Pi Day

Pi day (3.14 - March 14 for those of you who have forgotten your math) is actually known around these parts as my birthday! According to Olivia though, I don't have birthdays. She really didn't think I didn't have a birthday because I didn't have a birthday cake. The mind of a three year old, too cute.

Thanks mom for having me!

Laurie and her family were up for Spring Break so that morning we had a brunch at my mom's house - very yummy raspberry and blueberry waffles, opened a couple presents, and heard my birthday story from my mom again. Laurie found some garbage pail kid cards a few months ago and just waited to give them to me. We died laughing over some of them but the one that really got me was IV IVY - gross! But for some reason I was in tears laughing over it.

My crinkled nose - happens when I laugh

The day was nice and laid back, I read a bit, wanted to nap but that didn't happen with 4 kids around, and we ate at Rainforest Cafe because we promised Olivia we'd go there for spring break. I embarrassed Todd though. The waiter brought out a volcano and made me stand on a chair and flap my arms like a chicken while everyone sang to me. The girls thought I was pretty funny.

Here's to another year older and wiser too!

Someone else really loved the raspberries!

Just thought I'd throw in these silly faces the girls were making at breakfast

Turning 7

Our sweet Abby has turned 7!!! Where has time gone?

For her birthday Abby wanted a balloon party, so a balloon party it was. I don't think I've ever blown up so many balloons. They were/are everywhere!

Saturday morning we went swimming as a family, came back for presents and then watched a movie until Abby's family party with Gma, Gpa, and Aunt Monica that evening.

We played a few games - keep away with balloons and hitting the balloon in the air to see how many times we could do it without it touching the ground. Balloon faces were a hit and the girls pretended that they were people and talked behind them. Even Gigi got into the fun. Her balloon was named Agata Fanogledink.

Thinking hard about her wish.

Abby had given me specific specifications on what type of cake she wanted and how I should decorate it.

She wrote up a sheet that described what games to play, what she wanted for the dinner (roast and mashed potatoes) and a drawing of the cake. Abby was very thorough.

I was also given a type written note on what Abby wanted and who to invite:

What she wants

I pod

Magnfig glass

Real binoculars

Camra

Whos gona come

Grampa

Grama

monica

my family

Love:

Abby

Opening her presents, she did get one thing off her list- an I pod shuffle.

Friday was Abby's actual birthday. The morning started off with breakfast at IHOP with Gigi and Gpa.

That afternoon, to celebrate we went to Legoland that just opened this summer 10 minutes from our house. We spent a good 4 hours there and Alec was even great the whole time. We had a very fun filled weekend celebrating our favorite 7 year old!

WE LOVE YOU ABBY!

You bring life and energy into our home.

Olivia's Party

Disclaimer - Sorry for the mass of pictures. I got a new lens for Christmas & went a little crazy taking photos.

We celebrated Olivia's b-day with a little family party Friday night- Aunt Monica, and Grandma and Grandpa P were able to join us. I surprised myself by doing carpool, making the cake, and making Olivia's blanket all before 5:00. Dinner was easy, we ordered pizza.

Since Olivia loves Minnie Mouse I made her a Minnie Mouse cake. This was the first time I've ever made fondant so I only used it for the mouse heads, dots, and letters. I was happy how they turned out. I'm going to have to try a whole cake in fondant next time.

The bad thing about black fondant/icing, it makes your tongue turn black too but only for a little bit.

Abby looks a little crazy here.

One of Olivia's favorite things is her love-y bear she got when she was born. She takes it everywhere.

Giving Dad a nose kiss.

Opening presents.

Loves her new pillow pet bunny and blanket.

Playing in the new tunnel - love the hair!

Abby and Kaitlyn dressed up for the party. Abby was so into getting ready for the party. On Thursday morning before school, she was in tears thinking we were going to have the party without her. She was very into decorating the house for the party on Friday.

Todd took Kaitlyn's hat - Yeehaw!

Abby being goofy.

Dancing to one of her musical cards.

Olivia's 2!

Birthday

Blessing Day

1 year old

2 years old

Our darling Olivia has turned two! She is such a sweet and agreeable child. We just love having her around. She so much fun to be around. She likes it when Todd picks her up high so she can touch lights and ceilings in the house. Her favorites are watching Baby Einstein videos, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse or Dora. She'll scream "movie please" in the car until you put one on. The kid is a TV junky. She can count to 5, loves to sing (Sunbeam, Follow the Prophet, and Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes are favorites), loves to read books, dance, and play outside. We can lay her down in bed and say "close your eyes" and she will. She doesn't get out of her toddler bed until we come in and get her in the morning. Of course she lets us know when she's awake by saying "Mommy!" Olivia is great at making silly eyes at you and she is talking so much and so well (a lot better than her 2 sisters were at this age). And Olivia is quite the eater. Once you start setting the table, she'll climb up into her chair and wait there until dinner. She loves her food.

We all love being around her and she loves being with her sisters. We love watching this little girl grow and develop and see her personality come out. I just love kissing her sweet cheeks, listening to her little run across the floor, and hearing her squeal when you chase her.

OLIVIA WE LOVE YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Kaitlyn Turns 4!

Kaitlyn turned 4 on August 21st. She is getting so big! She is obsessed with anything Tinker Bell so what better way to celebrate than with a Tinker Bell party. Her friends came dressed in their fairy best. We played some fun fairy related games, ate a green Tinker Bell cake, and had lots of fun playing together. Other than her party all she wanted to do on her day was eat Mac n' Cheese, play with her presents, and watch a movie. It was a fun and simple day to celebrate our little girl.

I went easy on the cake since I wasn't feeling very good that week I didn't put too much into it but Kaitlyn loved that I made it green inside and it had Tinker Bell.

And each girl went home with a fairy wand that Abby helped me make.

Kaitlyn is such a great little girl. She has an infectious laugh and is sweet spirited - when she has enough sleep :) She loves dogs, polly pockets, Tinker Bell, the color green, gymnastics, and being as independent as she can. Kaitlyn has really grown up over the past couple months and is a big helper around the house. We love having Kaitlyn in our family - we're glad we have her for forever!

WE LOVE YOU KAITLYN!