Enjoying the Weather

A few weeks ago Sierra and Chase came over to have a play date and to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather. 

As soon as their cousins arrived, the boys played with cars and the girls ran for the dress-up box.  We were entertained with a concert, complete with light-up microphones.

This little girl is happiest when she's performing and is the center of attention.

Thanking everybody for coming to the performance before exiting the "stage."

After the show, all of the kids went outside to draw with sidewalk chalk.  Sierra made a "best friend" heart with the girls' initials in it.

Last but not least, they made chalk outlines of each other, then drew faces on them.

Refining Our Palates

Back in the day you could ask a child what they wanted to eat and typically they would come up with chicken nuggets or a cheeseburger and good 'ol chocolate milk.  As our world becomes more refined, so do our palates.  This weekend I gave Lorelai and Miller chocolate milk and Lorelai inofrmed me that she drinking a pumpkin spice coffee and Miller was drinking a macchiato.  She also informed me that later they would be eating quiche.  :)

Happy Birthday, McKenna!!!

Lorelai announced this morning that it was McKenna's birthday.  We decided to have a birthday party for her complete with real cupcakes, birthday crowns, and candles for everybody!

Time to add in all of the ingredients.

Giving things a little stir.

 Adding in the food coloring.

Posing while the cupcakes do their thing in the oven.  Miller had already taken off his apron and was disgruntled that Lorelai was still wearing hers for the picture.  He had the chance to put it back on before the picture but chose to pout instead.

Ok, not 100% how this happened but the intended color was supposed to be purple.  Apparently Lorelai's "red" food coloring that she added was a bit more yellow/orange instead.  Regardless, they were still very festive.

Miller had the distinct privilege of getting to put the candles on the cupcakes.  McKenna got to have two candles since it was her special day.

 Per Lorelai's request I made birthday crowns for McKenna, Miller, and her.

 First, we sang "Happy Birthday" to McKenna. 

 Lorelai blew out the candles on both of the cupcakes. 

Miller wanted us to sing "Happy Birthday" to him separately.  He LOVED having all of that attention!

For Aunt Evelyn

Fun in the Tub

A few weekends ago Lorelai and Miller wanted to have an improvised "Splash Day," of sorts.  They got in their bathing suits and played in a bath tub full of bubbles.  Don't you love how kids make their own fun?!

 

'Twas the Day After Christmas

Here are some pictures from the day after Chriatmas at Ma and Pap's house.  As usual, they are in no particular order. 

 

As shown in a previous post, Lorelai and Sierra were given homemade beds for their American Girl dolls.  This year they both got the Doll of the Year, McKenna.  In order to keep the dolls straight as to whose was whose, Ma had the idea to give the dolls middle names that were the same as their owners.  Here is Lorelai with her doll, McKenna Catherine. 

 One of Miller's repeated requests on his Christmas list was a blue dinosaur - Ta Da!!!

 Our Christmas tradition always includes spaghetti for dinner.

 Sierra and McKenna Michele in her fur headband and leotard.

Enjoying a chocolatey treat.

 Sweet cousins.

Miller getting his cars from Ma.  These cars/trucks were a hit and provided entertainment for all 4 kids throughout the evening.

The strapping young Jacob boys.

A picture-perfect family moment.

Something Super Special

This year Lorelai and Sierra were given extra special presents when we celebrated Christmas at Ma and Pap's house.  They each received a doll bed specially made by Pap and the linens were handmade by Ma.  They also each received McKenna, an American Girl doll and her complete starter kit.  Talk about two very lucky girls!

 "Sssshhhhh!  Our babies are sleeping."