie's 7th birthday. 7 years old! She's practically all grown up... or so she thinks ;-)

Look at her reading all by herself!! Such a smart cookie ;-) Happiest birthday wishes sweetheart!

We've got hawk spirit, yes we do! We've got spirit, how bout you?!! In case you haven't heard...

THE SEAHAWKS WON THE SUPER BOWL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Half of our group was under the weather but we still managed to have a fun night rooting for the Hawks. Man, that game was soooo awesome!! Still get goose pimples thinking about it!

The next couple of pics are of the boys in their natural habitat... 

Waiting for mom to finish nursing baby brother. This big brother stuff is exhausting!

Taking a dump in the dump truck - no seriously, that's what he did. Boys will be boys I guess.

Luca chillin with Trooper Francis...

For Valentines day Nana sent the kiddos these ADORABLE cards (the photos don't do them justice).

Thank you Nana (& Papa)!!!

Something didn't smell right so mark did some investigating. 

He interrogated Luca, but got nowhere with him...

This kid wasn't crackin. 

On a more serious note, Luca was blessed! On feb 16th mark prayed over him and gave him a wonderful blessing. He blessed him to be strong; physically, mentally, and most importantly, spiritually. He blessed him to know right from wrong and to be able to withstand the evils of the world and be a light unto others. He prayed for many other things and ended the blessing with "Luca, my son, I love you." I am continually reminded of why I love my husband so much.

Grandma & Pop came to support Luca on his big day :-)

 * All I need and want *

Luca in his handmade outfit made with love by grandma francis - Thank you grandma!! 

(p.s. what a cutie!!)

So this year is starting off well and we're excited for all of the fun things that await us!

A new post! Believe it.

 First of all, I can't believe I have found time to blog!! Second, I can't believe how much I need to blog about! I have October, November, and December to write about and I should probably start in October but the pictures downloaded opposite of how I intended them t,o so I'm going to start with Christmas morning and work my way back from there.

The kiddos with their Santa gifts

This pic of Ezra reminds me of Mark-e :-)

I'm getting a Janis Joplin vibe... ;-)

Presents open, now time for monkey bread!! :-p

Christmas eve at aunt Jill's. Luca with great-grandpa Jeff. (I was surprised at how well my grandpa took care of Luca - so attentive and well-informed on cradling and burping, etc. Made me smile :-)

The grandkids (Ezzy hamming it up ;-)

On the 23rd we went to' The lights of Christmas' at Warm Beach, with our good friends...

1

The Francis' & The Kinnears. I remember when it was just Bob & Sarah and Mark & Anne double dating way back in high school. My how we have grown! ;-)

On the 22nd my brother Andrew came over to watch the Seahawks and meet Luca. He looks good with a baby in his arms (hint, hint...;-)

GO HAWKS!!!

TEAM SPIRIT!

BABY + "BA BA" + SEAHAWKS = 'That's how we roll'

"FEAST MODE"

A couple days prior it snowed!!...

"SNOW-BODY" LOVES YOU LIKE I DO! :-)

Notice the pink boots on Z's feet? Those belonged to Grace when she was a lil tike. The snow pants were also hers - and minus the flowers on the suspenders and the pink lining they worked well for baby brother! I knew saving her clothes for 6 years would pay off :-)

Luca's 1st bath at home :-) 

(Who's Luca? Keep reading and you'll find out! ;-)

Annual Christmas card pic

With each new kid this christmas card photo thing gets tougher and tougher!! But tradition calls ;-)

Introducing: 

Luca Vernon Francis

8 lbs. 12 oz.

19 3/4 inches long

Born on December 16, 2013

Sweet baby Lu

Had to take a few pics with a Christmas hat on my Christmas baby! ;-)

* LOVE *

*SHOWTIME!*

Hello my sweet baby boy #2 

Grandma Francis forgot to pack a diaper bag when she brought the kiddos up to the hospital so Ezzy decided to teach her a lesson and he filled his shorts. Quick thinking lead to a mandatory photo...

A huge maxi pad + tape = problem solved!

"The Franciebugs"

On Thanksgiving we spent the day with Mark's family which included Mark's Brother Brian and his family and Mark's sister Ann-Marie and her girls.

Ezzy (14 months) & Sora (20 months)

"You talking to me?!"

The girls (prior to Thanksgiving feast)

On Halloween, Gracie's school does a wacky hair and sock day en luei of wearing costumes.

Halloween night Ezzy sported Gracie's old costume

Ezzy was a logger during our walk through downtown Arlington's trick or treating. I wish his brown mustache hadn't worn off prior to taking this picture - it was so cute!

Ezzy's official costume was a Ninja/Karate kid and Gracie was a beautiful & Mysterious vampire

The first weekend in October we went to a pumpkin farm with Grandma & pop Francis and our friend,s The Hedahls. Here, Gracie is plugging her ears in anticipation of the pumpkin cannon.

For some reason Ezzy was petrified of the goats. (?)

My goodness this pretty little girl isn't so little anymore! :-(

Dressed like a kitty I just had to take a 'selfie' ME-ow ;-)