Happy Bday Jesus!

to minimize the commercialism of Christmas, the girls ask Santa for ONE toy wish.  in addition, they also get stocking stuffers, a few small wrapped gifts from us, presents fm both sets of grand parents, aunts and uncles...which is more than enough, esp since they are already drowning in toys (stuff) to begin with!  i want them to feel grateful for all that they have and not spoiled (always expecting, wanting more). 

and i like seeing them not just opening the presents but then also playing with their gifts (versus discarding them to the side).  warms my heart to see, they appreciate and like what they were given.  thus for us, Christmas morn is a sweet, slow, savory process: open present, play and repeat.

instead we try to emphasize the giving, charity and spiritual experiences of Christmas.  they help decorate the house & tree, send Christmas greeting cards, including to their sponsor brother and sister, bake cookies for their whole class (the only time of year momma bakes) and fill shoebox gifts for needy children. 
and of course, attend church and celebrate Jesus' birthday!!

For the Veterans!

bday blowout

there's a show i record on tivo, 'outrageous kid parties'.  we always have bday celebration for the girls, it's ALOT of work (I have to start 4mos in advance to pace myself-- like planning a mini wedding!) and can be $$$, but seeing their faces light up with happiness, with the specialness of their day-- SO worth it.  and they grow up way too fast--  way too soon, just memories we'll have to cherish.

we went to our new neighbor's, landon, who turned 5 today.  his party could qualify for the show.  choo-choo train,  moon bounces, magician, face painter, balloon artist and costumed super heros.  check out the girls still giddy fm the fun (and vienna's amazing dragon balloon!)  and they have another one tmrw.  happy big 0-5 to landon and ethan!!!!

Some Firsts!

1st day of Kindergarten!

the girls got (were put) on the wrong bus home, but good thing, momma took the day off and decided to double-ck.  after raising the alarm and a 10-minute search that held up all the other buses, the girls were finally put on the right bus. the first day of kindergarten wasn't without bumps but at least not fm the girls!  they were so ready; and love their new teacher and friends.

1st sleepover!

sassy spa mobile was a big hit!  the girls (cousins) got pampered with a mani/pedi, then a 'breakfast for dinner' feast before hitting the sack.

they couldnt decide who would sleep with who in which bed in which room, so eric had a brilliant idea: they all slept on the floor together! a true slumber party!

Home Sweet HOME

It was alot of stress, annoyance, mess, dust, bugs, critters, choas (would never do it again), but we're pretty much finally done with the addition YAY!!
There isnt anything about the design I would change, LOVE LOVE it. To quote, 'it's no longer a rambler', sums it up.  And it doesnt look like an addition.
The girls now have their own 'zone' upstairs including their own bedrooms with bunk beds for sleepovers and a playroom (that contains the mess! LOVE it!)

5th Bday Party!

We're months behind, esp on the bday thank you's.

Long story short, we got a computer virus, got new computer, but doesn't print like it should (sigh)...so instead of mailing cards, a BIG thank you straight from the girls. We hope everyone had a blast! We did! We THANK YOU!

 

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Go Tadpoles!

The girls are part of Fairfax pool's swim team, the Frogs; for 6 and under, the Tadpoles. For the little kids, it's mostly one-one time with their 'coach' to get more comfortable and progress in the water. Unless you're ready and noticed by your coach, you can be selected to compete in a meet. Laurel swam her FIRST meet last night and she WON!!!!

Even after getting a late start and EVEN after swimming towards her coach vs the wall, she WON! Notice in the video, Laurel is up the steps and out of the water before some kids reach the wall (!)

She may be short & compact, but she's freaking fast in the water!! I'm so impressed and proud.

Vienna also qualified for the meet, but she had to sit out due to a monkey bar accident (fractured elbow). I'm sure it'll be one of many, she is our climber and fearless.

Isn't she lovely...

Vienna wanted to cut her hair (like Peter Pan-- which ensued into a 'talk'). But It's her hair and makes her happy (and hurts no one), so we let her go for it. This was her choice, a 'pixie dust' haircut.
I think it really fits her, highlights her big, brown eyes and heart-shaped face. Vienna maybe a tomboy, but she can still rock a pink tutu and is just a silly, sweet girl at heart.

More Memorial Day wkend pics fm our canoe trip and trek to dinosaur land , a cheesy, tourist trap-- but of course the girls loved it. And so cute when they recognize and know all the big dinosaur names.

Alittle busy with..

but we did manage to get out of dodge for our annual mother's day trip to monster trucks on the beach! we saw three shows from the comforts of our balcony (the show is so popular, have to book a year in advance)-- enjoyed every one, esp the crazy, oooh--ahhhh---wheeling-freestyle!

what, you have to go potty? go inside.

what, you need a drink? go inside.

what, you're too hot? go inside.

no lines, no hassle, doesnt get any better than that. happy mother's day to me!

babysitting club

Once a month, we get four glorious hours of us-only, kids-free time. Enough time to catch lunch and a matinee. We are four families/friends from HMCD school (all within 5miles radius) who take turns hosting the babysitting club. It's a monthly play date for the kids and free babysitting for us. Gotta love that!!

Mini-Vacas

We take two main vacas over the summer. But we have the travel bug (life is short, get off the couch!). So every other month, we take mini-trips.
Winter fun trip at the Homestead in January. Highly recommend for families and beginner ski-ers.

Camping at Westmoreland State Park in March. Vienna has been asking to go camping to roast s'mores, 'since s'mores aren't good unless at a campfire'. Spring is the perfect time to go, no bugs! And cabins are the way to go, running water & heat... heaven :-)
The kids (we went with Vienna's best bud, Griffy and his family) enjoyed digging for shark's teeth, fishing, roasting marshmallows and hot dogs; even the trails were nice and short for their little legs. No agenda except to relax, hang out and enjoy the great outdoors-- perfect wkend getaway.

In May, we're headed to VA beach for some extreme truck racing!

Deterding Idol

A couple of presents from Christmas.

Call and vote for your favorite!!!



still rocking on with their favorite band at Jammin Java:

Happy (belated) Tet! Year of the Rabbit!

Wishing you a rocking New Year!!!!

This year's ao dai couresty of Aunt Louise. Thanks Anh, the girls love their new 'princess' dresses!

Happy (belated) New Year!

not the best pic from eric's phone. taken at frostival, an indoor carnival. we went last yr and the girls absolutely love it. there was even a countdown and balloon drop at 3PM for the kids!

for dinner, we had our traditional steak & seafood feast in the 'formal' dining room-- a nice touch but mostly lost on the girls. we (esp Eric) like to keep ny eve's intimate and family-oriented--- no festive parties for us!

New Year Interview

(Vienna then Laurel's answers; interviews conducted separately)

How old are you? 4; 4

What did you ask for Xmas this year? a small guitar since I'm small; my little pony

What does mommy do? cook; cook & work on the computer

What does daddy do? watch football; work and starts the fire (in the wood stove)

What is your favorite color? yellow; blue

What is your favorite food? cheese (same answer like last year's); spaghetti

What food don't you like? peppers; broccoli

What is your favorite animal? cat; my cat

What is your favorite song? Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer, ditto

(we saw Rudolph at Adventure Theatre during Xmas time-- a wonderful, well-done production. Vienna's even asking for a Rudolph bday cake!)

What is your favorite movie? Pooh movie; Rapunzel

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Vanilla; Chocolate & Vanilla

Who is your favorite person? Tatum (classmate); mommy, daddy and my sister!

Who is your best friend? Griffy (Vienna's best bud for over 2 years); Julia (another classmate)

What is your favorite book? Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer; Baby Jesus book (beautiful children's bible gramma D got them for Xmas)

What is your favorite thing to do? draw; play

What don't you like to do? c ounting; karate

What do you want to do when you grow up? policeman- who checks seat belts; in a marching band! (might have been slightly influenced by the Rose parade from that morning)

Have the best & bright new year filled with love, happiness and success!