Birthday Post - Part 1

So, we celebrated a 5th birthday here a couple of weeks ago ... I can hardly believe it. I read a quote once that said something to the effect of ... as a SAHM the days are long but the years are short. I couldn't agree more ... especially since we have been trapped inside the house by snow and sickness for almost a week ... I cannot believe that she is 5! She will be going to kindergarten next year. Full Day Kindergarten! AHHH! But alas, that is a post for another time - this is just about her birthday! We headed back to see our friends in Kansas. We stayed at The Great Wolfe Lodge for the first part of the celebration. We headed into town on a friday, picked up her BFF and headed for waterpark fun. We had never been a Great Wolfe before and we loved it! Keira has already told me that she would like to have her 6 birthday there too! Ha. The waterpark part was excellent, lots of pool space, slides, etc for the kids. Lots of areas for all ages to play. They have storytime at night where the kids can get in the PJs and head to the lobby and hear a story from some of their characters. And of course, there was plenty of food, candy, donuts, etc. Below are a few of our favorite pictures.

Keira, Lexi, and Mallory outside the snack shop.

The girls first dip in the pool. Look at those smiles!

Looks like Mallory knows she is a Hacker - she loves the water too!

This is the area where a very large bucket of water dumps on the kids. The girls really wanted me to hurry and take their picture so they could get out of the way!

I guess it is possible to wear them out!

Birthday post coming soon

We've been down for the count here with colds, stomach flu, passing out, etc .... more soon!

Snow Day

Much to my chagrin, we have been getting a lot of snow recently. I, being the terrible parent that I am, sent Keira out in it by herself the other day. We got about 8 inches and my boots were no where to be found, so there was no way I was going out. But she had fun sliding down the snowy slide and making snow angels. The next door neighbor's dog was out playing in the snow, so Keira had fun throwing snowballs into their yard and having the dog chase them. After she came in (she spend about 20 minutes in the snow), we made snow ice cream! Now that is how I play in the snow!

Mini Me

I call Mallory Mini-Me in this picture, because of her outfit ... plain color top and cargo pants, just like her momma! Wish I could find pink ones!

Fingerprints

Fingerprints on tables used to make me crazy ... especially when they appeared just moments after I had dusted and waxed. Now ... well, now, they make me a little sad because those prints are still so tiny, but I know they won't be that little for long.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year frienda and family. Hope that 2011 and is a great one for you all. Here is some cute pictures of the kiddos have fun with hats and noisemakers!

Christmas 2011

I cannot believe that Christmas and for that matter, New Year's, has already come and gone. The entire month of December seemed to fly by. We had lots of fun on the big day - tho it was almost ruined by me having the stomach flu 2 days prior. Sadly, that kept Ryan and Suzie away for the main event, but they did make it down for New Year's.

Christmas morning was fun as always - especially with two little girls participating this year (Mal didn't do much present opening last year ;). The girls both got into the opening of the gifts, Keira of course knows the routine, Mallory figured it out pretty quickly. Keira's favorite thus far has been the Rapunzel tower. Though I think the Barbie Jeep will take over as soon as it is warm enough to ride it. Mallory seems to love anything Keira is playing with -- so we will keep this in mind for next year. :)

The super cute pajamas they are wearing are courtesy of Gram-Gram. Keira calls them her "Elf Pajamas".

Mallory's new tent! Wade went out with all the crazies on Black Friday, to Wal-Mart, at midnight no less, to pick this up. Love him! I was going at 4 AM and just couldn't do both -- and he volunteered for this shift!

Mallory enjoying Keira's present!

So excited to be opening presents.


Annual Christmas Socks Picture.




What Santa brought the girls!

We are looking forward to all that 2011 will bring. Hopefully, lottery winnings ;)