Something's Missing

For several days, Annabel has been awaiting the arrival of a mythical creature who mainly works the night shift.  This lonely nymph's job is twofold:  to retrieve a bit of chiseled bone previously shed from the oral cavity of small human children and to replace it with tokens of monetary value.

For those of you who need a refresher course in childhood lore, Annabel lost her first tooth:

With inflation, we figured that the .25c we used to receive under our pillows is probably worth about .50c now.  Still, it was her first tooth, so she ended up with a whole $1 bill.  Annabel was super excited and informed us that she would save the dollar to buy either a Barbie or the Cinderella castle at Disney World.  Um, I'm no dentist, but I'm fairly certain her mouth won't produce enough teeth to purchase the latter...  Oh well, it's good to set financial goals, I suppose!

Traditions

One of the things that I love most about parenting is that we are able to maintain old family traditions, as well as establish new ones for the four of us.  Christmas is, perhaps, the time when people most adhere to some routine, whether it be in their preparations, baking, musical choices and/or decorations.  It's probably no secret that I adore Christmas and all of its related activities, and I've thought long and hard about some of the traditions we should establish.  

 

First, the kids have begun decorating their own tree.  This is the tree that sits in the hallway just in front of the main door, where it shines brightly for anyone to see as they ride up the driveway to our home.  The decorations on this tree are mostly handmade.  There are lots of treasures, many from our own childhood, along with some new ornaments that the kids have crafted themselves.

Following the tree trimming, I make some popcorn, and the kids watch "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" in their pjs.  (I'm sure that there was some practical reason for the pajama requirement, but that reason is lost on us now.  The kids, however, remember that they wore their bed clothes last year, so they must do so this year as well.  Thus, a tradition is born...)

Jordan's parents likewise have some yuletide traditions of their own.  New this year was the "Pirate's Night Before Christmas," aptly read by Pappa, who claims to have more than a few drops of pirate blood coursing through his veins. 

Another tradition is that we always go sledding to help work off some of the humungous Christmas breakfast we consumed hours earlier.  This year, of course, was no exception.

Thane, of course, was in all of his glory.  I think that he liked the sledding more than his presents!

Lastly, Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without the obligatory photo shoot.  

Merry Christmas from the Colville clan!

Christmas Eve

Since my early college days, we Ahlquists have most often celebrated Christmas on the 24th.  I have many cherished memories of these times, and we continue to enjoy opening gifts and hanging out with my folks that day.  This year was no exception, although we most definitely missed Kim, Jon & the boys! 

Annabel, especially, was thrilled with the doll crib that she was given from my folks.  This crib will be cherished, as it was the big gift that my mom received the Christmas that she was five years old.  It even has my mom's name painted on it - something of which is Annabel is particularly proud.

We ended our evening with dessert:  bread from my Grandma Heydenburg and Mom's famous apple pie.  (Sorry Gramma - your bread was half gone long before I was able to get a photo of it!)  The perfect way to end a perfect evening.  Almost...

It wasn't too difficult to get our tired kiddos to bed that evening, especially with the threat of a no-show Santa should they not be sleeping when he arrived.  Luckily, Annabel roused herself just long enough to remember the milk and cookies for Santa, along with a handful of carrots for the reindeer.

  Phew- that was a close call!

Happy Birthday, Princess-Style

Like last year, Annabel requested yet another Princess theme for her birthday party.  (Don't worry - she has since informed me that a Cowboy theme would be much better next year!)  As her birthday is a week before Christmas, Annabel practically enjoyed a two week birthday as we all scrambled to fit in birthday festivities with all of the Christmas celebrations held during this busy time.

First we celebrated with Jordan's folks.  Both Jordan and I's mothers share a birthday the day before Annabel's, so we invited the Lentz' over for some chocolate molten lava cakes with ice cream.  YUM!!  Annabel loved her gifts from her Pappa & Mamma, especially the super cute hat and mittens that Mamma made just for Annabel.  (And by made, I mean raised the sheep, sheered them, cleaned & processed the fleeces, carded and spun the wool into yarn and then knit the hat & mittens.  Impressive!)

The next night, my folks had Annabel over for "SUCH A FANCY" dinner, complete with dress up clothes,  china dishes, "gourmet" food (hot dogs, mac-n-cheese, donuts) and a princess movie later.  Annabel was thrilled and felt very grown up that evening.

Finally, a few days after Christmas, several more little princesses arrived at our home for Annabel's official birthday party. 

We enjoyed making tiaras, running an "Oh My Gosh, We're Late.  Let's Hurry Up and Get Ready for the Ball" relay race, decorating the castle, and eating lots of yummy goodies. 

Happy Birthday, my big girl!  Just remember, Cinderella, the ball is over - now get back to work!

Visitors!

We had a livelier Thanksgiving this year (if that's possible!) with the arrival of Jordan's beloved Uncle Steve and Aunt Sandy and their clan.  While I'd met a few of the Connoy girls, it was great to get to know the rest of this wonderful family.  Jordan reconnected with his fishing buddy/cousin Matt, and I really enjoyed visiting with cousin Aimee & her husband Brian.  As nice as that was, I think that the kids were most delighted to play with their second cousins, Xeni & Mason.  The kids had a ball, and we are hoping to schedule week-long play dates during some not-too-distant summer vacation.

The kids were especially sad to see family go, but their spirits were soon lifted with the arrival of another special visitor, Brie Sampson.  I have been close friends with the Sampsons since I was a teenager, and it's a bit surreal to be hosting their youngest (19 year old!) daughter.  Yikes - where has the time gone?!?  Brie is a lovely, accomplished young lady, and we had such a great time talking, shopping, cooking, hunting, etc., etc.  Annabel & Thane took to her immediately, and they were both heartbroken to see her go.

We miss you all, but are grateful for the time that we were able to be together.