Happy Birthday Munchkin

Anika turned 9 on the 18th of November. I can hardly believe she is 9! She is growing way too fast. She is such a fun girl and I love that she is part of our family. She is an awesome little gymnast and a wonderful big sister. I am so proud of how kind and thoughtful she is to others and really appreciate all the help she gives me at home. She is still really into crafts and stuffed animals. She wanted pretzel jello for her birthday dinner, so it was the side dish. A couple days later we celebrated with her Aunt, Uncle and cousins at Chuck E Cheese. I think she had fun, and got her fill of pizza and the requested blue flower birthday cake.

bye bye cute curls

Lochlan's hair was getting so long...when wet it went an inch past his shoulders. He would get the worst snarls in the back after sleeping and naps so we finally decided it was time to cut it. I didn't want it super short so I cut it to about an inch long, hoping he wouldn't lose his cute curls. Although his long ringlets are gone I am happy to report that the remaining hair is still curly.

Sisters

I love my sisters...they are my best friends and it makes me so sad to live far far away. In November my sisters came out to visit for a much needed, but far to short visit. We talked and talked and talked. It was so fun to have them here and my kids loved seeing their cutie cousins. Lochlan and Ethan were little buddies right away; I really wish they could grow up together. We made a trip downtown to see some of the sights. My cousin happened to be in town as well so we met up with her for lunch. The weather wasn't too bad and we all enjoyed being together.

We of course had to go to Giordano's for the famous stuffed Chicago pizza and Oberweis for their heavenly cinnamon ice cream. I have to give my hubby props for hanging with us and listening to us gab for hours on end. He even kept all the kids one evening so we could go out and spend some quality sister time at the mall.

Halloween 2009

The kids looked so cute for Halloween. I wasn't feeling very well this year so I knew I couldn't make them all costumes from scratch. Luckily they made costume choices that were pretty simple to put together. Anika was a devil...all I made were the horns, tail and gloves; We bought the shirt at dollar tree and the pants were clearance for $5. Celtin was an FBI agent, so he wore his suit coat with a white shirt and black tie, I made an FBI badge and earpiece and we bought sunglasses at dollar tree. I wanted Lochlan to be a monkey, I used some pants I had made for Celtin's Luke costume when he was 2 and sewed on a tail. Luckily I had enough leftover material sitting around to make a matching shirt. At the time Lochlan hated hats so I stuck the ears on a headband. I think he made a cute little tan monkey.

Lochlan had a party with all his playgroup friends. Then we were able to go to Anika and Celtin's school parties. This year we went trick or treating in our own neighborhood with my cute little pirate niece. It didn't take Lochlan very long to catch onto the concept of saying trick or treat and getting candy. The kids got tons of candy, but just in case we headed over to a party at our friends house where they scored even more.

Our little basketball star

Celtin played basketball at the park district in September and October. He did a great job and really improved on his dribbling and shooting skills. Their final game was played against the dads. The boys really did a great job remember all the rules and being team players. Celtin says now he wants to join a "real" team! He has tried out several sports and I guess this is the one he likes the most. (at least for now)

Fun with Grammy and Pappy

Karen came out in September and Colin joined her in October. The kids had such a great time with them, and were so sad to see them head back to Utah. One of the days they were here we all went down to the Aquarium. The kids loved looking at all the fish and just spending time with their grandparents.

I had to include this picture of Colin reading to the kids...one of the things I miss most about living in Utah is watching the relationship grow between the kids and their Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and cousins. We miss you all!

Mischievous Monkey=Lochlan

Not long after we installed the new floor, we found out Lochlan is tall enough to get things out of the kitchen drawers. He reached into the junk drawer, retrieved a permanent marker and colored a large section of the new floor...all this in a matter of minutes while I was in the laundry room. He knew he was in trouble. Thank goodness for magic erasers and laminate flooring because otherwise I might have completely freaked out! He is by far our most mischievous child. Next to his little trouble maker picture I thought a would post a picture of him being a little angel. Yes, he is asleep, but that is the only time he is not getting into something. :)