Lucy's got Glasses

 

before glasses

 

 

with glasses

 

Apparently, Lucy had been having problems seeing the smart board at school recently.  So, I took her to the optometrist, and it turns out she needs glasses!  Like mother, like daughter, I suppose!  I think she looks great in them, and she can see, so that's definitely a plus! :D

Abby's 4!

So, Abby turned 4 years old on the 20th of December.  We had some friends and cousins over to celebrate.  Nothing fancy, just a snowman cake, presents, and play time.  I loved the cake!  It turned out so cute!  This is actually the same cake I made for Abby's 1st birthday 3 years ago!  My, how time flies!

Snow and Christmas Trees

Before school got out for Christmas break, Abby and I did some fun Christmas-y activities!  We made snow, and some edible Christmas trees!  Good times...

Christmas Parade

So, Molly joined Girl Scouts this year, and she and I got to participate in the annual Christmas parade they do downtown here.  Our troop did a wild west theme, and they built a huge covered wagon float that was pretty awesome.  It was chilly, especially with the wind, and it was the most quiet parade I've ever been to.  None of the local school bands were in it this year, which takes a lot away from the experience.  Molly says she was cramped sitting up in the float, but I think she will always remember her first time being in a parade!

Molly's birthday

Molly turned 6 almost 2 months ago, now, and we had a few friends over to celebrate!  She loves the movie Frozen, and anything having to do with Elsa, so we had a Frozen themed party.  I wish I had gotten pics of the decorations!  Richie can do some awesome work with crepe paper! :D  I made up a batch of Frozen Playdough for the girls to play with an assortment of cookie cutters. 

 

I made a blue velvet cake with light blue frosting and sprinkled white hard candy pieces all over it.  it wasn't super fancy, but it did look like it had ice all over it, and the kids loved it!
The party was the day after Halloween, so the kids got to wear their costumes if they wanted.  Molly was obviously Elsa.  :D

Family Pictures

 

For the past few years, my bestie, Brittany, took our family pictures, and she always did such an awesome job!  When she moved away 3 years ago, she came back one year and took them, but last year I attempted the whole setting the timer on the camera to take the picture trick.  Needless to say, it was not the best picture:

The kids are in their pjs. The cat is photo bombing the picture, and I'm 9 months pregnant, and trying to hide my enormous belly with a 3 year old.  At least everyone is looking at the camera and smiling, right? :D
Anywho, so, I just happen to have this other awesome friend, Cassie, who was more than willing to take our picture this year.  Perhaps it was because the one on the wall in our living room was taken 3 years ago; Abby was barely 1 year old.  So, it was time for an updated portrait, and I think it turned out awesome!  Even if Molly and Lucy don't look too happy, and Emmalee had already ripped her headband off of her head, and thanks to her rolling around in the grass while we were trying to pose for pics, Abby's hair is falling down.  I think Cassie totally captured our one-of-a-kind family!  So, yay for talented friends!!!  And awesome family portraits!