Turning 9

Caitlyn turned 9 this year and we had a great party. We had a science theme party (thanks Heidi). At first I was nervous that it wasnt girly enough but they really had a fun time with all of the experiments. Here is the group mid party. I'm glad I got a photo of all of them.


Their first experiment was to see who could build the highest tower out of marshmallows and toothpicks. We had some great towers!

After the towers we went straight into lunch. The girls were happy with the pizza but the mom in me required oranges and grapes on the table. I'm happy to report that they devoured the fruit as well.

We next went into our egg experiement. Chad did a great job explaining to the girls why our experiements were working. You should have seen their faces when the eggs were sucked into the bottles. They couldnt believe it

Now for the explosion. We had to go outside for this one. This picture is Chad explaining why mentos create a gyser effect when dropped into Diet Coke.We gave them each a small Diet Coke and Mentos so they could see it on a small scale.

Right before the first drop:Heres the mom in me again. I didnt want anyone going home covered in Diet Coke so I made them stand back before the big drop.

Chad wanted to really impress them so in went about 24 Mentos:

Next were presents. It was really nice of all of her friends to bring her a present. Especially so close to Christmas! She was happy with everything! A couple of friends gave her Target gift cards so she was able to get a Madame Alexander doll that she's had her eye on.For the final experiment we made Gak that they could take home. It was definitely the grossest and gooey-est experiment of the day but they had a great time watching it form.

We had so much fun that we lost track of time. By the time we got to cake and ice cream parents were starting to arrive! They ate their cake and they were sent out the door with Gak and a party bag of candy. It was a great party and I think all the girls went home with some great stories!

Caitlyn's Birthday outfit

She was so happy to get new Tom's and a dress for her birthday

Franklin Winter Sing

We were able to go to Franklin's Winter Sing. Caitlyn did a great job. They sang "Lights of Hanukkah", "We're Going to Catch That Santa" and "Sing Merrily Sing For Joy". I was happy that we made it through all of her songs before Alison and Nathan completely melted down. Needless to say we had to make a quick exit after her performance. Sorry to all the other participants that we had to miss - I'm sure you all did a great job! :)

Toasty

We've been warming our feet by the fireplace and loving it! It's a great way to welcome in Christmas time.

2nd life

We got this table when we were first married (almost 12 years ago) from Pier 1. It was a great coffee table in our apartment and our condo and it has spent the last 7 years at the foot our our bed. A couple of weeks ago Chad launched himself onto the bed from the table while playing with the kids and there was a big crash. The base had split from the base and we thought the table had seen its life.

Heres the problem: I need a table there. I love having a place to sit the laundry or use it to put my shoes on - its functionality has become a staple in our room - for both of us and the kids, but I dont want to afford a new table.

So Chad got to work. The table broke in a way that Chad could still use the old pieces as a pattern for new pieces. I'm so happy that I married a handy guy. It comes in, well, handy :) Now it just needs to be stained and it will be good as new. Love it.

Thanksgiving 2011

Thanksgiving this year was with the Vance's. We are a large group, but I really love getting everyone together.

Sweet Grandma and Grandpa Vance

Alison was completely in love with this dog.

This is Alison's new pose for pictures. So adorable.

McRae's

Chad's photography work.

You know its our table when there are huge Thirstbusters present. We were happy to have Jeff and Merrilynn (Randy's brother and wife) down from Colorado for the holiday.

Alison was going around drinking everybody else's juice. This is when she realized we were watching her.

Baby Leah

Nathan discovered the trampoline early off and it was hard to separate him from it for the rest of the afternoon.

Steve and Melissa came down as well. We were happy to have them stay with us. One big slumber party= very happy kids.

This is a death trap. We grew up with it at my grandparent's house and it always resulted in injury but the kids had fun with it. Especially when Chad was the counterweight. Nobody lost a foot so I guess all is well!

Nathan wasnt happy at the end of the day when it was time to go home and he had to leave the trampoline. I hope he'll be excited on Christmas day :)

Next Time

Next time we offer Nathan pumpkin pie for dessert we will know to just give him a plate of Cool Whip

Pretty In Pink

Alison lookong cute today

Kids on Halloween Night

Alison was a little possessive about her candy....

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Halloween 2012

A couple of weeks ago we went with Ben and Sarah to a Fall Festival. We all had a great time! They had great games for the kids, a bounce pad, animals and a fun train ride - all of which was included in the price.

HALLOWEEN NIGHT: We first had to make it out to Grandpa O'Loughlin's to see all the pumkins - a fun family tradition.

Our peacock, watermelon and boxer. Caitlyn came up with the idea of a peacock. At first I wasnt sure how to pull it off but it actually was a lot of fun to make!Alison wanted nothing to do with her costume until her friend Maya came over last week and tried it on. Then she threw a fit until we put it on her. Nathan's was a last minute purchase - but that's when you get a good deal! (50% off). He LOVES it and wore it all weekend.

Alison caught on pretty quickly and soon enough she was around anyone who had the candy. She ran out of M&M's so she sat next to Nathan hoping for more.

We had a fun time at our Trunk or Treat then it was off to Grandma Harmon's house. It was a busy night - but a lot of fun!