Party

5 candles plus a R2 potato head , make a pretty sweet cake. What is even sweeter? The expression on his face as he places the candles. Wishes like these only come once a year.

Cousins,

Buddies,

and more cousins!

They had some Toy Closet Time,

Wii and Vader Time,

Present time,

and time to Munch! ( We tried a healthy twist - Apples, carrots, blueberries, cheese, cucumbers, grapes, pretzels, and yogurt. They gobbled it up. I also had mini marshmallows and m&m's, which they hardly touched, they kept asking for more of the "good" stuff. They did eventually wash it all down properly with gobs of frosting, as birthday guests should.

Lindsay disappeared for a while, then reappeared with a homemade gift. A precious green puppy! Mimi fell in love with him and volunteered to puppy sit for the weekend.

These little girls were great little helpers!

These big girls were great big helpers!

Who knew how much fun 1 hour could be?

Five

You are my baby. You turned five today. This morning when you woke up, you asked me to hold you. I love your smile. I love your questions, your laugh, and your sweet tenderness. You love to be outdoors, you love to "help", and to discover. You are a joy and we are so grateful for all that you bring to our family. You are a peacemaker. Your soft center keeps you keenly aware of those around you, and what they are feeling. We love you so, Mr. Shmargenfarckle.

Happy Birthday!!

At preschool today, your teacher gave you a crown. When we asked you where you wanted to go for dinner, you chose McDonald's. It was a great choice because they had cool dragon toys there!! Sweet.

My big 5 year old buddy!

Iron Man

On Saturday, Alan competed in his first Iron Man in Oceanside. His early morning began with a 1.2 mile swim in the ocean, a 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run. His official finishing time was 6:17. He wanted to be under 7 hours, so he was happy. I was happy that he didn't die. He wasn't completely well. The kids were so excited to watch their daddy race! Nana and Hoho made a great addition to our cheering squad. Robie made sure we were comfortable, well fed, and provided us with a perfect view of the finish line. Tom didn't miss a beat with his camera. He was our personal photographer and so much more. We love you guys, you are awesome!!! Thanks for all of your time, support, and encouragement!!

The wee hours of the morning . . .

From the swim to the bike . . .

From the bike to the run . . .

waiting . . .

and, the man in red appears!!

We are so proud of you!!!

Sound of Music

The girls have been practicing once a week in an after school program over the last month. Today they performed in the Sound of Music. Lindsay was Frederick (Freida) and Alie was Kurt (Karina). They loved it and we enjoyed watching them sing and dance to some of our favorite songs from the movie with friends. They are looking forward to The Lion King next!

Alie is "cuckooing" behind Hannah on the left.

Here are a few clips from the musical . . .

Volleyball

Lindsay's first Volleyball game with the Green Gators. I think the best part about this team is being with friends, oh and getting to wear those knee pads, they are pretty cool, and fun to slide on:)

Go Gators!

Heel to Toe

This little girl has moved from "princess" dress up, to "teenager" dress up. She loves to wear my shoes, the only requirement is a heel. Getting height from platforms is just not her thing, she needs a true heel. She likes the way they sound, and most importantly the way they look. These red ones are her new favorites. Last night, after soccer practice and showering, she sat at the kitchen table with wet hair and jammies. Underneath the table, dangling from her feet, were the red shoes. The good news, I have been motivated to expand my shoe collection, which mostly consists of flip flops and sneakers. The bad news, she does a much better job walking in them than I do and my shoes are strewn through the house. Thanks for making me smile Alie.

Girl Time

Our First Annual Girl's trip to St. George. I say "annual" because we want to make this a tradition. Some highlights of the trip were: late night chats, shopping, St. George temple, pedicures with pillows, money along the roadside near Vegas (4 $1 bills), Cafe Rio, engaging relatives, Great Harvest, more shopping, Iceberg chocolate banana shakes, and last but not least the "naked guy" in Vegas who tried to get into our hotel room at 5:oo in the morning wearing nothing but a black speedo. Good times girls. It was fun.

Alan did a great job getting all four kids to their games and different activities. He even took Alie to the orthodontist to get her braces on. On Saturday, after everything that was done that needed to be, he took the kids to dinner near Old Poway Park. They climbed trees, played near the train tracks, and in the stream. It was nice to get away, but it was nice to get back home. The night after I got back, Justin asked me if I could lay with him "just a little bit longer". It is nice to feel missed. I sure missed them! They seemed bigger and cuter than I remembered. Alan did it all and infinitely more. What a "mighty mighty good man", yes he is!

St.Patrick's Day

An ode to the day -

O' our eggs were green, our teeth are clean

from cavity and decay.

Our eyes smilin' bright with a new sweet light

shining on us today.

Grass stains we bring from a field we cling

to soccer balls dancin' in a row.

'Round the clovers in sight, a lad's feet take to flight

learning we reap what we sow.

And Oh, hear me well, Good tidings we bring

of a dinner bell, and it's voice

with a beckoning ring.

Related topics: ( breakfast, dentist appts., sunshine, soccer practices, running with dad, dinner bell.)

Unrelated topics, but additional events of the day: ( green popsicles, Brett's BBQ, homemade mint chip ice cream, and poetry.)

(Green pickle smile)

I love our new dinner bell. It saves my voice, and gets the kids to the table faster.

The girls made up their own poems when I told them I did one for the day.

There once was a pot of gold,

that had alot of mold.

A leprechaun came, oh what a shame,

that stinky old pot of gold!

By Lindsay

There once was a shamrock named Shaun,

who liked to run at dawn.

He was easily seen, because he was green,

so he decided to run on the lawn.

By Alie