Tree Decorating

Now that the excitement of birthday parties has passed we can finally decorate the tree. It was up and lit since Thanksgiving, just naked beyond that. After an early dinner we put on jammies and Christmas music and went to town. It was hard for me not to move a lot of ornaments all around, but I didn't (at least while anyone was looking)
The kids liked finding their ornaments and hearing the stories behind some of the other ones.
Patrick took the job of decorating very seriously...........................
while Liz had a looser approach.




Patrick literally had to check the tree from all angles.

Too bad I have already sent out the Christmas card order - this is pretty card worthy!

Star Wars Lego Party!!

Today we celebrated Patrick's 7th birthday with his friends. He invited all the boys from his class, Davis and Will to a Star Wars Lego Party. He was so excited before, during, and after, and had a great day. Since it was an all boy party we planned it today because Elizabeth went with Aunt Pam, Kelley and Ryleigh, and Megan to the Rudolf ballet. So she has something special to do also.

Eagerly awaiting his guests.
The time flew by. We built Lego cars and trucks. Brian held car races with a cool track I built using Legos of course. There was a game of Guess How Many Legos Were In The Jar. We also did Pin The Light Saber On Yoda. Not to bad for homemade.
Of course there was cake and presents too!
The boys who were into singing bellied up to the bar to help us. The others were way to into the Foos Ball table.

How cute - Davis is helping to blow out the candles! He did a great job running with the big boys.
Cake Time!!!

This was the group picture. It's hard to get sugared up boys to "pose".
And after everyone was gone, Patrick wanted to put everything together. And guess what he got the most of?? Yup, Legos. He had a great day and is so looking forward to his "real" birthday.

Family Christmas Tree

As sharing project, Liz had to create a Christmas tree with her family. Mrs. Wiley sent the green paper and tree pattern and we had to go with it. We each colored a section of the tree and created a present for under the tree. Liz did the star and the trunk and Liz and mom worked on the lights around the tree.

Daddy drew a tiny box under the tree..........I do hope that is a hint to me! Pat drew a robot inside his present, which was for him. Liz isn't too thrilled to have her picture taken. I should have taken this as a sign - she was home the next two days with a fever, runny nose, throwing up mess.

Teddy Bear Tea

I have wanted to take Elizabeth to the Teddy Bear Tea for quite some time. Last year we had a conflict and couldn't go so I was thrilled to get dressed up and take her this year. She was so excited to have a girls day too!
Before we left we had to pose in front of our lit, waiting to be decorated, tree.
Liz chose to bring a princess teddy bear with her today.
Aunt Heather and Leah are joining us. Hope this becomes a tradition.
Liz and her teddy in front of one of the very pretty trees in the ballroom of the teddy bear tea.
The tea party was so fun. We had fancy dishes and glasses. There were great finger sandwiches, scones, fruits, and cookies. And lemonade and iced tea.

Leah and Liz are such sweet and pretty girls :)
Milk and Cookies led a sing and dance along with the kids.
There were a bunch of basket raffles and teddy bear raffles. Leah was lucky and won a fun basket. Thanks for sharing Leah!!
Pretty girls!
The last part of the afternoon was the teddy bear parade around the ballroom. Liz said that it was her favorite part :)

Liz's Birthday Party

This year Liz had her very first friend birthday party. We had a gymnastics party and it was a ton of fun!!
Janie, Liz and Megan.


Patrick had a blast too!
Before it was time to go into the party room for cake and presents, the staff brought all the birthday kids to the mat to introduce them and have everyone SCREAM happy birthday!
The birthday girl.
Some of our party guests.
I thought Will was going to pop a blood vessel he was screaming so loud!
Of course we had to have a Barbie cake!
Happy birthday dear Liz!

Present time!!!!
OMG!! A Barbie swimming pool!!



New Ra-Ra pom pom's in SU colors!!

A tribute to the photographer. Another reason that Brian and John really are the same person......their photography portfolios.
It was definitely a Barbie birthday!
The best present in the whole world - combining Liz's two favorite things - Barbie and Art!!
The last part of the party was Goody Bag time!!

Balloon attack!! Happy Birthday Liz!