My Valentine's

I was hoping to get a picture of my three loves on Valentine's Day, but Andrew was not in agreement.

This month we did lots of fun activities in the kitchen. The kids loved dipping strawberries in dark chocolate fondue.

Elizabeth's favorite food monster lobster. She always wants lobster in the shell.

We decorated cookies

Proudly taking them to her school party.

Heart cottage

One Saturday James took Andrew to a class at the zoo. Michael planned his perfect day: sushi and Jump Zone (a play place with tons of inflatable bouncies).

Elizabeth's first movie and Michael's second
Holding their Truffula Trees at The Lorax. The kids hadn't tasted cotton candy and I thought they would like it. Both asked to save it for later. After the movie I asked what they thought of it. Elizabeth replied, "It was alright, but I like shows, concerts, ballets and planetariums better."

Michael and Elizabeth both started a tennis clinic. I don't know if they were more excited to learn a new sport or that they were in a class together.

Andrew's Animal Party

We had face painters at the party. Andrew sat patiently while he had his whole face painted into a lion.

The twenty children took turns playing upstairs and getting their arms and faces decorated.

Michael had a shark and a cheetah.

Not to be left out, I was the last one to be bedazzled.

Even the adult beverage went with the theme: Jungle Juice

I baked a huge four tiered Belgian chocolate cake, but it was a bit of a challenge to serve. So I had it sliced before we sang happy birthday. Andrew didn't seem to mind the cupcake.

With so many guests and a lot of serious playing going on I didn't make the kids sit and eat. Andrew came up and said, "Put me in the high chair. Give me my chicken." He can fend for himself.

Andrew, King of the Jungle, is two!

His special day started with some of his favorite food - fried bananas and pepperoni bread.

His birth minute 8:37, playing with his octopus.

When Elizabeth and Michael came home from school we had afternoon tea and double chocolate cupcakes.

For dinner we went to California Pizza Kitchen. Here Andrew is toasting his birthday.

After we enjoyed his treat the kids went to the kiddie play area.

His birthday present was attending the Sesame Street Live concert. We had floor tickets so most of the monsters came up to our seats. The kids loved it.

In winter we frequently visit museums

The Carnegie History Museum had a beautiful nativity scene. Elizabeth loves nativity scenes. When I was taking down the decorations, she wanted to keep the nativity in her bedroom.

Andrew and Michael were thrilled with the size of the dinosaur bones.

Pretending to be archaeologists and excavating for bones.

At the Carnegie Science Center. There is a Sports building with fun attractions. The lines are usually long, but this time I waited in line for the big trampoline. As soon as Elizabeth started jumping she flipped backwards. The eight older children ahead of her tried to to do a flip and couldn't. She was thrilled.


Michael burning off some steam.

Climbing a tree on an unusually warm winter day at the park.

Christmas Morning

I think Elizabeth enjoyed tearing off the wrapping paper more than playing with the gifts.

Santa brought a huge bag of blocks for Michael. At first, he thought Santa accidentally left his toy bag at our house.

I love how excited they got over every present.

When Andrew discovered candy in his stocking he quickly dumped it out. Bypassing DVDs and other loot in search of chocolate.

Elizabeth wanted her American Girl twins to go for a ride on Andrew's mini coaster.

Elizabeth helped everyone open their presents. Most needed gift: James' Wireless Key Tracker

As soon as all the gifts were opened she changed into her matching ballerina tutu. Elizabeth did not want to put her Christmas dress on for church - she loves that she and her new doll match.

Michael said, "Christmas Eve and Christmas day have been the best ever."

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased.
Luke 2:14

More Holiday Fun

I helped with Michael's school party. He was so excited because his classmates loved my "Santa Says" game. He insisted on wearing my hat while making the craft.

Santa visited our MOMS Club party. He brought books for every child. Elizabeth couldn't believe he brought her a ballet book. She said, "How did you know that I love ballet?!"

Andrew enjoys the monthly crafts. He listens to the directions and sits with the older children at the table.

Elizabeth's preschool had a wonderful Christmas program. They sang many Christmas songs. During the first half Elizabeth saw that James came to see her. She couldn't contain her excitement. She stopped singing and had this huge grin on her face while waving profusely. During intermission she kept telling me that Daddy was here.

They did a retelling of the night Jesus was born. Elizabeth chose to be a donkey.

Saying her lines.

After the program each child got to say something to the audience.

Elizabeth loves the Nutcracker ballet so much my mom took her again. They had a fabulous girl's day out. She said it was the best present and that next year she wants Nani to take her to Bethlehem. When Michael was asked what present he wants from my parents he said samosas. They spent Christmas Eve making samosas for breakfast and lunch.

Riding the Christmas train at the mall
A few days before Christmas we took the children to see the hustle and bustle at the mall. They couldn't believe how busy it was. After riding the train we ate at Cheesecake Factory. Michael had a feast - reminding me of his earlier visits to Santa. He never cried but always had a much better time going out to eat. Andrew, on the other hand, would have preferred a few more train rides.