Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Sewing

I actually made this dress a few months ago for Grace to wear to preschool since she is in the froggy class, but it has been too big for her. I put it on her the other day and realized it's probably not too big, I just cut it too wide. Also, after only wearing it one time, Gracie woke up from her nap with the ribbon ripped off of one shoulder. Next, I'll need to learn how to child proof clothing so when my girls wear them they won't come apart (or just follow the directions better). My good friend Katie taught me how to follow a pattern and learn the "language" of a seamstress. She even helped me tweak the pattern and add the ribbon at the top and ruffle at the bottom...Thanks Katie!



Saturday, January 23, 2010

10 Months




Time really goes by so much faster with the second. I can't imagine the more kids you have, the faster it goes. This past month she got her two fang teeth. They're not all the way down yet, but it's pretty cute to see the big empty space in the middle. Abigail has turned into a wild child. Even though she is very easy-tempered and extremely happy, she definitely has a wild side to her that is coming out. She is very curious about everything and constantly on the move...unless she is sleeping. She wiggles when you hold her, change her diaper, feed her, you name it. She has quite the personality and Gracie came up with a new name for her; Abby Monster. She had a doc. check up a few days ago and weighed 16 lbs. (10th percentile). I love that such a little thing can have so much spunk.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Donut Party





A while back I asked Gracie what kind of party she wanted for her birthday, and the first thing out of her mouth was a "donut party", I wasn't quite sure what to think. She was probably thinking more of what she wanted to eat at a party, but it gave me a great idea of what theme to base her party around.
She had her friends(10) over from playgroup and they decorated aprons and became chefs by decorating their own donut with frosting and sprinkles. We also played pin the tail on the donkey and ring around the rosey.
It was the perfect party for three year olds. We had tons of fun, and Gracie loved every minute of it. However, I decided next year that we'll stick with just one party. Happy Birthday my sweet 3 year old!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Gracie's 3

I can't believe my little girl is three years old. We happened to be in California on her birthday and were able to celebrate with cousins, aunties, and Grandma. She sure was a happy girl, loving every minute of all the attention.

The day began with a birthday hat and button for her to wear around and show she was the birthday girl.
We made cookies to take to Chuck-E-Cheese
Grandma was off work that day took her on a long wagon ride. Of course she wanted to bring the balloons with her and loved all the neighbors waving at her and telling her "Happy Birthday".
Josh and Zach came over for an "open face sandwich" lunch
We went to Chuck-E-Cheese and had a great time thanks to Ryan and all the free tokens he got us from one of his old students.

Back at Grandmas, everyone got to make their own pizza for dinner
A few games: musical chairs, pin the tail on the donkey, and Birthday Bingo

Of course presents!
And ice cream sundaes to finish off the day.
We had one Happy Day, that's for sure!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

New Years

Well, for New Years Eve I was assigned to be the "kids event coordinator", and I must say, I did a pretty good job at it :) I don't have any pictures since I was so busy, but go onto my sisters blog to see the days events. http://kochomo.blogspot.com/2010/01/party-hardy.html

The rest of the time at Grandmas we:

fed the ducks

did lots of crafts

Had a girls night at Cheesecake Factory

slept with Dodo

went bowling

Took family pictures

Had a sleep over at Charlies house


and cheer on Adam in his half marathon.

We had a wonderful time and miss everyone...until 2012!!!

Christmas Day












Christmas Eve


Twelve days of Christmas the the Merkleys.
The kids loved singing and performing.


All the kids piled in Grandma's tub .

Opening a special Christmas Eve gift from Grandma

Cute new Christmas jammies.


A light Christmas dinner for the kids, since we had a big lunch at the Merkleys.

All the kids picked out their favorite treat to leave Santa along with their name card they made for Santa to leave their presents by.

Let the Festivities Begin...Before Christmas

Christmas at Grandmas. This year we went to California to spend Christmas with all the Grahams. The girls and I stayed for 3 whole weeks and Ben came out for 1. There was a lot of commotion, but it just made the house that much warmer for the holidays.


Crafts


We love having a professional hair stylist in the family!




The next few pictures are at "Pretend City". It really is the cutest place ever. It is basically a little town with things to do for the kids. There's a post office, beach, grocery store, garden, doctors office, art center, pretty much anything a real city would have. We spent the whole day there and could have gone back every other day because it was so entertaining for the kids.








At Mimi's for stockings.

Watching the boat parade at Newport beach


Helping decorate Grandmas Christmas tree.