Happy Valentine's Day!

Alison had her Valentine's party at pre-school yesterday. She was very excited to pass out her Princess valentines to her friends! Today was my class party... a lot of candy, excitement, and happy third graders. {And one pooped teacher!} Travis sent me beautiful flowers at work, and then took all of his girls out to dinner. We are so lucky to have him. :)

Happy Birthday Alison!

Where does the time go? It is beyond my belief that just 5 years ago Travis and I became parents for the first time. It has been a joyful, crazy, non-stop, heartbreaking, unpredictable, and completely wonderful ride! Today Alison Marie turned 5-years old! {Although some days she seems much older!!} She has been waiting for this day for weeks... trying to explain time to a little one is a tricky concept! When she came down this morning she found a big stack of presents on the kitchen table. Instead of being elated {as we thought she would be} she was rather irritated. "What's going on here?! I have presents? My birthday is at JJ Jump!" But, after some thought she said, "Oh, alright, I guess I'll open these now" as if it were a huge chore.


Ali invited a few special friends to JJ Jump to play, have pizza and cake. {That place really gives you a great workout!} Later, she chose to go to Red Robin for her birthday dinner. {Surprise, surprise!} It was a long, happy day for our 5-year old. Happy Birthday, Ali! Thank you for all that you have added to our lives. We love you!

Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas! Both days were spent with family - starting Christmas Eve with Greg's birthday lunch at P.F. Chang's. Later, we dropped Merilyn off at Gramma's {It was a late night and we knew she wouldn't last!}, and headed to Jamie and Kurt's for a fabulous dinner, Guitar Hero, and lots of laughter!

Travis and Ross jam out to Guitar Hero! Ross is an old pro!

After dinner, we spent the night at my mom's. On Christmas morning Ali could hardly believe that Santa knew exactly what she wanted! Merilyn was more interested in the paper than what was in the paper, and half-way through the morning she was ready for a nap!

And to top it all off, it was a white Christmas! It was beautiful and the girls were so excited. It was a great time with family and loved ones.

Merry Christmas to you!

Sleep Over

Alison's best friend - and cousin - Natalie came to spend the night with her. They were very busy! They spread hundreds of books all over the upstairs, were chased by "monsters" {Daddy & Merilyn}, watched Frosty the Snowman, and made cookies for Santa. After their bath we read books and turned out the lights. {Although, I can still hear them in there whispering & giggling...} I am so thankful that Ali and NJ are so close... in age and location. They are lucky to have such a special relationship!

Another Performance

Alison had her dance class performance/open house today. We put red and green ribbons in her hair to get in the spirit! Both grandmas came to watch, and again, Merilyn wanted desperately to be a part of the show!

Christmas Program

Alison had her pre-school Christmas program last Thursday. All of the kids were adorable and they sang their little hearts out. Merilyn wanted to be a part of the whole performance... clapping, dancing, and singing along the whole time.

Christmas Cards

After we met Santa it was time to get started on our Christmas cards. TJ is going to pick up the pictures from Costco, and hopefully we'll be able to get them in the mail this week!