The Guard

I was walking by the stairs about to take something up, and noticed all the sofa pillows blocking the stairwell. Looking around a bit more, I noticed our son just standing in the corner, very still and quiet. 

After lots of questions and no answers, I started walking up through the barricade.  It's only then when I realized who he was.  He was the protector of the princess.  :)

I love their imagination on cold, wintry days!

Wal-Mart trip

After last weekend's Quinceanera, the little one has been wearing her princess dresses a lot.  While wearing one yesterday, we needed to go to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things.  She wanted to go, and since it was raining, also put on her pink rain boots.


She brought her birthday & Christmas money to buy a Princess Barbie, and looked so cute in the aisle.  Those passing by would just stop and stare with the biggest smile on the faces.  To the little one, she was in her own little world, unaware of how precious this scene was.









The older one and some friends were the real reason we needed to go.  They have "spirit week" next week at school and needed matching t-shirts.

Once they got home, they glued rhinestones to the shirt, added some paint, and made hair bows.












After lots of giggles, popcorn, and chocolate milk, the shirts turned out really cute.

Quinceanera

This weekend, we had the privilege of attending a Quinceanera, an Hispanic celebration of a girl turning 15 ("quince" in Spanish).


It begins with a Mass and continues with a 5 hr reception/dance, much like a wedding.

Our daughter and the
Quinceanera have been friends for about 10 years, being buddies in soccer, girl scouts, at school, and other activities.  It's been fun watching them grow from the little elementary girls to beautiful young ladies.







Our little one was especially drawn to the event.  And why not?  The whole party is centered around the 15 yr old girl on her birthday, with cake, flowers, beautiful dresses, a crown, and a royal court.  It's their one day to be a princess.

The little one was glued to the dance floor, picking up all the latest dance moves and creating a few of her own. Our oldest had a great time, too, with so many of her friends there.  I'm really proud of her for wearing a dress to the event instead of running shorts!








As the party continued, the little one started getting sleepy.  She talked all the way home about her "quinceanera" and what kind of dress she will wear.  Then I had to break the news to her:  we're of German decent, not Hispanic.  Then she started to cry.  I guess maybe we'll surprise her tomorrow with one of her dolls having a quinceanera.

Indoor Hockey

I was upstairs and hadn't heard from the kids in a while, so I went to check on them.  They were out in the garage making something with duct tape , some hooks, and long poles.  I probably should have asked what  they were making, but they were all getting along, so I  let it go.

The next thing I hear is the pitter-patter of feet running around on the hard wood floor.  I come down to find something resembling hockey.  I have no idea where the goals are, but I'm not sure I even want all the details. 

They have been playing long enough for me to snap some pictures and make this post,  but I think I just heard someone call time out.  Either the "puck" is lost, something broke, or more duct tape is needed.  I'm so glad I cleaned up the house today....

Hockey Night

While the kids were out of school these past two weeks, we enjoyed a lot of family time in playing games, exercising, and outings.  One of our outings was to the Greenville Road Warriors hockey game!  

Christmas 2011

Our Christmas morning began with opening presents at 7am!  We each open one gift at a time to allow the moment to last a bit longer.....

Their faces are full of joy, while the little one wants to help open all the presents.  It's all so precious and priceless!

With little sleep, even Mom & Dad wouldn't trade these moments for the world!

Then, off to church to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!  Have a wonderful Christmas season everyone!

Birthday Girl!

     


Our little girl turned 5 years old today!

Our family tradition is to serve breakfast in bed.  She chose mini waffles with syrup, fresh fruit, and milk.

After a busy day at school with piano lessons and another party, she wanted McDonalds for dinner.  Yeah - we were all so thrilled....  Anyway, ate some nuggets & apple slices, played with the happy meal toy, then off to gymnastics.






Finally, we're home for the night and we get our family time to open presents and eat cupcakes!    These are the memories of being a mom, and I wish time could stand still....  :)

             

Christmas Program

Our little one had her annual Christmas program on Sunday. The alter was decorated beautifully, and the students marched in perfectly.

This first clip is one of her 3 class' songs. They just sang one, played hand bells on another, and then this final song. You've probably heard the 12 Days of Christmas, but I'll bet never like this!

http://youtu.be/ULFin4v9COo

This last clip below was supposed to be showing off the talented voices of the staff while the children clapped along. However, one of the students decided to dance, and others eventually began to dance as well. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgNMn2Gi5tM

Zoo Birthday Party

Our little girl is turning 5 this week, and with gorgeous weather, we decided to have her party at the zoo!














With 12 boys & girls, all running from exhibit to exhibit, the parents took turns on who had to run to catch up!

They saw elephants, giraffes, orangutans, and lions, each more alert than I've ever seen them before. I guess the cooler weather made them more active.

The kids looked so cute pressing their little noses & cheeks against the glass. I can just imagine all those finger prints.

We had time to play on the playground before eating cupcakes and opening presents.

Before we sang the birthday song, everyone had to wipe their hands with wipies & germex. Not that any of them needed it, though. :)

Then, lots of icing on the faces to clean up!

Afterwards, the birthday girl enjoyed opening up all the presents! She got Barbies, Dora legos, games, a doll, and a cute outfit. She talked all the way home about how she was going to play with them all.

Breakfast with Santa

We enjoyed waking up last Saturday morning and starting off our day with a wonderful breakfast with Santa!











The physicians plan this for all the employees and it's such a great time for all the kids (and parents, too!).













There are crafts like cookie decorating and making ornaments, then the best part, talking to Santa!

What a wonderful morning to kick off a beautiful Christmas season!