Ali's Birthday - February 2016

Ali's birthday started off with the traditional donuts, and then Daddy really outdid himself this year... the kitchen was decorated with balloons and streamers! All of the balloons had numbers on them counting from 1 to 13. (It is so hard for me to believe that my first born is 13!!)

She chose to have her family dinner at our house with Daddy's famous spaghetti. All grandmas and grandpas were on board to help celebrate and we had such a fun night celebrating a very special teenager. :)

One of her favorite gifts of the night was from Daddy... the skateboard she's been wanting "forever"!

Then, we went and did something crazy... we told her she could have friends - boys & girls - over for a birthday party on the weekend. They watched movies, ate pizza, drank a lot of soda, and took selfies. :) lol! Auntie Casey did all of the theme arrangements and set up a photo booth for Ali and her friends. That was definitely a hit!

After cake and presents, the boys left and the girls rolled out their sleeping bags. They were all spread out around the family room. The girls stayed up and watched movies until they fell asleep. (Which was pretty much the next morning...) Happy Birthday Miss Ali! I love you!!

Christmas 2015

We spent Christmas Eve with Grandma Sandy at her house. There was lots of good food and laughter... as usual! As soon as we got home, the girls whipped up some Krispy treats with Daddy.

Travis is still wearing his paper crown from the poppers at Grandma Sandy's. Not sure why...

The plate of treats is ready... along with celery for the reindeer, (We didn't have any carrots!) a glass of milk, and a note from Alison.

Christmas morning! 

Daddy is helping Meri get her new watch all set up.

Mer also really wanted a fuzzy robe. She said this one with Minions on it, was perfect. Good job, Santa!

When we were done with the presents at our house, we headed over to Grammys' for more presents and family time!

Johnna made Mer this frame with blue stones, and picked out a picture of them from Black Butte.

And, then of course it's time for Grammy's Treasure Hunt. Every year she sends the girls all around the house following clues. This year (in hopes of managing the chaos a little... hah!) the girls all had to sit outside the ribbon circle and take turns reading the clues.

Charlotte got a little help from Aunt Casey and NJ.

When the presents and gift cards (to the American Girl store!) had all been found, Grammy got smothered with lots of hugs.

After dinner, the girls all performed a piano piece that they've been practicing with Grammy. 

Ali and Natalie performed a duet.