Family Pictures.

I decided this year not to attempt family pictures on my own...i think i made the right choice! A few of my favorite family pictures by the super sweet and talented Paula Unruh from this fall!

A Tea Party.

Ava requested a Tea Party for her 7th birthday, so i brushed up on my tea etiquette and away we went! We had 'real' tea, mini sandwiches, mini doughnuts (made with cheerios, candy melts and sprinkles), mini peanut butter blossoms, and cake pops! After our tea instructions there was MUCH eating (girls still know how to eat!), a princess quiz, tea bingo, presents and my homemade pinatas! I probably will never make a homemade pinata out of paper mache again. Way to messy and tedious. The paper bag held up MUCH longer and got several more swats out of it! Live and learn :) Where will Ava's party be next year? Not here. lol.

The Adventures of Mr. Froggy

I have been wanting to make a book for Marin for quite some time now and finally got it done. It's so simple, BUT i can't wait to see her face when she opens it on Christmas! She is going to be in Froggy Heaven :) Click on the link below to open and view my very first book publication ;)

Click here to view this photo book larger

Turn your favorite photos into a photo book at Shutterfly.com.

Merry Christmas!

Wish i could send a card to ALL of my family and friends! I love Shutterfly's new cards this year. This one recaps our year without having to write an entire letter. Click on the highlighted 'Shutterfly' above to read it without squinting. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Family Highlights Spectrum Holiday Card

Create custom new year's invitations at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

7.

Today my baby girl is S.E.V.E.N! I can't believe it. Although their are different challenges as she grows older, we love her to death! She is such a good big sister, second mommy to Cai and AWESOME student! I sometimes wonder where she gets her book smarts from! With each year I have realized Ava has SO much compassion in her young heart. Compassion for the sick, friends, family. Her love language is through words of encouragement, hugs and kisses. She is easily frustrated when she can't do something 'perfect' BUT she has such a gentle spirit when it comes to helping others. Happy 7th Birthday Ava! STOP growing!

*in case you didn't notice, Ava received an electric scooter for her birthday (from grandma & us). She had a rough start learning to ride, but after one afternoon of a little mommy/Ava time, she is now a pro!

Oink.

I have a pig over here. A real live human one. This boy can EAT and EAT and EAT. I thought he was slowing down, until the night feedings began again last week (i thought i had a through the night sleeper!) I was only half way prepared to be producing this much food for this famished boy, SO i decided we would start cereal early. My girls didn't care too much for it but Cai LOVED it at first bite. Now when he sees the bowl, he smiles...his breathing starts getting heavy and he looks at me with those pleading BIG blue eyes. LOVE this boy.

Flower Girl.

 

Last Saturday we attended my cousin's wedding in Kearney, Nebraska. Ava was SO excited because they had asked her to be the Flower Girl! She was most excited that she got to be dressed as a 'princess' all day complete with a hair and nail makeover! After the wedding was a beautiful reception and dance-which. The girls LOVE my cousin Luke-he likes to party just like them! My girls would have danced all night, but since we were almost 2 hours from G&G's house, we had to head back early. Such a FUN day!