Daddy Date

This past month Eric's work schedule has been a little intense, which unfortunately meant there were too many nights the kiddos went to bed without seeing their daddy.  I could tell the kids were really missing him so one weekend I suggested that they each go out on one date with him. They loved the idea of hogging daddy and picking the activities that their little hearts desired.  


Ethan's date- Shopping at Toys "R" Us and going to the movies. They watched Escape From Planet Earth.

 

Gracie's date- Get her nails done, lunch at McDonalds, and dessert at Dairy Queen. 

Our little mermaid turns 5!!

    Gracie turning 5 has crept up on us faster than we can believe.  She's such a character that we are constantly in awe of her wit, sense of humor, and compassion.  Gracie truly does march to her own beat and I have to say even though the march is sometimes a defiant act against me, I will forever be grateful that she has that tenacious attitude and strength of a little warrior. Something that I hope will still be present when she reaches womanhood and quickly realizes how thick that glass ceiling really is.  

   As of lately, Gracie wants to be the President.  Her reasoning is that she likes how he can boss people around and that no woman has yet been elected.  That last part really surprised her and I could see the wheels turning when I explained it to her.  After that conversation her future occupation went from being a mommy to President.  I'm sure it will change in a year or two, but I love how able minded she is becoming.  I do think Gracie will become a great drummer.  She loves playing her drums and the look on her face while playing is quite entertaining.  Her determination will be the deciding factor in whether or not it will be a huge part of her life.  

    She's completely devoted to Lexie and Eli.  She can't contain her excitement when she is smothering them with kisses.  Gracie loves Ethan and seriously misses him when he is at school, but once he arrives home she keeps him at arms length.  It can be quite exhausting watching how much she wants to be near him, but only seems to want it on her own terms.  One moment they can be laughing over jokes and in the next moment arguing over a crayon.  He tends to take their disagreements harder which she uses to her advantage. 

     Gracie's weakness is sweets, but she likes all food including steamed broccoli.  The food pantry is the spot where she is often found hiding with a stash of goldfish.  It's no surprise that she likes to cook and I try to give her actual things to do instead of just stirring the food.  Her favorite meal is red beans and rice with sausage.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that cooking will be something she will still like to do in her teens.  She loves school and is picking up sight words nicely.  Gracie loves taking pictures and I'm pretty sure we have over a thousand of just her on our iPad. 

     She loves growing her hair long, but only when she can wear a headband. Gracie is a girly girl when it comes to clothes. Pink, purple, sparkle, glitter and ruffles make her happy. She will need to have a huge closet later on in life that can satisfy her constant love of clothes. She loves playing with her Barbies and filling up the sink for her mermaid dolls to swim in. She's a great cuddler, but prefers to sleep alone and many times at the foot of the bed. She can make me laugh till I'm crying and has the greatest giggle. I am constantly praying that as she gets older, we continue to stay close and even when we don't see eye to eye that mutual respect is always present. She's my little girl that is growing way too fast! 

Gracie's 5th Birthday Mermaid Party

The kids did a craft, got their face painted and they all competed in a game of trying to get a ping pong ball into a cup full of water and a goldfish. 

It was really cute seeing them get a little competitive.

My creation- Ariel Mermaid cake

I LOVED this photo background and was surprised how easy it was to do.

I sewed the ruffles for the front of the dessert table. Saw it here and fell in love!

I never really see the resemblance between my kiddos,

 but here I can totally see their similarities.

Lexie and Tiffany hugging 

Face Painting Time

Present Time

I had to get my face painted too! It was fun being one of the kids for a moment.

Tiffany is Gracie's godmother. She flew in for the week and was able to be here for the party. 

Gracie looks up to her and loves to be around her. 

Tiffany was a HUGE help while she was here and we're already missing her. 

Our Love Day!

I know...I know....Valentine's Day can be one of those holidays that you either love or hate. 

It can be a little too much Hallmark, but I feel that if there ever is a holiday that we should really promote in our house where sibling rivalry and competition is constantly rearing it's ugly head, then Valentine's Day fits us to a tee! Our children are forced to show each other love while making their classmates happy as well. Ethan and Gracie both had parties at their school which worked out for Lexie because she was able to invite her classmates over for a little play date party! 

Lexie pretty much tags along to whatever Ethan and Gracie have going on. Despite her best behavior, I sometimes wonder if she would like to do things that include her interests. I know she LOVES her school and practically runs through their front doors, so I am guessing that she loves seeing her friends and having her own little "me" time.  

From the looks of it, she seemed to love her party and her friends.

Pre- Valentine's Day crafts

Valentine's Day

We started it off with our Valentine's Day breakfast

The kids opening their Valentines Day cards from us

I sewed some Heart Hangers for the back of the

chairs so I could place a little love notes inside for each kiddo.

Someone is ready to eat!

Ethan thought his sausage looked great as a mustache.

Lexie ate her breakfast all by herself! 

We're so proud of her for finally learning this new skill!

Ethan gave out Wheelie Cars to the boys and Smores to the girls. 

Gracie gave out Smores to everyone.

Lexie gave out Cuties and a balloon to her friends after her party!

Gracie was holding Eli for me while I was taking Lexie's picture and I just adore this picture.
 She's going to be such a good mommy!

A little mantle love with a heart tree.

Fun times at the party!

This little guy is Jackson and he absolutely adores Lexie! He was covering her in kisses and wants to hold her all the time. He is such a sweetie and his mother said he talks about Lexie a lot. 

Eli hanging out during the party. 

Eric was able to make it home in time for a Valentine's Day dinner! 

The kids were super happy about that! 

Their creations!! Heart Pizzas.

Chocolate Heart Lollipops for dessert!

After that long day, I enjoyed a yummy treat and one two glasses of wine! ;)