That time again. . .

Every year I'm surprised when Anika's birthday arrives so close to the holiday break. Once again we're scrambling to put a party together. (I was a little bit better this year.) However, I must say that I love choosing and decorating cakes for my kiddos. This year Anika is having a "Craft (or DIY) Party". (Thanks to Jen and Ella for the inspiration!!!). We are having make your own snacks, craft time, and this artist's palette cake. Again, Anika was so excited to help me decorate her cake. We were really pleased with the results. Here are a few shots of the process. I'll post pictures of the party tomorrow after 6 little girls invade my house. Anika is SO excited.
Here are a few of our past cakes: 5th birthday and 6th birthday

My nearly seven-year-old:


A work in progress:

The finished product:

Happy girl:

Happy New Year!

With surgery, sickness and funerals, our break wasn't turning out quite like I had imagined so I was so blessed when we were able to enjoy a delightful New Year's weekend. New Year's Eve was a family game night. And we had so much fun playing chess, Dutch Blitz, and Life. As the kids get older I so enjoy introducing them to these games. We munched on Chex mix and a cheese ball, watched AFV and stayed up late (9:30 gasp!). After the kiddos were in bed, I was able to get in my holiday puzzle time in front of a warm fire and then toast the New Year with Dick Clark (oh, and my hubby!) And if that wasn't enough we had a wonderful New Year's Day visit at the Rhoda Dairy. (Andrew couldn't be happier wallowing in "mud" and hang out with the guys shooting a bb gun.) More games and good food to kick off 2011.

Dutch Blitz with Mom: Chess with Dad:

Marching to the beat of her own drum (and STILL not potty trained):

Christmas Cookies

Third time is the charm! We've decorated cookies with Mom's club and friends on a playdate but this was the first time I captured images with my camera. Boy, I've got to get better with my picture taking:-) We had a great time frosting, sprinkling, and (of course) sampling!

Christmas Tree Lane, cont'd

Daddy wasn't able to join us the first trip down Christmas Tree Lane so the kids were very excited to take him. (This time I didn't forget my camera!)

Christmas Tree Lane

I must be slipping in my old age -- I have to blog about an event to which I FORGOT to bring my camera!!!! The kids and I went to ooh and aah at Christmas Tree Lane. This neighborhood near Modesto is decked out in true Christmas BLING! All the neighbors participate (and compete) to put on a show of lights and decorations. The kids LOVED it. Even though we had to fight some traffic it was so much fun. We found a spot to park and walked the 3 or so blocks of holiday ostentation. The night ended with a mug of hot chocolate to warm up little bodies. (I do have pictures of that!)

Sunday School Christmas Program

Last Sunday night was Anika's Sunday School Christmas program. She has been listening to the CD, singing diligently, attending rehearsals, and anxiously awaiting the night. She loved being a shepherd. She follow all directions to the letter. (In fact, her fastidious rule following had her looking a bit solemn.) Thank goodness I got a few pictures of her smiling before the program because there wasn't much smiling during it:-) Even though she was in costume for the program she really wanted to wear her Christmas attire. All the kids did - so here are a few pictures of the kiddos.

It was Anika's idea to line up "like stairs". (Hmmm, should I tell her that I'm not sure she is taller than her brother??)

Christmas Letter

Merry Christmas - here's our annual letter in digital format.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas. . .

Picking the perfect tree. . .

When we get the Christmas decorations out every year, the kids head right for the puzzle creche. It is a learning experience every time as we remember how to get the pieces back together.

Andrew's turn to put the star on the top!

The kids had so much fun putting up ornaments this year. (For the first time, there were fewer ornaments than willing hands. . .)

A Black Friday Zoo Trip

Rather than face the crowds at the stores (never an appealing thought for me), we decided to enjoy the crisp, fall day at the zoo. Anika, Andrew, & Kathryn loved showing Nene & Papa around "their" zoo. Enjoying the zoo train and carousel were highlights of the trip.

We tried to participate in the giraffe encounter. Unfortunately after being lured the the platform, the giraffes decided they were done just as the kids got their turn. Anika and Andrew each got to give one leaf but Kat missed out. Still, it was amazing to see those creatures up close.

Waiting to see if the giraffes would return.

The headstrong animals watch from the other side of the enclosure.

Happy Thanksgiving 2010!

We were so excited to have Nene & Papa join us for Thanksgiving this year. We enjoyed a wonderful worship service and a scrumptious feast. Then we spent the rest of the day watching the Macy's parade, napping, playing games, and keeping warm by the fire. Apple pie for supper and the day was perfect:-) Playing games (and eating a pomegranate):

Model Rocket Building

Lloyd and Andrew (and the rest of the family) having been getting into model rockets lately. We've managed to save the "Blue Ninja" which we launched this summer while Papa was visiting. Now Lloyd and Andrew are building another one. This one has more steps and requires more wait time -- for glue and paint to dry, but it is still exciting. Andrew can't wait to launch it!

Everyone gets involved!

So I don't forget

I'm always telling myself to write these moments down, because I don't want to forget them. Here are a few memories of Kat:

Snitching Halloween candy (and then pulling a face that says, "you're the criminal for not letting me have any!")


A typical day:
Kat: Mom, MOM, MOMMMMMM!
Mom: Yes, Kat?
Kat: Never mind.
Repeat unceasingly for 2 years. . .



Mom: Oh, Kat! Are you hurt?
Kat: No, I aren't.


Mom: My head hurts
Kat: Mom, where my blanket? (Hands Mom her blanket to make her head feel better.)