Day 220/365 ~ 2012

Andrew turns 7 today!!
I took the kids to see "Ice Age ~ Continental Drift" then we met Daddy at Oak's Amusement Park!



The kids loved it!





Or at least most of it. The Bug wasn't thrilled about this ride.  We've discovered this summer that our confident, outgoing girl isn't much of a thrill seeker in general. :)  She's like her mama ~ likes her feet on solid ground.



But there were lots of smiles throughout the afternoon, and then we headed home for presents and cupcakes!



"That was my Best Birthday Ever!" ~ Said Andrew in the car on the way home.

Happy 7th Birthday sweet boy!  We love you!!!

Day 148/365 ~ 2012

Matthew is 9!!





His last year as a "single digit."  Sigh.



I'd like to stick my toe out and trip the passage of time.  I could sit right here and enjoy my Matthew ~ who is not quite a little boy and not quite a teenager either ~ for quite some time.  He is nine years worth of sweetness, with just a touch of "I know everything because I'm 9".

Nana left in the morning after gift opening.



Matthew definitely looks like a "tweener" with his new ipod. Preloaded with music ranging from the Muppets, to Vacation Bible School songs, to some classic rock of Dan's selection.



We always do a family activity to celebrate birthdays (the friend party is next weekend) ~ Mathew's choice: Miniature golf!  (Love Kaitlin's frowny face!) :)






Brandi joined us for dinner at Red Robin and then cupcakes (Matthew's choice: Oreo!) at home for dessert!




Happy Birthday, Matthew!!!
You are such a joy & we love you soooo much!!!

Day 37/365 ~ 2012

(I skipped Day 36, Feb. 5th, so that I could use more photos in my book for Kaitlin's birthday).



Kaitlin turned 4 today.
I'm okay with that. It somewhat feels like a continuation of 3.
Five will be a different story.
After a rough start, we rallied and ended up having a great day.



Her wish?
Ice skating!
We picked up the boys a half hour early from school and went as a family.
Lots of falling, but we lasted an hour.



The Bug loved it and is already asking to go back so she can do her "Ice Skating Performance."
Her red nose tells the tale of the temperature in the ice skating rink.
Brrrr!



Followed by a toasty warm dinner at Red Robin.
And for those of us who dieted for the last 5 weeks, this meal was much anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed!

With a big cake in the works for her party on Saturday, I thought we could get by with the Red Robin sundae on her birthday. Her disappointment led me to DQ where she was delighted to pick out a "puppy cake."

She was thrilled, I tell you. (Tell me again, why I spent hours making fondant ruffles for her cake?) :)



Make a wish!

Happy 4th Birthday, Bugaboo!

Day 34/365

Oh the fun a girl can have with ribbon and a glue gun!

Sweet wands that I found for $1 at JoAnn's.

I embellished them with flowers and ribbons to match Katie's party.

Day 30/365

The glass slipper awaiting the princess.

The King of the castle has been a gem.  

Taking the little princess and princes out to play so preparations for the ball can continue.

Word has it, the Queen has been enjoying her royal crafting time.

Day 29/365

It's Birthday week!

Kaitlin's party is next Saturday. I'm crafting away.

Kaitlin's 3rd birthday photo banner hanging on the fireplace.

I love to look at these photos and see my little girl grow.

Day 19/365

The results of some of my evening crafting....

English Crackers for Kaitlin's Princess party!  

Those tiny folds for the rosettes are time consuming, but oh so cute.