Happy #5 Birthday, Avery!

Avery had a great birthday! Five and Fabulous! 

It started off with her choosing a white sprinkled donut.

Then Mam picked her up from car line and I met them at the mall. Avery set the rules. First was Chick-Fil-A. Then we rode the escalators and went into Gymboree, where she found a headband with kitty ears. 

Up next at the mall was money takers, errr, I mean rides. Undoubtedly, she talks Mam into doing this every time they are at the mall.  

Once Dad got off work we went to Chuck E. Cheese. She was pretty nervous about it, because she is scared of the mouse. We decided if she wore her cat ears the mouse would be afraid of her and not come near. It worked! 

Yummy bundt cake for dessert.

Her birthday party was a few days later. So many friends came to celebrate her big day! 

Bestie Elle.

So happy her older kid crew were able to come celebrate with Avery. Boss was very happy about that.

She loves to pick out her cake now. This year was Hello Kitty. It was SO good! She loved it.

Family picture with a couple of extras. We love some Annalise!

Another year has flown by, and a bunch of memories made. 

Happy Birthday, Ross! #8

Ross had a lot of celebrating for his birthday! It was on a Sunday, but lucky for him school was out that Monday. 8 and Awesome!

We let him pick a few friends to go do paintball and laser tag. Griffin, Canton, and Will. Of course, the uncles went too. Since they were out of school Monday Griffin spent the night. Ross's first friend to sleep over.

The day was so busy I totally forgot to get a birthday cake, so I surprised him on that Tuesday.

Another plus was because we waited, C got to join in on the bday fun!

We had birthday hats too. Avery was the main one to be excited over those.

I can't believe he is 8!

Christmas at Home

We got home to LR and of course Santa had been there so the fun continued!

We also got the little one below Christmas night and she spent several days with us.

The kids 2016 Christmas lists. 

We made some excellent Christmas memories this year, continued with many traditions, and was sure to remember the reason we celebrate. I am working hard to relish in all our years while they are young and enjoy all the little things we do. 

Christmas at Grady

We started Christmas at Grady much like last year. Tattoos! I don't know if the other adults love this as much as I do, but they deal with it. This year they were connect the dots and color. So fun!

Then monkey bread with granny for the kiddos. 

CHRISTMAS MORNING!! Alex is not a morning person like many of us. Bless it. 

Then there is my crew. Born on a green light! Always ready! 

So much excitement! 

The favorite gift goes to Santa for Owlette! Once opened she was in every single picture. 

Santa brought their traditional Lego set for the boys to put together with Uncle Kevin. 

Avery also go the make-up that she had on her Christmas list. That has been a major hit! 

She especially loves the red lips.

It was as fun as always! A busy morning and a lot of family.

Christmas Eve with Mom

After our good-byes to R-O-S-S we went outside to put out the reindeer food. Ross strategically goes all over the yard to distribute his. 

In true Avery fashion she always just dumps it in one place. You can almost see it physically hurt Ross for him to watch her do that. 

Can mom just get a nice pic? Um, negative. :)

Obligatory family pic before we leave. This is in homage to Ms. Mari. 

Dad and the kids went to get gas as usual, and I rushed to set up Santa gifts. The kids put out the cookies and juice before they left. 

Once set up we went to Mam's. She had their first gifts set up when we got there and all the kids were SO excited! They are a huge fan of these chairs! 

The cousins that were there. They love each other mucho! 

Literally, the best picture I got. 

The one cracks me up. Alex definitely wasn't feeling it. 

Mam had special cookies for the kids! They were so excited! 

Presents! Always a fun part! The kids got a combined gift of a karaoke machine. It has been the best gift! 

This bracelet maker that Avery wanted, and I suggested to mom has been tricky. We've made one bracelet and it took hours. The result was awesome, though! 

It was a fun day!