Anika's Newest Possession

Well, here they are! Unfortunately for Anika, she needed to start ortho work in second grade - ugh! Today she got her braces on, another week and she'll get her expander in. Oy vey! As you can tell, she definitely needs them;-)
Anika's take: "Achy, but ok!" (She choose the blue/gold bands to show her school spirit!)

Andrew's 6th Birthday Party

Andrew was so excited to celebrate his 6th birthday with a "friends" party. He was able to celebrate his "rocket" party with the 5 little boys from school and church. What a fun day! When the kids arrived, Andrew was showing off his "Airhog" rocket that shoots 50 ft. in the air when you jump on the "launch" pad. Then we enjoyed his rocket cake with candles and singing. After opening gifts, we all headed out to Mistlin Park to launch the model rockets that Dad (and Drew) and been working on. I think a good time was had by all.

Drew's cake: A welcome to the party sign:

The birthday boy:

Launching the rocket:

Mom gets in on the action:

A bunch of boys:

Making a wish:

This beautiful Friday the 13th afternoon was a perfect day to go launch rockets. The boys stood on the hill for the countdown while each took a turn pressing the launch button.

A perfect launch:

Anika's 8th Birthday Party

Having two birthdays right on the heels of Christmas and New Years continues to sneak up on me, every year. I tried to be more together this year. Even though Anika's birthday isn't until Sunday (8 on the 8th). I let me have a slumber-themed birthday party so we thought it best to do it over Christmas break. We kept it very simple -- just two of her closest friends (which was a trial in itself to pick. . .) Then we made a cake, had pizza for dinner, a pedicure by Mom, and a homemade movie theater. I think fun was had by all.

Anika decorating her pj bottoms. (I was intending to make a blue jean cake but an inspired Anika asked for this and helped in the adjustments):

Happy girl!

A pedicure at home:

A movie in bed:

Our big screen:

A pillow from Paige (perfectly "on theme"):

Friendship bracelet kit from Raegan:

All that hard work about to be eaten:

3 blows this year to get all the candles out: