Christmas Makeover

26 December 2011

 If the theme of Kate's birthday was "Princess," the theme of Christmas was Make-Up! All kinds of lip gloss, eye shadow, perfume, and even glitter powder (just like Mom's)!

 Kate also got a Chinese yo-yo in her stocking from Grandma and Grandpa.  She had a ball opening all of the trinkets from them, and they have moved from treasure box to jewelry box and back several times in the past hours.  Busy, busy!

 A harmonica?  Perfect for the music show with Daddy and his guitar!
 Even Ezra was a good kitty and got some treats from Santa.
 The two of these pictures go together...both Kate and Daddy studying their Christmas gifts.  Matt's was a tap-screen watch.

 Ezra kept a lookout at the new gifts!
 Drake was a good pup, too, and was rewarded by Santa.  He was happy for sure!
 Amy braided Kate's hair and used Kate's new bobby pins.  Kate liked it until she looked at it and thought she looked "like a boy."  I had to take them out quickly!

Christmas was extra fun this year for miss Kate.  She loved the whole season leading up to the event, and though Santa did a minimal stop at our house (on purpose), she loved each gift from each person.  Being with family and friends was the best part.  Merry Christmas!

Didn't make the cut

19 December 2011





We were at it again...Christmas card pictures.  I need to rally the troops to help with these...a distractor, a jokester, etc., just to get some faces that are not fake.  Trust me, I know all about fake smiles as I have one of the worst!

Here are some that you will not see on the Christmas cards (that won't arrive before Christmas).

combo class

18 December 2011

 Kate loves her new dance class, and she is excited to be in Mrs. Johnson's class.  Last week was parent day, and she didn't quite make believe that we were not there.  In fact, she reacted quite a bit to both of us.  OOps!


 butterflies...

 cartwheels...

 tap

yet ANOTHER birthday party



Last Thursday was Kate's last day of school for 2011.  December birthdays were celebrated and a book exchange took place for all of the kids.  Special goblets held apple juice at the celebration table and Kate was excited.  "Look, mama, a margarita.  Cheers!"  Yep...proud moment for a mama there!  Now we are ready to focus on the holidays, family, and life.  Cannot wait!

American Girl Birthday Lunch

13 December 2011


 Yep, another birthday celebration.  The whole reason we went to Chicago:  American Girl!  What a great thing to do for a party, and I am so glad we did it.  Kate loved each and every minute of the lunch.
 The "conversation questions" were not so great, but we laughed at them.
 Lainey sat next to Kate and even got a birthday tiara to celebrate the event.  She got new clothes, too, the day before.

 Mom and Kate celebrating.
 Frannie, too!
 My sweet girl who bought into the whole lunch.  Didn't really care about the store, either (yet).
 Oh my!  Another birthday cake for the girl.  This is going to be a tough birthday to beat!
Happy Birthday, my sweet petite!  I love you more than you will ever, ever know.  You are such a great kid, and I hope you will always know how much you are loved.

Chicago on my iPhone


It was a chilly trip...good thing we could sit in the elevator (or "elegator).

 The first night we walked to dinner at a local Chicago-style pizza place. YUM!
My kid won't pose with Santa, but after watching this street dancer, Kate gave him a dollar and wanted her picture taken with him. We all stood back in disbelief. She said, "He was really cool." I hope this doesn't mean she is looking at a career in street dance!
PhotoBooth pictures in the taxi. First taxi ride...and it was awesome.
 

lunch and cupcakes with the Clennan's: birthday party #2

 Once we knew we were free on Saturday, I called Ashley to see if they wanted to meet in the city to play for the day.  She had a better idea:  come pick us up and go to their favorite haunts.  Kate and I jumped on board and after lunch, the Clennan family took us to the best cupcake place around:  Mandy B's!  The decision to pick one bakery item was far too tough...so we didn't!  Kate took inventory and Carrie showed us what was good.

 Sweet John even got a candle and we had an impromptu birthday celebration for miss Kate.  Special, I tell ya!
 Bridget and Carrie were so fun to see -- I can't wait to see these girls take over CLH in the upcoming years!
 Happy gal on her 4th birthday.  Thanks, John, Ashley, Bridget, and Carrie, for making it special.