Goodbye Bauer, a baptism and another surgery (Sep-Dec '18)

In September we celebrated my 30th birthday with pizza by the pool. We had a family reunion with Jared's mom's side of the family. We had some beautiful weather and spent a lot of time going on walks and enjoying our neighborhood parks. We also took away the twin's binkies, and turned the twins' cribs into toddler beds. Then we separated them into their own rooms, and moved Zoey's room downstairs. I think the transition has been great!

On October 10th, 2018, we had to say goodbye to our sweet Bauer dog. He had been a part of our family for 9 years, so it was hard on us. We had known for several months that he possibly had cancer (he had an oral tumor and the vet told us it was probably cancerous) but because he was acting normal, we didn't expect him to leave us anytime soon. Then, when October rolled around, he all of the sudden stopped eating and drinking, and started throwing up. After 2 days of this we took him to the vet where they discovered another tumor and a blockage in his intestines. He suffered in the animal hospital for a few more days and then we were able to say our goodbyes with hugs and pets before he left us. We miss our sweet doggy, and will cherish every memory! Soon after, we went to Albuquerque to visit Jared's sister and to go to the hot air balloon fiesta. For Halloween this year, we had an iron man, a super man, a belle, and a pineapple. Also, Kyler lost his first tooth in October!

In November, Zoey took her first steps (finally!). I was Facetiming Jared while he was at work, then I pointed the phone at Zoey so she could see who I was talking to, and she stood up and just walked right over to the phone to say hi to daddy. We celebrated Jared's 35th birthday with a date night to Texas Roadhouse and then we celebrated Kyler's 8th birthday with his cousins and best friend…they went to the movie theater. We spent Thanksgiving at the Jager's house this year.

In December, Kyler chose to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We are so proud of him! The day after Kyler was baptized the twins had their 4th birthday! Zoey also had her LAST surgery (to remove the mole on her head that had increased risk of developing melanoma) near the end of December, and then we celebrated Christmas! Our main gifts this year: Jared got a traeger (he smoked brisket for the family for Christmas dinner), I got a new camera lense (which I've already been using and love!) Kyler got Razor roller wheels (which he is not coordinated enough to use yet haha) and a robot. Ryan got Zuma tubes and a big fire truck, Lyla got a makeup vanity, and princess costume/accessories and Zoey got a babydoll, stroller, and a peek-a-boo puppy.

Sorry, but these pictures will all be out of order: