For all those who come to this happy place, Welcome!

This year I thought it would be fun to have a Halloween party with costumes and games. L to R: Tessa, Myla, Crystal, Avery, Anderson, James, Seth, Paige, Cade, Karlee, Lucas (in front) Kaylee and Abbey I let them all invite a few friends but since it was just days before Halloween a lot of kids had a lot going on and came and went.   I loved the costumes. We had the princesses. Tessa, Karlee & Crystal  We had animals: Lucas (turtle), Abbey (dog), and Karsyn (Hello kitty) We had Ninja's: James, Avery, and Seth  We had defenders of freedom: Cade (Bumblebee) & Andesron (soldier)  and a Miscellaneous group: Paige (vampire), Myla Cyrus (Hannah Montana), and Kaylee (Asoka - Star Wars Clone Wars)  and a big witch and a baby witch  This was a cool games. We divided up in small groups and wrapped a mummy. First group to use all their toilet paper won - only thing - they had to work as a group.  Paige & Karlee  Logan, James & ...

This was Paige's letter to Santa this year. She had a tall order, and keep in mind this is one of several versions (some as early as September). I think next year we might limit her to the top 3 of her endless lists. James, on the other hand, just wants a dinosaur, easy peasy - this is one boy who won't be disappointed on Christmas morning.

The PTO at my kids elementary school sponsors a pumpkin contest every year. The kids were excited to be a part of it this year. Jason helped James come up with a bloody skull. I made the skirt/dress for Paige's Pumpkin Leia. I also helped with the hair (my fingers have all the burns from hot glue to prove it). It turned out great and she won 2nd place for K-3rd grade in the "Cartoon Look Alike" category. I'm so proud of my little blooming crafter in the making.

Paige got to have a Girls Day - on MLK day, since they were out of school. She decided to have a tea party (this is becoming an annual event) - She was allowed to invite 10 friends. She loves all kids and the ages ranged from 2 years to 7 years. And here she is wearing her own special apron that I made her. Here are some of the girls getting ready to frost the mini cakes we had baked. This is the "little girls" table and the table that Paige wanted to stay at. She doted on Myla (age 2) and Lydia (age 3). James was spoiled even though he was exiled from the party. My friend Christie picked him up, took him for a ride around the airport, got drinks at Sonic, and then they got to play trains at Christie's house (one of his favorite things to do) with his best friend, Cade Here is Paige & Myla. Paige let me do her hair & she did her own gorgeous makeup. Here is our group. The girls could come in costume if they wanted. We had out our dress-ups if they were so in...

We got our family pictures done a week or so before Christmas. It was pretty cool. Jason would rather go to the dentist then take family pictures so it has been a few years. Anyway, Happy New Year! We wish you all the best in 2009.

We spent the week before Christmas in the most magical place on earth... Our favorite haunt Disneyland! They can be kind of grumpy getting ready for the big day... really (try flying & see how easy it is) Those are the real deal... no fakey fakes here in the magic kingdom. We got to meet the Mrs. She taught us a thing or two about cookie decorating. Paige, Santa & James - this Disneyland Santa is extra smiley (isn't he adorable) Jason (32), Abbey (3 months), Paige (6), Santa (pretty dang old), James (4), and Maren (33) - Merry Christmas - we hope it's a good'n. James & Paige in front of Sleeping Beauty's glittering castle