Molly's Birthday

Well, this is my first post of 2014!  It seems like I always find something else to do rather than update my blog!  There is really not all that much to update on.  It was really cold after the first of the year and we had a lot of snow.  In fact, it is April 14th and the green grass we had is now currently covered with a layer of snow!  Yes, that's right, its Molly's 4th birthday and the ground is covered in snow.  The celebrations for Molly's birthday started over our spring break which was a few weeks ago.  We first celebrated with cousins at Grandma and Grandpa's house.  Then, instead of a party Molly opted for an American Girl doll (with hair) and lunch out in the city.  We took the train into the city, did our shopping and then had lunch at the American Girl store.




Fast forward to this week.  We celebrated over the weekend.  Saturday the girls had soccer, that's when Molly found out Layla was getting her ears pierced for her birthday.  After that Molly wouldn't let it go.  Since Andy was gone to a track meet and there was nothing else on the agenda we went to Claire's.  She picked out a pair, sat in the chair and the smile never left her face.

Sunday we celebrated at my parents house.  Molly requested spaghetti and meatballs for dinner and a butterfly cake for her birthday cake.  Thankfully most of the day was a nice enough day where we were able to get out and play.  By the afternoon the rain had set in, but the girls were content with just hanging out.  We managed to fit in some egg decorating since Easter is just around the corner. 






Today I dropped Molly off at school as usual, ran some errands and then headed back to help with centers and her birthday celebration at school complete with cupcakes and juice boxes.  That was a party enough for her!!  It was fun to spend the morning with her in the classroom and with her friends.  After school we headed home to open just a few presents from Maggie and best friends (Layla and Lucas).  Then we all went out to dinner.  Molly was wearing her birthday crown from school so the waitress knew it was her birthday and surprised Molly with an ice cream sundae to top off the day!  Happy 4th birthday Molly!!

Happy Christmas

Our Christmas celebration started out on Christmas Eve.  We loaded up the car, you would think we were going to be gone for weeks with the number of bags we had, and headed over to Nana and Papa's house.  We were able to just relax and hang out until it was church time.  We went to church early and then had a feast with Shay, Derrick, Grace and Nana and Papa.  After we stuffed ourselves we opened presents.  Molly was beyond excited.  After everything had been opened she started doing snow angels amongst all the wrapping paper.  All the kids got new pajamas from Nana and all wanted to wear them.  We made a quick change and then prepared a plate of cookies for Santa since Nana had told him to come by and fill the stockings. 













Then we headed home.  At home we made sure to set out our own plate of cookies, chocolate milk (Molly insisted), and some carrots.  We also set out the reindeer food both girls had brought home from school. 

The girls made it to after 7 o'clock Christmas Day.  They had smiles from ear to ear and were so excited.  We opened stockings then took a little break for breakfast.  They couldn't eat fast enough...then wanted to see what was wrapped under our tree.  We loaded up the car again, not as much stuff this time.  We made a stop at Nana and Papa's again and sure enough the stockings there were filled and there were even a few things left under the tree. 



Later Christmas day we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house.  There were so many yummy snacks to fill up on and cousins to play with.  The girls got every thing they had requested on their list and more.  We are so lucky to be surrounded by all the people we love.  Everyone was happy and healthy!

Christmas with Friends

Early last week the Ensign's made it over for a pre-Christmas celebration.  Since Chrissy was hosting for days in a row they came to our house.  We made our usual homemade pizza, chatted while the kids ran around, and then exchanged ornaments the kids all picked out for each other.  It is absolutely the most fun that we are so close by each other!!

SNOW!!

You can absolutely tell that Maggie was born in the winter.  She is obsessed with the snow and would stay outside all day if you let her.  Molly likes the idea, but as soon as her wrists get wet she is done.  They have had some fun enjoying the snow we have gotten so far!

Maggie's 7th Birthday

A few weeks back we celebrated Maggie's 7th birthday.  The day started out with a request for pancakes for breakfast which we turned into a cake tower to start off the celebration.  Maggie wanted to see the new movie Frozen.  There was an early showing so we all headed to the theater and we were home before lunch.  The movie was great and both girls have been singing all of the songs ever since.  We hung out the rest of the day and then went to the Blackstone, Maggie's request again, for dinner.  Can't believe she is already 7, time flies!!

 

Molly's Preschool Christmas Show

Molly has been singing these songs for weeks in preparation for her Christmas show at preschool.  Today was the day of her "performance."  She has been so excited.  We arrived on time, she was set to be a shepherd.  I had a feeling things might go this way...when we got into her classroom and she saw what she was supposed to wear she nearly lost it.  The excitement faded...just a little, then she got to pick a purple bandana and her mood improved.  She was beaming when she got to lead ALL the performers onto the stage!  It was fun to watch (same show as when Maggie attended).  They sang songs and told the story of when Jesus was born.

 

A trip to the North Pole...

Since moving to Oswego there was one event I know we wanted to try out and Chrissy would not let us miss, the Santa Train put on by the Oswego Park District.  We have tried to get tickets in years past, but they have been sold out.  I was able to order them the day they were available this year!  We got home as fast as we could Friday after school.  Thankfully I had a frozen batch of chili that Andy warmed up so by the time I was home we could all sit down and eat.  We all chowed and then we layered and bundled to make sure our trip was a warm one.  We joined the Ensign's and the Langel's minus Sawyer.  While we waited for our trolley there were some activities for the kids to do to pass the time.  It was long before it was our turn.  We boarded the trolley and headed out.  Along the way they read the Polar Express.  Once we arrived all the kids headed straight towards the reindeer.  Then it was Santa's tent.  Molly requested a jewelry box and Maggie requested an art set.  There was another heated tent with hot chocolate and cookies.  After that we all went on an elf hunt using flashlights to find the elves in the forest.  That's when it started to get cold.  It wasn't long before a trolley arrived and we headed home.  Well worth the wait, so much fun to go with friends and another holiday tradition to add to our list!