Elsie Turns 5!!

Elsie was so excited to turn 5. Mostly she was just excited to finally have her turn for a birthday.

As usual she requested cinnamon rolls for breakfast.

We met up with some friends at a park after breakfast

Then headed to McDonald's for lunch.

For dinner Elsie wanted pizza, and she didn't want anyone to help make it but her!

We had a small family party for cake and ice cream and presents!

Happy Birthday Sweetie Pie!

Christmas Morning

It was still dark outside when the kids woke up. But because we had church at 9, we all got out of bed anyway so we could open our presents before we had to leave!

Aaron's teacher gave all the kids a pickle ornament. The tradition behind it is that who ever finds it hidden in the tree gets an extra present from Santa. The kids searched and searched, but couldn't find it! We finally told them that we could search again after church and to go ahead and open their presents!

After church we came home and had a yummy breakfast, played with our new toys and enjoyed each other.
 Charlotte finally found the hiding pickle, my family came over for dinner and we all had a great day!

Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Eve!

We were invited to Christmas Eve with Ralph and Linda's clan. My kids couldn't have been more thrilled.

We ate delicious Mexican food, sang and danced, played a ton, and ate lots of sweets!

Then we had to rush home for Santa of course!

Charlotte is always so thoughtful.

Christmas at Grandma Peechee"s

My mom hosted a Christmas party two days before Christmas this year. It was perfect and there were no other time conflicts because it wasn't actually Christmas Eve or Christmas. I hope she does this every year!

Her house was very cozy and it felt like Grandma Jackie's house.

Piano Recital

We continued on with our Christmas piano recital again this year. Charlotte, who hasn't been playing all year, wanted to play one of the songs she learned last year again and join the show!

They both did a great job. I love to hear them play!

Gingerbread Men

We didn't make quite as many cookies as usual this Christmas, but we did have fun making these yummy, chewy gingerbread cookies!

Cross Country Finals!

Aaron and Ryan

It was so fun to watch Aaron run this season. I really hope he tries next year too!

Charlotte's Christmas Program

Charlotte's school has their Christmas program at Fresno High every year and the auditorium always fills up. This year we went up to the balcony to watch because it was so crowded.

We recorded her songs instead of taking pictures. We were so far away it wouldn't have mattered.

 Marley, Natalie and Charlotte. These three girls are the best of friends.

Charlotte was so proud and so excited to be in the spot light. She did a great job. I love watching my kids perform!