Warm Wishes from our Party of 5

My Grown-up Wish List

1. iPad


2. Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Handbag


3. Michael Kors Chronographer Runway Gold Watch


4. Sparkly mini skirt from J.Crew


5. Gold Chain Link necklace from Stella & Dot


6. Lauren Conrad's Style Book


7. Sparkly pink cropped jacket from Forever 21


8. Fiana boots by Steve Madden



Just a few lovelies I would love to find under the tree this year!  What's on your list?

Dear December,

Welcome back! It's been a while...although you do tend to sneak up on me rather quickly. How I've missed you so. I've missed hearing your holiday music on the radio every morning and no matter how crummy my day may start out, I can't help but to be happy when I hear it. I've missed your chill in the air that encourages warm clothes. I love wearing my Uggs and wrapping a scarf around my neck to keep warm before going outside. I've missed your chilly nights when it's appropriate to have a cup of hot cocoa with extra marshmallows and whip cream before going to bed. I've missed seeing your twinkling lights around town. I've missed watching our holiday favorites like National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Elf and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I've missed your smells that fill our house like the scent of a Christmas tree, cinnnamon spice and freshly baked cookies. I've missed dressing up my furry babies in sweaters that they love...hee hee! I love receiving Christmas cards in the mail, especially ones with pictures so I can see how families have grown from year to year. Secret: I never throw them away and I put them out each year because they make me happy. I've missed talking about when Santa will come....and threatening too! Most of all, I'm glad you're here because it means I get to spend time with my family and friends and create another year full of memories. Thanks for coming back....I've really missed you.

Holly looking at our tree from last year (Scott took this on his iphone so the quality isn't great but I love this picture)

Mark your calendars

Hansel & Gretel
adapted by Mark Tanner

There's some HOT trouble in Story Land! The evil Lava King has begun taking over other character's stories with his magma-weapons!

As he destroys our most beloved fairy tales, a group of exiled characters bands together in order to save their fading and burning world.

Can Hansel & Gretel make it home? Will Red Riding Hood ever find her grandmother?

Can Briar Rose stay awake long enough to help? What really happens to a Princess under pressure?

Cast in order of appearance:

the Lava King.............................................................................................David Chapin
the Old Woman..........................................................................................Wayne Venison
Mindy / Dorothy / Alice...............................................................................Hayley Smith
Red Riding Hood.........................................................................................Drucilla Rovito
Gretel / Rumpelstiltskin / Lil Bo Peep...........................................................Hannah Smith
Hansel........................................................................................................Andrew Martinez
Cinderella...................................................................................................Melissa McEver
Rapunzel.....................................................................................................Meg Velez
Snow White / Sleeping Beauty.....................................................................Bethany Machlachlan

Pictures from Jack & The Beanstalk

I remember driving to the first play practice, Hannah was very excited because it was her first play and she saw how much fun Hayley had doing Lil Red. I overheard them talking about how much fun they were going to have together...they were giddy with excitement and this just melted my heart! I remember Hayley telling Hannah she was so glad she was doing the play with her because she had always wanted her sister to act with her. Hannah was also nervous because she didn't feel like she could memorize all her lines. Hayley stepped right into "big sister mode" and re-assured Hannah that she would be great and she was there to help her. I will never forget their sweet little conversation they had together in the car that day that they might not have thought I was listening to. I am so proud of these two. Yes, they definately have their moments when things aren't always this picture perfect...but when they are...they really are!

Hayley as Dr. Jacqueline Bean


Hannah as MW-500 (robot)


The villan







Congratulations girls...you were awesome!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

4th Birthday at Chuck E. Cheese

Holly's birthday is on the 19th and we always let each kid choose where they want to eat on their birthday. It was no surprise when Holly choose Chuck E. Cheese (I think she had a little help from sisters).



She rode some rides....


Played some games....




And got another present!

Holly's Carnival Birthday - Part 2

Holly had a blast with her cousin Emmy.




Man alive, I wish I knew what this kid was thinking sometimes cause her looks crack me up.


Aunt Michelle is enjoying some popcorn (and so is the baby in her tummy!)


When Sweet Potato showed up, the party really got started.




He even cracked the big kids up too!










Happy Birthday my sweet girl! I love you!

Holly's Carnival Birthday

It was so much fun to celebrate Holly's 4th birthday. We did it Carnival style and I think everyone had a good time. We ordered a small petting zoo and they brought us 2 ponies, a goat, a duck, rabbits and chickens. The kids got pony rides and loved holding all the animals.

Here's the birthday girl


The carnival theme was definately fun to use for her party. Here's some of the details.







This little guy was a big hit with the little ones. He was the perfect size for 4 year olds.











Mimi was so sweet to do face painting for all the kids. Nothing like a little paint and sparkles to make a kid smile!


But then the tables turned....

and the painter got painted....

First by Hannah....



Then by Hayley....



And before she knew it...



She was in trouble!



Yikes!



And no party would be complete without a little clowning around...










I have lot's more pictures to share from her birthday party in my next post.