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:

Wicker Family Christmas

We enjoyed an chance to get south to spend part of the Christmas holiday with family. It doesn't happen very often that we can get to them so we were so glad it worked out. And the kids were so pumped to spend time with Nene & Papa, their cousins, the dogs and GET PRESENTS!

Anika was so excited about her Kermit, the frog hat!

Papa kept the dogs safe from all the bedlam!

A triple hug!

Getting the "computer" she REALLLLLY wanted:

Playing:

Aunt Rachel and Simon:

So happy!

Uncle John and Kat:

Kat's cradle:

The whole crew (including dogs) - I think everyone is looking in this shot.

Christmas Kiddos

I was hoping to take some family Christmas pictures -- but it didn't happen before church. I was able to snap a few of the kids after church but this is what they looked like!!!!! ANGRY BIRDS (a dear friend at church gave them these hand-crafted knit angry bird beanies. The kids were ecstactic.)

Here are a few more traditional shots:

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is traditionally our family day. We open gifts in the morning, enjoy a wonderful meal, and play games, etc. This year was no exception! What a wonderful day! Playing our new "Richard Scarry Busy Town" game:

Helping in the kitchen

Mommy's Little Helpers! Anika loves to help in the kitchen but it is always important to dress the part. Here is her homemake chef's hat!

Christmas Cookies

Our annual Christmas cookie decorating tradition - yum! (And Mom discovered a new almond flavor frosting that made Daddy - and Mommy - very happy!)

Santa at the Fire Department

Thanksgiving Celebration

Gasp! I can't believe how far behind I am in posting. These pictures are from Thanksgiving! Lloyd, Drew and I were able to have a special night out at Andrew's kindergarten Thanksgiving Celebration. It was a wonderful night to focus on Drew, eat great food, hear fun & thoughtful poems and songs, and see Drew shine! So much for which to be grateful.
Not sure why Drew is winking here. . .

Thanksgiving was fun this year because I had a wonderful helper in the kitchen! Anika loves to help out with the cooking when she can.

A Piano Recital

This post is mostly for the Grandparents who will delight in seeing their grandchildren do just about anything;-) Anika had her first piano recital last night. She was so very excited -- she has come a long way in two months of lessons, but it was also fun to watch the accomplished players and hear her say, "someday, that will be me!" And Drew asked when he could start lessons! A recital is great motivation!

Anika snapped this shot of Drew and Kat with Scout so I thought I would include it in this post, lest it become too Anika-focused:-)

The piano player, prepped and ready to go:

After the recital, she wanted to pose with the piano:

Trunk or Treat!

Our new annual tradition is to take the kiddos to a few "trunk or treat" events at local churches. It is always fun to dress-up and then admire all the work that people put into decorating their cars, trucks, or bikes. We had lots of fun, as usual, and Lloyd was even able to come along -- his first big outting since his surgery. In spite of a last minute crisis (I complete lost Kat's eyeore costume), we made some changes and still enjoyed the night.

My kiddos: Princess Leia, Cowboy Drew, and pouty Cinderella Still pouting. . .

Anika found some friends:

Cinderella found her Fairy Godmother (not pouting, but not smiling either):

Examining the haul and FINALLY all three smiling: