Turning nine!

Party themes:

Turning seven--Star Wars

Turning eight--Legos

Turning nine--Lego Star Wars!

I'm sensing a theme here. Well, yesterday we celebrated Andrew's birthday. Instead of having a bunch of boys over to the house (which is what we usually do) we decided to shake it up. Andrew picked a family outing and we invited two friends along. Bowling it was! The kids had the fun crazies when they came over and had a great game of bowling. It is amusing to watch young kids run down the lane and huck the ball with all their might. In a variety of hilarious hucking methods. Daniel had is best run of strikes ever--4 of them! And two spares! I used the bumpers a few more times than I would have liked, but there's something nice about seeing pins go down even though you know you didn't deserve them.

Andrew about to indulge in his Lego Yoda cake.
The friends and the sisters!
Check out this guy...only nine year olds can look that good!
I love how the girls are so exuberant about the gifts they pick for their brother!
Cool rock science stuff from Grandma and Grandpa Stewart!
Hey, I get cake too!

5 months and counting...

...since I have fixed my family macaroni and cheese or fish sticks or corn dogs for dinner.

Go me. Go you.

life's latest lessons

If your daughter only wears leotards and the same t-shirt and skirt every day it really cuts down on the laundry!

Snow that has been outside for a well over a month is not suitable for eating. (A lesson for my daughters, mind you.)

Check when the recital is before you sign up for ballet class.

Your kids show their true colors when you are sick and have been puking all night--you may never see them as helpful and sweet as you do then. It's almost worth being so ill.

"Don't Eat Pete" is a hilarious game.

"Honey, I Blew Up the Kid" is a sequel worth letting the kids enjoy. My kids laughed their heads off. (Cleanliness disclaimer: someone says the "d" word once.)

Considering the number of friends over compared to the number of square feet to play in, my kids have the nicest Mom ever. Sorry ladies, but I win. For today.

new hair

It's officially and undeniably short. And I like it.

bye, friends

I'm not going to write a long sappy post, but I could. Two special people in my life are leaving Wisconsin.

Cynthia recently ventured off to Portland (far yes--but at least this gives me a chance to pop in and see her when we're there to see family)...and DeAnn is off to Ohio. Not so far...so we'll have to make the drive sometime!
Boo hoo. I am sad. They are awesome ladies and such fun friends. I much prefer they stay here, but I will let go and wish them the best on life's new adventures.

Christmas...

...Cookies
...Dresses

...Ballet

...Eve Dinner and Nativity

...Eve Presents (snow globes. precious.)

...Gifts for Santa and his reindeer

...Morning






...Breakfast

...Cheer! We hope your Christmas celebrations were wonderful!!

Milestones

Eliza: Stopped sucking her thumb! Much less painful of an experience than I was anticipating. It began with tying a ribbon to her thumb to remind her not to put it in her mouth. Then we tied the ribbon to a bracelet she earned by not sucking her thumb at bedtime. Each night for a while she wore the bracelet with the ribbon to remind her. Then we painted her nails and now the polish reminds her. She doesn't suck her thumb at all anymore. Yes!!

Andrew: Has taken a small step out on his own. To explain, Andrew has a fear of separation from us. Doesn't affect him at school, but does for most other experiences without us. Like scouts. Normally Daniel would be at the church at the same time as Cub Scouts. Well, he doesn't have to be anymore, so we sent Andrew to scouts with another family. And he did it! He went and was picked up and didn't melt down! Even bigger, he went to a birthday party at an ice skating rink. He rode there with a buddy and came back with them. No problems! Is this a taste of freedom I am feeling?