Brooklyn's Birthday

Birthday Girl

In the past, I have not been a big fan of McDonalds. My kids love it and I love that they love it and sometimes it is great for that quick meal, but as for me, the only thing on their menu worth anything is a Coke. But I have to say I have changed my mind. Ronald McDonald is fantastic!! Brooklyn turned 5 on December 22 and she had her birthday party there. They did EVERYTHING. All I had to do was show up with my money. They provided the cake, the games, a hostess to run the games and take orders and serve and CLEAN UP (best part) and each kid got a happy meal with a sundae, and a treat bag. What more can you ask for? Oh, PLAYLAND! They all seemed to have a great time even though it was negative something outside and seemed even colder inside since the heater wasn't working but the kids didn't notice much, or if they did, they didn't complain. Thanks to all of you who came and helped make her day fun.

Brrr...

After a couple hours at McDonalds, we went home and she got to open presents from us. Also Angel had to give the girls their Christmas from her. They were thrilled to open presents before Christmas. Angel spoils them ROTTEN! Yep, you heard me Angel. I guess it is not just the girls, but she spoils all of us.

Greg getting "DR." shoes and scrub hats.

London getting a remote control barbie car.

Brooklyn getting a Barbie cash register along with clothes and Sponge Bob umbrella

Me getting a whole lot of things: purse, make-up, jewelry

Sydney getting lots of attention

Angel getting "comfy/relaxing" things
Sweet little Brooklyn
x2
Scary little Brooklyn
Can't forget smiley, toothless London

Brooklyn's PJ Party

The last day of school before break is pretty much a party day for all. Brooklyn's preschool was no exception. They got to wear their PJ's and slippers, bring a blanket and stuffed animal. They frosted sugar cookies and made some crafts. And of course they had gym. I think I could have survived PS if I knew it was going to be like this. (Note to self...you are paying $100 a month for this). Actually we love her PS. Her teacher is fantastic and Brooklyn has developed this love for letters and sounds. She goes around the house or while we are in the car and names everything and tells me what letter it starts with and what sound it makes. She is a bright one. She comes up with some pretty amazing words when asked "Name something that starts with 't'?" or any other letter. She is a great kid and loves school. On this day she was even chosen to do the weather bear which she has to dress the bear according to what the weather is outside. She did a great job getting hats, gloves, sweaters, pants, and boots. It will be fun to see her in Kindergarten. Hopefully she will start reading soon.

London's Limo Ride

I am a bit jealous of London. She had her first limo ride at the age of 7. I barely got to have my first ride in one last Christmas. Anyway, for her school fundraiser she sold Otis Spunkmeyer Cookies. She sold enough to get to go to lunch in a limo. So this huge Excursion Limo came to school to get the kids. She was so excited. The restaurant was only a few blocks away so I asked her if she had a long enough ride and she said "yep, the driver got lost and took us over by Wal-Mart." (She is great with directions, so she knew this wasn't the way.) Come to find out the driver was taking them the "long" way back to school so they had some extra time. They had a blast. She was lucky that a few of her good friends were able to go with her and sit by her. Thanks to all who helped her earn this great reward. It was all she talked about for weeks!

This was K-2

London and Jordyn were the first ones in.Off they go to Parrason's Italian Restaurant

Family Pictures

I always wondered why my family never had any big family pictures taken other than with the polaroid. I always thought we were a cute family even with our lovely perms. Well, I wonder no more. It is a big pain in the butt!! You can't get everybody to look good all at the same time. You spend time doing the girls hair and it is flat 5 minutes later. So thank you mom for not torturing us kids but mostly for not torturing yourself.

This was the best we could do after an hour of trying! So Merry Christmas to all of you.

Family Traditions

This holiday season I have been trying to teach the girls that they are very fortunate to have the things they have from toys to friends and family. So Greg and I have been trying to come up with some new family traditions to instill this. I love the idea of finding families in need or going to shelters, hospitals, or nursing homes to visit, but my girls are to young to be able to help at these places. I was wondering if any of you could share your family traditions, even if it doesn't involve charity-like finding the pickle on the Christmas Tree (I know some of you do this)! Let me know what you and your family do because I might just steal your ideas. Thanks and Merry Christmas!

