fun in the sun with a little bit of turkey thrown in

Oh Christmas Tree

We're back! Here we are yesterday in sunny 80 degree Arizona, soaking up the sun and enjoying some turkey...

...and here we are today. Home and scouting out our Christmas tree.



Trying to save a bit of money (and create a fun family memory) we decided to cut down our own Christmas tree this year. First stop: the Enumclaw Rangers Station, not too far from home-about 15-20minutes.

Once we got there-45 minutes later, we realized we were in for a little more than we planned for. We didn't know we would be facing snowy conditions. We were not really prepared to say the least. Note Kyla's bare exposed legs above and Casey's shoe choice below aka NOT boots.

Here is what Kyla looked like MOST of the time. She did have a little fun and the day started out with much excitement about picking out our very own Christmas tree from the forest. But as our car drove up the mountain side and as we trampled through two feet of snow, these were the words out of her mouth.... "Guys, I don't think this is a very good idea." "I think we might be lost." "It is really spooky out here!" Oh, and did I mention the fact that we didn't get home last night until 11:30pm? That can make any girl on edge.

She actually said, "Mom, let's just get this one."

Finally, we found one!

Here we are waiting in the car while dad tries to find another one for Uncle Tyler and Aunt Chelsea.

The evidence of our journey.

...and this is it.

It's Christmas time!

A tea party!

The self-proclaimed "Skateboarding Princess" loved her tea party.

She is working tirelessly on her thank you notes as blog.

I'd say it was a success as far as fourth birthday parties go. The girls (&boy) all seemed to enjoy themselves minus one terrible round of musical chairs which left almost everyone except the two winners in tears.

(I really should be waiting for Amy's photos on this one. I'm sure she has much better ones...I'll put some more up when I get them.) But here is the party recap for now.

The decor:

The tea:

Some literally drank 15 cups of tea (apple cider). It must have been very delicious. Each girl wore a pearl necklace and white gloves. They were all very fancy and cute.

The littlest members of the tea party. Sitting so nicely just chatting. Enzo, the only boy at the party was a little ladies man with his adorable tie.

I just can't resist this picture of Chanelle. She is SO cute and fits in perfectly with the decor.

Blowing out the candles:

4 years old...I can't believe it.

Heidi's favorite part:
the cupcake
& the after party where she benefited from all the new toys


A really fun day for Kyla. Presents from mom and dad in the morning (see the picture at the top), a fancy tea party with friends, and Red Robin (where she was serenaded by the staff) with YaYa and H to top it off.

We've made the switch...

...to Christmas music that is. Yea!

Four!

Happy Birthday Kyla!

We love you!

A Sweet Treat

We celebrated Kyla's BIRTHDAY-EVE today with our dear friends, Taylor, Addison, & Kristin. They took us on a date to a cupcake shop. Needless to say, Kyla loved every second, Taylor, her birthday, and pink cupcakes that were named "ballerina" What more could a girl ask for really? Thank you again to our sweet friends for

a sweet treat.

Decisions Decisions!

Decided: 4 Ballerinas, 1 Sweet 16, and 1 Double Dutch

This is a nano-second before Kyla's hair caught on fire....seriously.

A little singed but overall in good spirits.

Such cute outfits, girls, and setting I tried to capture a possible Christmas card photo...

No such luck...as you can see by the words formed on Kyla's lips, it was "too cold."

A fun kick-off to the birthday festivities. We love our friends.

who doesn't love french fries and nuggets?

I love her.

This is my interview with an {almost} 4 year old. I don't know how accurate some of these answers are but these are but they are straight out of her mouth.

1.) What is your full name? K-Y-L-A
2.) What is your favorite color? PINK!
3.) What do you want to be when you grow up? A baker, a ballerina....and I want to do computer.
4.) What is your favorite book? The Little Mermaid
5.) What do you love most about Heidi? When she shares her juice with me.
6.) What is your most special toy? my Ariel doll
7.) What is your favorite show? Fresh Beat Band & Mickey Mouse
8.) What is your favorite movie? Cinderella
9.) What part of preschool do you like most? Crafts!!!!!
10.) What food is your favorite? I love popcorn and french fries and nuggets.
11.) What are you going to ask Santa for? I really want to get a princess Mulan doll because he's got everything.
12.) Who is your best friend? Taylor and Heidi
13.) What is your favorite animal? A cow?
14.) What do you and Heidi like to play together? Spaceship, puppies, and princesses
15.) What is your favorite restaurant? Red Robin

let the birthday week begin...

about to bake some cupcakes for preschool

3 Time Champs!

BNK racked up another trophy for the trophy case today. Who keeps those trophies by the way? The GM (Joey)? The guys were crowned three time Maple Valley Rec Flag Football Champions! All the fans came out for this one (we were a bit of fair weather fans this year due to inclement weather and naptime games). Be sure to check Chelsea's blog sometime tomorrow for a real blow by blow. Final score:

Everyone took a turn with the beloved trophy. 9 more months til next season...

...and the next trophy.