Christmas in April...At least for this blogger!

Being an infrequent blogger puts one at a disadvantage. I can never remember what order the pictures will be uploaded... So we will start on Dec. 30 with Tyler's 10th birthday. He is my oldest nephew and has a cake with an archery theme! It's his new 4-H hobby. Both Melania & Mishayla love to sing "Happy Birthday!" One year, it became a tradition to take Aunt Wendy and Uncle Blaine's picture with all the kids. This year's rendition featured an unhappy Spencer, or "Spenster" as the girls call him. Hopefully Uncle Hugh was able to get a better picture than I did! Presents 2009. The ever popular bath foam.

and Chapstick!

Dr. Mishayla is now accepting patients.

Mishayla likes her Geotrax and yes, her chapstick!

Any dress that has "princess qualities" is a big hit.

Pizza?

Breakfast? The girls loft is fixed up as a playhouse, complete with kitchen and wooden food.

Another lovely gown.

And, the Princess Leapster game. Very popular on our trip to Washington!

Melania had Colton Jack's name. He likes GeoTrax too. Bull & Bruno?

Melania sprawled on Kaitlyn's bean bag.

Spencer is a little mixed up on his holidays!

The evening after Christmas Day....

Duane and Barb

Karen and Wendy playing with Taylor Rae's gift.

Karen might be accepting orders on knit hats... Let me know if you want one.

Dad's cousin Cliff and his wife stopped in for a visit.

Jason and Kaitlyn. She's a busy girl.

Guess what Santa brought Colton Jack?

Games

and more games.

Rook, anyone? House rules apply.

Tyler takes time after dinner to catch up with Calvin and Hobbs.

Kid games - Taylor Rae, Trenton and Kadyn

Melania has a slice of pie.

Family dinner.

Great Gma helps Mishayla.

Emily and Taylor - Emily will be joining the family as my cousin Shaun's wife!

Cooks in the kitchen

Prep cooks in the kitchen- Shannon, Wendy, Emily and Carmen

Pre-dinner story hour. So cute, Tyler reading to the kids.

Mishayla and Spencer playing. Spencer loves balls - any size will do.

Uncle Duane reads to Melania.

Christmas morning... Santa came! The girls in their loft recliners emptying out their stockings.

Mishayla wanted a Princess Barbie like Melania's.

My sweet M&M's

June was blowing bubbles for the girls. Not sure what happened to Mishayla.

Caroline

Caroline posted her school picture on facebook. Isn't she beautiful?

I can hardly believe how grown up she looks! I love your smile, Carolina Girl!

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!