Melania's 4th Birthday - December 5, 2009

Happy 4th birthday, Melania! We woke up to presents for the girls. Melania, of course, loved the Princess wrapping paper. What is it?

New outfits?? I remember as a kid getting clothes (boring, in my opinion) for my birthday and "toys" for Christmas (much more to my liking)! Anyway, I plan to continue the tradition - sort of...

Ok, so the pants were a little huge. This just means they will fit next year, too.

Mishayla just was not quite as happy as the birthday girl.

I was able to outsmart blogger (for the most part) on this post. However, this picture is out of order. This is lunch, after a trip to Mountie Moose Bakery for doughnuts with sprinkles...

Can you sense the general level of enthusiasm?

So, back at the bakery...

Why eat the doughnut if you can just enjoy the chocolate frosting and sprinkles?

In addition to her new outfit, Melania received a Cinderella Princess Barbie. She'd been wanting one for a quite awhile. So, you see, toys aren't just for Christmas anymore!

After naps, it was time for brownies...

and candles!!!!

Then, on Sunday, we celebrated Melania's birthday again (because you just can't have to many celebrations when you are four) with all of her family.

Melania with her Princess cake at Gpa and Gma's.

Happy Birthday, Carmen!

My sister, Carmen, had a "surprise" party last year for her birthday. Hope this year is just as special!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Mishayla!

Enthusiastic birthday party guest, Ginger! Sick girl. Very sorry to have to wait 2 more weeks until her birthday.

The party - fewer participants than anticipated secondary to illness.

We had salad, oven stew and bread.

Balloon party favors - a big hit. Mishayla likes to rub the balloon and make a lot of noise. It drives Melania absolutely crazy...

New doll from June

Monkey card from Gpa and Gma

Dishes from Great Gma, Great Aunt Barb and Great Uncle Duane

New kitchen for the "playhouse / loft" from Mommy

Family picture...

Typical Mishayla!

Chocolate cake and frosting - Recipe from Tonya.

"I know it's my birthday, but I don't have to smile with my cake!"

Happy Birthday, Caroline!

Caroline was my foster daughter for a little over a year. Here she is celebrating her 11th birthday! Today, Caroline is 13! Happy Birthday, Carolina Girl! We are thinking of you and hope you have the best year ever!

October 2009

I decided I did not want to deal with mud again this winter.

So, the old step was hauled away. The Bobcat was employed, much to the girls delight and entertainment. And a sidewalk was installed. Along with new steps, a railing, and some more sod.

Sorry, no actual pictures of the completed project!

One afternoon, I was missing Alfy's. Last summer, I brought home a menu.

Here is my "pirated" version of Alfy's Chicken Alfredo pizza.

As good as the real thing!

A friend of mine from high school was visiting, and was even kind enough to call! We spent the evening with her family.

The kids had a great time playing together.

She has twin girls and a little boy.

Jeannie

Jeannie's dad with Melania and Mishayla.

Melania will never turn down an opportunity to snuggle!

Sylvester has not made an appearance on the blog lately.

However, here he is. Just as long-suffering as ever!

We celebrated Grandma's birthday at Hugh and Carmen's completed house!

My birthday was a couple of days earlier, and Carmen graciously saved me some pumpkin cheesecake.

The "birthday girl"!

The kids did a great job singing to Grandma with great enthusiasm!

Kaitlyn has been coming over to play periodically.

I was not home for this game, which seems to involve a swimming pool in the living room.

Mishayla's 23 months!

Kaitlyn is 20 months old.

Potty training with Dora!

Mark, Brenda and family were out to visit.

Was great to see you again!

We were invited to a Halloween party at Philip and Alisha's.

The kids dressed up, ate pizza and went trick or treating. A good time was had by all!

Kaitlyn and Kenzie (both very close to Mishayla's age! )

Lars H.

Somewhere between 19 and 21 kids total!

Mishayla was a pink butterfly.

Melania was Princess Aurora. (Her favorite!)

I can't believe I'm raising a princess.