"All aboard the Polar Express"
Kira has been telling for months that she wanted a "Cowabunga" birthday party. I think she was refering to the water park in Draper off the freeway. I tried to tell her it would be way too cold to go there in December. "It's ok mom, we'll just do it in our basement. People will wear grass skirts and stuff. She had the vision, I did not. I also heard her tell a friend not to worry that there would be no cows at her cowabungs party! Luckily about three weeks before the party she decided to switch gears and have a pajama party, Polar Express Theme. Now that I can do. I think it turned out pretty good.
Ice cream sundays instead of cake:)
The winter clothes relay
The party went off without a hitch, thanks to Brynn who entertained the little 5 and 6's quite a bit, except I don't know if I'll ever do a party on a school day again. Kira was exaughsted in the last 20 min. She was telling Seth and I that her friends were being too loud and rowdy. She went to her room to pout while the party carried on without her. Oh well!
Pretty little girls all dressed up for a Christmas Sunday.
Here are the neighborhood babies getting way too big. So cute to see them grabbing onto each other even though they have no idea they are doing it. I think they all might be holing hands:)
Here's another December Sunday. It looks like Alayna is not so pleased with the photo-op.
We were so lucky to get a visit from our friends September and Jason Rich. Seth and Jason have been friends since they were 12. They were even born on the same day. Pretty crazy! It's great to have friends that no matter how far the distance apart we will always remain close. Now Zac and Brynn, that was a little different this time around. Those two have been playing since birth, but now that they're in the "tween" age the rules of play have changed. Zac wasn't too thrilled to play with the loads of girlie stuff down stairs, so he hung out on the computer. It will only get better as they become teenagers! It was so good to see them. We're so proud of Jason as he is very close to wrapping up his very long adventure with medical school.
Good morning sleepy-head! I don't think Alayna was as excited for presents as the girls were.
The Dollhouse! That was the girls big present this year. Seth was concerned that they were too old to play with a dollhouse, but it was quite a hit. Kira was especially thrilled with the elevator.
Who needs presents when you've got ribbons?
"I am a Utah man sir..." the girls specifically asked for Utah hats this year. They know which team we cheer for in our family. Living in Utah County their are not many Ute fans down here and Brynn is a lonely fan in her class and gets teased a lot, but she is very loyal to her team!
The Archer/Bailey cousin clan. Grandma and Grandpa refinished their basement recently and it has become a great place to hang out. For Christmas they bought the family "Rock Band" on X-BOX 360, the Beatles version. We had such a blast. Everybody took a turn with the instruments and being a soloist at the mic. My grandma, "Kono" even took a turn at the turn at the drums!
Grandpa Mike, looking very happy with the youngest grandkids:
Ian James and Alayna Kate
Look at my big girl! Time goes by way too fast. Alayna is now 7 1/2 months old.
Alayna"s getting pretty good at sitting up on her own now.
Taking an unwilling ride in our doll stroller
When Brynn's around, there's always something to dress the baby up in!
Gangsta girls!
Here the baby is some sort of gypsy. The baby really is a fun dress up toy for Brynn.
Aarrggh! Pirate Alayna
Plastic bags really are the best toys for Alayna. And they're so safe too!
Saucer Time
Luke and his baby
Kira can often be found reading to her little sister. I love her face here!
Yum Prunes!
St. Patty's Day
Gotta love that little chubby girl!
