Party we did!

Another year, another anniversary of the day our beautiful girl graced us with her presence. I dreamt since I was a little girl about having children of my own.  The day I became a mom was truly a lifelong dream come true. My daughter joined our family and made us complete. Every day I wonder how I got to be so lucky. I love planning a celebration; especially one that celebrates my children. I have been working on Avarie's party for a few weeks and we got to have a wonderful gathering over the weekend for our girl. Kaiden was such a big help; he is so kind and considerate and makes me so very proud. There is nothing like having children who share in each other's excitement as much as their own. We made a balloon curtain for Avarie's door on the morning of her birthday. Kaiden was so excited for her, it was so very sweet.

He was also very excited to help me cut Minnie mouse shapes and decorate for her party. I love that they love each other so much. It is a reflection of the love they see and feel in our home and makes me so happy to see it through their eyes.
This year I decided to try my hand at taking Avarie's birthday pictures, here is a link to the ones that made the final cut.
Avarie's big bash on Sunday was a great success, the snow held off and we were joined by some wonderful friends and family. Here are some photos of our fun:
The Welcome sign:

 

Minnie ear pigtail clips for the girls

Mickey masks for the boys:

Cupcakes

The Cake:

The Beautiful birthday girl!

It was a great day and she was so happy which warms this momma's heart!

In other news..Miss A has been rocking potty training! In two weeks she has trained herself! She is wearing underwear all of the time except bedtime (as a precaution since she has been dry the past two nights!) She goes on her own and lets us know if she has to "pee" or "poop". She has a sticker chart and LOVES to choose a sticker after she goes and places it on her chart. We are so very proud of her! Big brother Kaiden has been great at encouraging her and cheering her on!

Kaiden started the "Mad Science" program at school and LOVES it! It is a "spy" program where children learn about solving mysteries. Kaiden counts down the days until it runs again and tells us all about it when we pick him up.

We are all very much looking forward to spring and Kaiden cannot wait until Easter, not unlike his mother he loves a change in season as well as holidays!

Funtastic February!

What we have been up to:

Spending more time playing with our children. We run, we turn into animals, we climb, we laugh (oh boy do we laugh!). We have learned that our children are hilarious. They have the ability to have us caught in fits of laughter. Last night during playtime they were running around singing and dancing Katy Perry's "Firework" while wearing plastic toy bins on their heads...it was a sight. We are also thrilled that when family visit they not only respect the "playtime" but they join in!

Disclaimer: Took a few pics of Ring around the rosy with Uncle puds and then it was put away for complete play!


We got a new camera!
I am sure love of taking pictures is part of my inner makeup thanks to my momma. I will say though I am not about ready to head out at an ungodly hour to stand in poison ivy to capture that perfect pic (sorry mom..not quite there yet :P) Having said that..I love love love capturing people pictures. I love getting giggles and painting memories through photos. I have been researching and experimenting with the help of my camera savy family and friends (thank you all for the patience in explaining ISO and shutterspeed to me multiple times!)

Less hours at work more at home:
G and I made the decision to drop the half day of work I had been doing on Fridays. As much as I love my job, I love my children so much more and am very blessed to be in a position to work less hours and spend more time with my kids. I will soak up every extra hour I can get with them.

Party planning:
Miss Av has a birthday coming and we I am in full party planning mode. I love everything about planning an event, especially when it is for my kids! Stay tuned for pinterest ideas and lots of Minnie decor!

Valentines Day!
I love the 14th! Not because of the hallmark part of the holiday; I feel like we express love for each other all year round and do not need an excuse to do so... however I am a big fan of pink so how could I not love it? Kaiden and I headed out Wednesday to chose his Valentine cards. I loved this part of school when I was a kid and was excited for him to choose. He smiled shyly telling me about which ones he couldn't wait to give out. We planned some Valentine treat ideas and cannot wait to put them together.

Kiddy milestones:
Kaiden has been printing, printing and more printing. He loves to practice writing notes to us and drawing and labeling pictures. He has been working hard at reading and has read his bedtime story to us several times! We love the I can read books which are very helpful for beginning readers. Kaiden is looking forward to spring because he LOVES easter and he can't wait to plan his birthday party, which he decided will be a halloween party! We figure if he wants a halloween party in May..a halloween party we will do! Kaiden rocked a new style this month and went for a "fohawk"

Avarie is getting more and more vocal. She has been putting more words together and loves to say "come on" and "I want to go downstairs" "there it is!" "all done" and more! Something really funny she has been doing is talking like a "monster". She talks in a "growly" voice and has us in fits of laughter! She has gone through a growth spurt and is so close to turning 2! She is also still her busy adventurous self..climbing, climbing and more climbing. She keeps us on our toes!

Off to watch Mickey with my girl but I will end with a morning picture...who doesn't love a peanut butter face??