Happy Birthday Travis!

A few highlights from the day:

*The cake was made... without water. Oops! That explains why it was so thick when I poured it into the pans.

*Merilyn was in charge of sprinkles.

Sleep Over

Our favorite guests for sleep overs are our cousins. I never know what imaginative adventure they'll have when they get together with Natalie and Johnna! (Someday Miss Charlotte will join in on all of the fun...!) Today they were enjoying the sun that was coming and going.

Like I said, I'm never sure what the girls will come up with... like lining up in the driveway in chairs, strollers, and wagons... with blankets and sunglasses to watch the

goings-on of the neighborhood.

Happy Birthday Ali!

Ali celebrated her 9th birthday with homemade mac & cheese at Grandma Sandy's house with all of her family. (Nine, really!?) The celebration continued with her friends Saturday afternoon. They watched movies, ate lots of popcorn and candy, played "Just Dance" on the Wii, and giggled, laughed, and played. It seemed like a good afternoon for a 9-year old. :)

Later that night, the Pflegers, Gramma and Grampa came over for pizza and cake. Her favorite birthday present was her new blue Dsi from Daddy. (She thought she was done with presents, but when she went to bed, she found one more waiting for her under the covers!)

Welcome Home Lucy!

Travis and I have been discussing getting a dog since we were married. I grew up with dogs, and always thought we'd have a lab. Because he moved around so much, he didn't have pets... and was perfectly fine with continuing the "no pets" policy. However, I've had a little help in the "convincing" department... the girls! Ali has been asking for a dog every Christmas since she could write a Christmas list for Santa.

About 3-4 years ago, we finally compromised on a small dog for our family. Trav was still not in a hurry to add a dog into our lives, but the researching continued on small dogs that don't bark, shed... etc. (I thought his list sounded like a stuffed animal!)

Early in February our friends, Matt and Kristen, got a little Yorkie named Max. This was just the nudge Trav needed. It was back to the computer and the serious research. A week later he came home with a West Highland Terrier puppy. The girls were so excited! Meri couldn't believe that Daddy got a "real-life puppy"! We fell in love with her Lucy instantly.

I never thought I would own a little, white fluff ball. But, she fits in with our family perfectly. And, for the guy that did not, did not, did not want a dog... well, he's completely smitten. :)

New Year's Eve

We decided that this year was going to be very low-key... we stayed home in our pajamas with snacks and movies. Perfect. Dinner was tacos - Ali's favorite.

Then came snack time... I tried a new recipe - Pizza Bread. Pretty darn good if you're a bread lover! We also made Trav's favorite meatballs. We had more food than we could eat... but the left-overs were just as good!

After all that, we needed something sweet, so the girls and I made frozen hot chocolate. Yum! I found the recipe here.

The rest of the evening was spend snuggled up on the couch watching movies.

Highlights of Christmas 2011

Making Christmas Cookies with our cousins.

Looking at Christmas Lights on Peacock Lane, and around the neighborhood.

Working on last year's Christmas album... so I guess the Advent card should say, "Look at Christmas albums from the past".

Christmas Eve - Brunch on the Columbia River for Greg's Birthday.

Christmas Eve at Aunt Jamie and Uncle Kurt's. They gave the girls Pillow Pets... how did they know? :)

Setting out cookies and carrots for Santa and his crew.

Matching jammies on Christmas morning.

Kicking back enjoying all of the new toys!

Merry Christmas!

Still Catching Up

Breakfast with Santa

This was our second year attending the benefit show for Cystic Fibrosis. They always do such a good job; the girls love watching the dancers and the show. And, of course, chatting with Santa is always a highlight! Ali asked for a blue cover for her DS and Merilyn asked for baby doll that poops and potties. (Check with me first, Santa!)