More of Karis' Birthday Celebration

On Karis' birthday, Derek and I met her for lunch. We brought her lunch from Sonic and hung out with her friends.

Later that day, Kyle and I came back to bring a special birthday snack for the class. We passed out candy coated pretzel sticks with sprinkles and her friends sang happy birthday to her.

The night before we went out to dinner for her birthday since we had a Christmas party at our friends' house on her birthday (she picked Chik-fila for dinner). I told her she could choose a dessert and I would bring it to our friends' house. The kids had pumpkin pie for the first time a few weeks prior and they loved it. She chose pumpkin pie for her birthday dessert!

The next week, Miss Lindsay came home from college and picked Karis up from school. She took her out for a birthday cupcake. 

They went to her house where she opened presents, painted on canvas and got her nails painted (an American flag on each!). Afterwards they went out for pizza. Karis loved the one-on-one time she got!

Our Hard Worker

Earlier this week, the elementary school had an event called the Great Rakesgiving. It was a school-wide event where all the students raked leaves at all the neighboring homes. It was their way of saying thank you to the families for putting up with the traffic, noise, kids etc. during the school year. 

Karis was with Mrs. Taylor who is one of the kindergarten teachers. When I picked up Karis later that day, Mrs. Taylor was excited to tell me how great of a job Karis did the entire time. In spite of the cold weather and wet leaves, Karis worked hard and kept a great attitude. We are so proud of her!

A Ride On The Polar Express

Karis went on a class trip to the Polar Express. Everyone enjoyed the cozy train ride in their pajamas.  

We sang Christmas music and had a visit from Santa Claus.

Afterwards we headed to Chuck E Cheese for pizza and games!

The Cutest Angel In The Christmas Program

Makena was in her preschool's Christmas program about the birth of Jesus. Last year she sang a couple songs at the beginning of the program as part of the 3-year old class. But this year she got to be on stage as an angel. She was so excited!  

She kept looking at us with a big smile and a little wave. Absolutely precious!

Happy 6th Birthday Karis!

Our sweet girl turned 6 years old!

 Karis celebrated with her friends from school and church at The Ark. 

The theme was Hello Kitty. 

Karis decorated all the cupcakes with sprinkles. Daddy made a sign for our guests. They both did a great job!

  

There were about twenty friends at the party. 

We put out some Hello Kitty coloring/activity sheets and beads. 

Hanging out with some friends from church.

Karis' kindergarten teacher came to celebrate with us!

Cake time!

  

Karis couldn't wait to open presents so after all her friends left, she opened them up. 

Karis wasn't super particular about her party plans like last year. We kept it simple and she had a great time. 

A Visit With Santa -- Without Tears!

At the last minute, I decided to take the kids to the mall to see Santa. Last year we went close to Christmas and the lines were extremely long. It was the Tuesday morning before Thanksgiving and surely everyone would be at home cooking. Well, not everyone. There was a line but it was short and it gave the kids time to watch Santa from a distance and warm up to him. I had Karis take Kyle around the corner a couple times to see Santa and every time he came back saying, "I scared." It wasn't looking good...

The girls were excited to talk to Santa to tell him about the Rapunzel and Ariel dolls they want for Christmas. Makena, our more fearful one, said Santa was nice and that she liked him. 

I love how Santa and Karis have the same looks on their faces!

While the girls talked with Santa, I had a talk with Kyle. He had a worried look on his face and kept telling me, "I scared." I really wanted a photo of him with Santa but how could I just throw him on Santa's lap? Thankfully, Santa gave me a few minutes. I used my last resort -- fruit snacks. Sure enough, Kyle was willing to stand in front of Santa with fruit snacks in hand. 

A perfect picture ... once I crop out the fruit snacks!

Fallen Leaves

These California kids have never seen so many fallen leaves! Daddy gathered all the leaves into one big pile, and the kids enjoyed jumping in and playing in it. 

 

Daddy had to rake, and re-rake...

Karis got a little carried away. Look at their facial expressions!

The pile was almost as tall as the kids. Daddy was pooped so we all helped put the leaves in bags. It was a fun afternoon working and playing together.

And then mommy had to vacuum all the leaves and debris the kids brought into the house!