Collin's birthday(s)

It seems we have a tradition in our house to have two parties for the kids' birthdays. One for family and one for friends. It's really nice because the celebration lasts all the longer!
This year we had an awesome time with family on Collin's actual birthday and then a super fun party with all his friends.
Collin received a beautiful rug from my parents with the continents and animals from around the world. He also got a gift card to his favorite place on earth, Brunswick Zone from Grandma Elephant and Papa. Uncle Chris and Aunt Kelsey gave him the cool game, "Guess Who".
These kids are very fortunate to have the wonderful family around them that they do, and an awesome soon-to-be Aunt.
Collin loves his dinosaur cookie kit from his cousins and Aunt Sue and Uncle Brian!
Almost his entire class showed up to his "kid party" along with other long-time AZ friends. What a great month January was!






Bounce house and face painter at his "kids party".

playstructure

Yay! It's here. We've wanted one for 5 years and we now have one in all it's glory!!






Yay! It's here. We've wanted one for 5 years and we now have one in all it's glory!!

New beginnings

In January Kayla started Brownies. She is absolutely LOVING it.
She surpassed her goal of selling 100 boxes of cookies and she is making
fast friends. Our girl scout leader is sweet, welcoming and fun!
Collin started soccer and is so lucky to be with his two closest friends from preschool. The team has been together for two years and they have never lost a game.
EVER! This is a mixed blessing, as Collin has to rise to a high skill level quickly.
It is definitely work. But he is fortunate to get the opportunity to become a really good player! We hope he wants to stick with it. Currently, he is undecided. :)
The coach says he is an awesome goalie. We are so proud of both kids.

Christmas Morning

What a beautiful Christmas morning! We woke up to crumbs from the cookies Santa ate and the carrots the reindeer devoured on our front porch.
The kids were so excited, gracious and thankful. We're doing something right!
We enjoyed celebrating with just the four of us. Even the animals felt the excitement and enjoyed their gifts. And then we had a marvelous Christmas breakfast when Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, Papa, Uncle Mark, Grandpa and Grandma Simon came over!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was a dream. It was right out of a storybook.
After a fabulous dinner with Grandpa and Gradma Simon, Uncle Mark and Nana and Papa we attended a beautiful Christmas Eve service. Then the kids got in to their Christmas PJ's. Then we made hot chocolate and the kids came in to the living room where Tim read "The Night Before Christmas" to them.


Then Collin and Kayla exchanged the gifts they had picked out for eachother.



Then the stockings were hung by the chimney with care.


The kids put out milk and cookies for Santa and carrots and special reindeer food that Collin made at preschool.
Then we had carolers!!!
For the first time ever! And they were fabulous singers!
And they gave us a wooden nativity scene!


And then the kids went to bed, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

Early Christmas

Since Chris and Kelsey were headed to TX this year for Christmas, we all got together for an early celebration before they left. Lots of fun!











Collin made this Christmas tree at preschool. He was so proud of it.
Then Abby ate it. :(

Play Structure

Yay- it is up and in use! I don't know how much I'll see my kids anymore... they want to be out there constantly and are about to eat their lunch in their fort.
All that's left are the decorative pieces that go up under the roof of the fort.
We'll put those up today.
Just in time for Collin's big birthday party this Saturday!