NYE 2016

This afternoon we met dad to celebrate his birthday at Green Mill.

The girls and I went to his house to pick him up and Hannah was in awe over his photo books.  They are studying ancient Egypt and she loved looking at his photos from his trip.

While we were there I noticed that Grandpa Dan has a 3D Grandpa Dan- from the Grandpa Dan Show statue.  It is amazing! 

Tonight the neighborhood celebrated New Year's at the Hulke's.

As always it was a fun night ringing in the New Year with all of our favorite people.

Paul and Amy brought the LOLz game.  You put mouth guards in and then try to say phrases, the others try to guess what you are saying. It was pretty hard to sound out some of those words and as expected, Sara-the dental manager, kicked butt at this game.

Thursday: Chloe

Hailey is so excited to see Chloe today.  She took it upon herself to write it on the board.

I can't get enough of this little girl's handwriting.  It is just the cutest!

Mommy's Spa Day

Today I while I was cleaning up the kitchen Hannah came down and asked me to come upstairs. 

When I got to the top of the stairs I saw that she had put a sign on the door to my room.

When she opened the door, the lights were off.  Candles were on, she had spa music playing (that she searched out on her phone), magazines and a bed made on the floor.

She had me lay down and told me that she would be in in a minute and then she went into the bathroom.  She came out a few minutes later with a warm wash cloth.  She placed it on my face and proceeded to give me a massage.

What a sweet girl!  Sometimes she amazes me with the kind of person she is.

She is very thoughtful and loves to do nice things for people. 

Have Yourself a Very Exciting Christmas

This morning while we waited for guests to arrive, Hannah made some pictures with her Spirograph that she had gotten from Grandma and Grandpa last night.

She even brought Bob, the gnome from Germany, down with her.

It took everyone a while to get here.  The kids were going crazy waiting to open their gifts.

We made them wait until we were able to eat some breakfast.  Some of us got started while we waited for the rest to arrive.  By the time everyone was there the girls were busting at the seams!

They started with their big present that had the sign to open first.

Inside this box they had another wrapped box.  Inside that another wrapped box.  Inside that another.

Inside the final box there were two smaller wrapped boxes with their names on them.

Hannah was to open hers first and then Hailey.

Hannah opened her box to reveal a note that said "We are going to"

Hailey opened hers to finish the sentence "Disneyworld"

Both girls were so surprised and so happy!  We then spilled the details, we were leaving in a few weeks and grandma and grandpa Parmley are coming with us.

They finished opening their presents: roller blades/skates, new iPods, clothes, luggage from Santa, and Just for Kix warm up jackets

A few minutes after the grown ups started opening presents Hailey came and sat next to me.  She whispered in my ear that she already packed for Florida.  She packed 10 pair of underwear and wanted to know if that was enough? It warmed my heart so much to see how excited she was.

This year I had some bracelets made for my sisters and my mom.  They have Grandma's handwriting engraved into them.  The girls' say: Love you Honey Girl and mom's says My One & Only Daughter.

While I was washing dishes, Hannah and Kim were in the living room talking about a present they found that was addressed To: Everyone

Hannah brought it over and I told her to just open it and inside there was a little egg with a sign on it that said Crack Me.

Hannah cracked it open and another note came out.

AHHHHH!  What?!  There's going to be another baby around here!

SO super exciting!!!

Overall we had another great and VERY EXCITING Christmas!

Parmley Christmas

This morning we found Lula zip-lining through the living room.  

As usual we spent Christmas Eve with the Parmleys.

I brought the face coasters that I had gotten the other night, they were a hit!  

Had us all laughing for a good hour. 

Rudolphs

Just a few more days of Lula and her shenanigans.

For the first time in a long time, ok maybe ever.  My shopping is done.  Most of my wrapping is done.  I am actually ready for Christmas and it feels great!  Tomorrow night when we get home from Christmas I can go to bed.  A few finishing touches and bed.  Looking forward to it.

Tic Tac Glow

This morning the girls were able to play Glow in the Dark Tic Tac Toe.

It was also Winter Party Day at school.  Last day of school before winter break!
I had signed up to help organize the party and assure that we had enough parents there and activities to do.  It's never hard to find volunteers- one thing I love about this community.
The kids made pine cone ornaments, snowmen out of donuts and ornaments.
They made a huge mess but also had a fun time!

Dab

Dabbing.

A fad that is sweeping the nation with young kids.

Not sure what it means or what it's for.  Is it a dance move? Is it a gesture?  I have no clue.

Lula must have picked up on it because there she was this morning, Dabbing.

She also brought Hannah a picture of Santa's reindeer.  A week ago Hannah sent Santa a letter asking for a picture of the reindeer.  Today it arrived in the mailbox and Hannah could not have been more in awe with the situation.  She came up to the bathroom to tell me about it and her eyes were watering and she was shaking.  She could not BELIEVE what just happened!

She wanted to pack up the picture and bring it to school but we talked about how this was a special secret between her and Santa.  She probably shouldn't take it to school to show it off, just in case.

Thanks Santa- that was pretty special and don't worry, she will keep your secret.

And They All Fall Down

Caught Lula during her bowling game this morning.  Looks like the marshmallow didn't work too well to knock the chocolate pins down (that chocolate was delish by the way- Thanks Lula!)

Vertical Endeavors

One of my favorites so far- you go girl!

Stunt Lady

Can't get anything past this little one.  I was wrapping some presents last night and woke today to find the last of the roll of paper in the garbage and the roll being put to use.

Ms Lula, What Time Is It?

Took a while to find her this morning but once she did the girls erupted in laughter.

"How does she do all of this stuff?!"

It's About to Get Ugly

Tonight was the annual Ladies OCW Christmas party.

Jen was hosting the ugly Christmas sweater party and white elephant gift exchange.

I scored some AWESOME face coasters.  They had us in tears!

Sprinkle Angel

Since there is not much snow on the ground yet Lula made a sprinkle angel instead.

This winter has been surprisingly dry.  As much as I hate commuting in the snow and am not a huge fan of snow pants, wet mittens, boots, etc. it feels weird to look outside and not see anything white.  

Bury Me

Lula was hanging out with Franklin the bird this morning. 

This evening I got this text from Hannah.  She was in the bathroom trying to go #2.

LOL- she cracks me up sometimes!

(she made it out and after some 'progress' she felt just fine)

Good Thing Her Hair Is Covered

 Good thing Lula's hair is covered up.  Last thing we needed was to deal with picking these Bunchees out of her hair for an hour.

With a Little Help From My Friends

It's Christmas card time.  Each year I struggle with our list and each year I say "I really need to do something about this list!  I need to go through and make an electronic address book that I keep up to date so I don't have to look in multiple places for these addresses."  

Maybe this year I will actually do it.

Jennie SnapChatted this picture of Reggie today.  One of my all time FAVES for sure!

This picture is so beautiful.  His coloring, the fact that his nose is covered in snow and knowing how much he loves the snow.  It's perfect.