Happy Birthday!

Another Reader!

Hyrum is really reading this year.  He finished the second series in the reading books I got for the kids.  His reading has really taken off since Christmas and is now reading to his sisters at bedtime.

Dancing Queen

LaurieAnn is now taking dance classes-ballet and tap. She was thrilled to pick out a new outfit and wear tap shoes.  She is my princess girl that loves all things sparkly.  Can't wait to see more!

Girl after my own heart

Gabby wanted to do a sewing project together this week.  It was a fun way to spend a half day off school.  She couldn't decide between a pillow or stuffed animal, so we made our own version of a pillow pet to match her room.  This was a great time together and she LOVED it.  She kept saying, "Mom, I thought this was going to be hard, but it isn't!"

Here she is learning how to sew on a button.

Gabby liked doing zig zag stitching best

Finished Project!

Time for Tea!

It was that time of the year to enjoy a charming morning tea!  The girls and I invited all the girl cousins, aunts and of course Grandma to join us for hot chocolate and brunch.  I decorated my table with my own china, my mom's wedding china, and my Grandma Dyer's china.  I encouraged the girls to dress up and they had a delightful time playing the part.

I had to get creative with my table coverings.  I have a large table that can seat several, but I have few table cloths that go the full length since we don't normally use it that size.  I used two flat sheets to cover the length, using a rosy colored one at an angle to get the pink color I wanted.  It worked perfectly without spending a dime.

Grandma Raquel's china

Grandma Dyer's china and a cute party favor with chapstick, candies and girly pencils to take home.

 A special place for the babies.

Everyone brought something sweet and something savory to share.  My favorites were the pork and cucumber crustinis!  I need the recipe.

Beach Retreat

We spent New Year's at Cannon Beach.  It was a great time with friends as usual.  Very relaxing and the weather was spectacular for the winter time.  We were expecting storms and it was almost as warm as the summer on the last day!  The kids were barefoot playing tag and football.  

Kids won the jackpot at the arcade

Stopping at the cannon on the way to the beach house

Eloise LOVED having Callie do her hair.  When we asked her if she wanted mom or Callie.  She picked her...

Gabby and MaryLeigh looking for shells.

Treasures on the sand.