Tis the Season for Christmas Parties

This weekend we had a couple parties for Greg's work. On Friday night we went to Damon's Grille for the surgery party with all the surgery residents and Dr. Fried. It was nice because for once we were able to take the kids and make it a family night. Fried's and Hensley's brought their kids too, so the girls weren't alone. Then on Saturday night, it was the hospital's party at the Hudson Country Club. Man, I could get to used to living like that. It was a very nice place and great food. It was fun to see some of the other residents and their spouses. Thanks again to our Angel who watched the kids despite her migraine. I love to get to spend alone time with Greg which doesn't happen very often.

Sydney's Milestones

It seems like for some reason the third child doesn't have as many pictures as the others, or doesn't have her baby book filled in, or doesn't have a record of her major milestones. Being a third child, I am determined to not let this happen to my little Sydney. So even though I have put this in her baby book and scrapbook, I will fill all of you in. She is now 5 months and 15lbs and growing faster than ever. Greg decided she needed to start some rice cereal a few weeks ago and I knew it wasn't going to be pretty. Ok, I will say it...I told you so. And we haven't tried it since.

The other thing she is trying to do is roll over. If you lay her on her back it is easy for her to get to her side. In fact, she has been doing that since birth. She never has liked being on her back and instantly would roll to her side, but now it is with purpose. She also likes to scoot on her back as a means of transportation. I am trying to decide if I want to call her scooter or Zachary! (This is my nephew who used to do the same thing).

Thanksgiving

So I'm a little behind. Tell me what mother isn't. Anyway, our Thanksgiving was terrific! We had some friends come down from Cleveland, ate 'til we couldn't eat anymore, then ate pie! (Thanks Leanne for that.) Since we have been in Ohio we have had people over and I have to say I would prefer it that way. We split up the food which makes it a lot less overwhelming, and you get to try other people's holiday dishes. On top of that we have great company and the girls have other kids to play with. Thanksgiving should not be spent alone. That is the whole purpose right--SHARING a meal. So we are grateful for the Davidson's who shared this day with us. We miss you and wish you were closer. Wish we would have taken pictures. It is about the only time that we use tablecloths, placemats, cloth napkins, and China, oh and have a built in dish dryer
(thanks Warren). Hope everyone's Thanksgiving was good!

Halloween Week

HALLOWEEN FUN!!

My Little Indecisive Child

My little Angel

I know I am a little behind in posting Halloween pictures but I am trying to forget it because it lasts like a whole week out here and it drives me crazy. Whatever happened to dressing up one time to go trick or treating on the 31st? Well, out here in Ohio the city decides when to trick or treat. It usually is the Friday before Halloween. Some nearby town do it the Saturday before the 31st. Why you ask? Who knows...Insane Ohioans. I like the fact that it is always on a weekend so kids and parents don't have to worry about school the next day, or you don't have to worry about doing it on a Sunday night either, so I guess it is a pretty good idea. However, since they block out from 6-8pm that kids can trick or treat it's not like they are staying out til midnight knocking on doors and begging for candy. But Whatever! Anyway, because the 31st just happened to be on Friday this year, the girls actually got to trick or treat on Halloween!! But it is all the activities before that make me crazy and by the time it is time to trick or treat, I have put their costumes on 3 or 4 different times between school activities, church, and community and I just want to be done. Brooklyn loves it. It is like dress up everyday for a week. She had her school party on Thursday the 30. London had activities all day the 31, Church activities the 29, and Community things on the 25. Craziness!!! I have to admit that it still never gets old seeing them parade around in their costumes and participating in their classroom parties.

Church Party



Brooklyn's School Party




London's Parade




We had friends come over with their kids and we had pizza and then they went trick or treating together. They played outside and ate their candy.




Brooklyn's Stash

London's Stash

Growing Baby

It is hard to believe that Sydney is already 4 months. We went to the Dr. on Oct. 30 and she weighed 13.6 lbs and 24 inches. She also had to get her shots. I hate being a mom during that time. That is usually why Greg comes with and he gets to hold her legs down. But this time he couldn't make it so I got to be the proud mama. It was fine til I looked down and one nurse had already poked her twice and was done while the other one still had the first needle all the way in her leg. Poor girl.

She settled down fairly quickly which was nice because I had to rush over to Brooklyn's Halloween parade. And boy talk about making it in the nick of time, I walked in the front door and they were finishing the parade and her class was last so I barely saw it. So I went into the class room and she was crying to her teacher saying I didn't get to see her. I felt so bad. I talked to her about where I was and why I was a little late and then I showed her where she got her shots. Brooklyn was then more concerned about Sydney's well being, so that was good.

But I still felt bad, so I stayed for the rest of the party. It was fun to see her interact with her classmates. I was glad I got to stay and watch.