Post-Christmas Sunshine

The day after Christmas we hopped a plane to Arizona to visit Grandma and Grandpa 'son.' It was the perfect get-away to see two very special people and escape the cold and snow for some sunshine. While the trip was quick, we thoroughly enjoyed every minute--mini golf, movie and popcorn nights, daily trips to the swimming pool, watching football, family dinners, reading, relaxing...and being oh so thankful for our family.

Christmas 2017

Merry Christmas! 

A white Christmas!  Unbelievable. 

Needless to say it made the day feel even more magical.

 

Celebrating 7

The transition from 6 to 7 was full of fun.

First up, Mad Science Party.

Experiments, demonstrations, and all things science.

Celebrating at school on

pajama and gingerbread making day!

Breakfast in bed.

A special request from the birthday girl.

A trip to Paint the Town.

Colorful cupcakes were selected by both Carmen and Max.

Happy Birthday!

A trip to the office

The kids and I decided to visit Daddy at work and bring him lunch.

Carmen and Max had fun drawing on the whiteboard,

meeting dad's co-workers and playing on his computer.

Seven

Today you are seven. Not sure how you got here so quickly, but here you are. 

Truly an incredible girl you have become.  Still our smart and sassy sister.

Lover of art and Legos.  Quick-fused and passionate.  Opinionated but thoughtful.

Cheetah print, purple, and sequins, yes please. Growing in confidence, silly but serious. 

Interested in how and why things work but a dreamer through and through. 

A perfect balance of curiosity, pushing boundaries, sweetness and the ability to know what's right.

You have attitude, strong emotions and ideas.  You no doubt make waves, but make the world a better place.  Our world is better because of you.  You brighten our lives, make us proud.

We couldn't ask for more.

A very happy 7th birthday to you Carmen James. 

More Christmasy things...

We've been busy.  Busy with all things holiday.  The Christmas countdown is in full effect.

We visited Snowflake Lane.

A parade, dancers, music and of course, snow!

We visited Candy Cane Lane.

It's turned into a family tradition.

Hot chocolate and coffees and a short stroll through the lighted neighborhood.

We've visited the Man in Red.

The kids were lucky and got to have a long chat with Santa.

They sat on his lap, told him their Christmas wishes.

(A real kitten for Carmen and a soccer ball for Max).

We'll see...

Carmen had a school music performance.

She practiced the words and motions for weeks.

The first and second graders were cute, they were festive and put on a great show.

 For your viewing pleasure:

Max has been learning about all things gingerbread.

At school they made a real gingerbread boy and then got to eat it.

Carmen's class has also been into gingerbread.

Constructing and decorating.

Lots of frosting, executing creative ideas and sprinkles, way too many sprinkles.

Max was thrilled that he got to help too.