An email from Santa

Each of the girls got an email from Santa. Aeva was the first one to get hers. She watched it over, and over, and over...

Santa has a book for each child.  He shows them their book and then reads it to them.

He tells them if they have been naughty or nice and talks to them about their school and what gifts they might be getting for Christmas.  

Aeva was in heaven.  She is a big fan.

A sucker???

I saw this in a convenience store.

Really?  Why?

Jazz Fans

Troy and I were lucky enough to get to take the girls to a Jazz game this year.  They usually get left behind as Troy and I venture out.  This time they got to come along.  

We stalked the bear and got a picture.

We splurged on some popcorn to keep our little Jazz fans happy and occupied.

They did a little pretend shopping.

And when the popcorn was gone, they took a nap.

Go Jazz!!!

Maddie's 11th Birthday

Maddie is 11. Hard to believe. Her birthday has lasted at least 3 weeks!!!

Her birthday landed on a Saturday this year.  It started off with an early morning basketball game and a cinnamon roll from Grandpa Ken.  The perfect beginning to her special day.

We couldn't find a good time when all of the extended family would be around to open presents.  How long can an 11 year old be expected to wait?   So, she opened her presents on Sunday and we sent pictures to everyone so they could see.

Her long awaited and wished for...neon soccer ball.  

A party with friends.  Bowling anyone?

Or perhaps Bumper Boats?

Poor Oakley, her boat was broke.  She sat in one spot the whole time and turned in circles.  A lot of fun for the rest of us...an easy target.

Glow in the dark golf.

Then back home for some games.

This is a game I remembered doing when I was about her age.  You and a partner sit back to back.  One person has to describe what they see on a picture (without saying what it is) and the other person has to draw what they hear.  Fun, fun, fun!  Here are a few of the results.

Very good.

Not so good.

I love the worm.

We finally got together for the family party.  She and my sister, Cammie, always share their party as their birthdays are only 5 days apart.  

My OLDER sister is 44.  I am MUCH younger.  :)

My attempt at a festive cake.

Happy Birthday, 11 year old!  Thanks for your sweet heart, your loving example and your never ending willingness to help.  We are blessed to have you in our family.

We love you!!!

Window Crayons

It seems like, once a year, the girls find the window crayons. Then the creativity begins.

Aeva is always the star of her drawings (what 5 year old isn't).

Her latest claim to fame is that she was born in July.  That means she must be surrounded by fireworks at all times.

Gracie is my flower child.  Most of her drawings include flowers, sunshine and a few fluffy clouds to break up the sky.

Maddie is at the fun age where she starts doing cook things with the letters in her name.  I liked seeing the adjectives that she picked to describe herself.  I agree with every single one of them.

The friends even joined in.  All these colors and sun filled pictures make me think that Summer should be back soon.