Hodge Podge

I have so many random pictures from the past couple of months, and so little time to give them the credit they deserve.  Here is a conglomeration of photo-worthy events from the beginning of the year until now.

Clare went to Build-A-Bear to stuff Papa Smurf.  This was her ONE Christmas request, and it was a highly anticipated event.

The kids enjoyed doing science experiments with Ninnie.

They put a bar of Ivory soap in the microwave and watched it turn into a puffy, mold-able ball of soap.  Clare made a sign stating,
"Don't Touch...Ivory...Science Experiment."

We went to the Circus in Tampa.

No circus experience is complete without soft pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, and cotton candy.

My Little Man

My Littlest Man

Myles around 3-months

Block towers...

This is notable for a few reasons:
1. These blocks have been one of the best gifts the kids have ever received.
(Thank you, Adam and Elissa!)

2. Clare and Isaac work really well together when they have a common goal.

3. Timbering towers is fun at all ages!

Ann's iPad is a major highlight for the kids.  Phil and I don't even have a Smartphone.  Phil's phone doesn't even have a keypad.  We don't have cable TV.  We don't do much of anything with technology.  The kids know how to use the iPad much better than we do.

I was so impressed when I saw the owl that Clare created to match her pajamas.  What?!  I reckon there's something to be said for technology.  What?!

5.5 Doing 3.5

Clare started riding her big bike in November...

No training wheels and no fear.

Ninnie just started training for a triathlon, 

so she bought a nice bike over Christmas break.

Clare accompanied Ann on her first ride (while clipped into a road bike), 

and they went 3.5 miles.

Yes...my 5.5 year-old rode 3.5 miles on her bike.

Ninnie barely kept up, but they both managed to stay upright the entire time.

Papa was along for the ride as well, but I was more confident in his skills.

The Rockettes ~ Christmas Spectacular

One of our special gifts this year was a "Girls Day" trip to see The Rockettes.

Clare kept referring to them as the "dancing ladies."  

As advertised, it was quite spectacular.

We had great seats, and the show held Clare's attention for 90 minutes.  There may have been a few (dozen) M&M's mixed in there as well, but she really loved it.

Special memory for the girls!  :)

Christmas Day

Christmas 2013 was FANTASTIC!

Ninnie was here (YEAH), and she held Myles the entire morning (YEAH)!

We had a wonderful morning...

complete with memorable gifts, a tasty brunch, and lots of hugs!

I was very excited to receive a Memory Letter Box for Myles.  We have one for Clare and Isaac (a special keepsake box with cards to write to your children every year until they turn 21), and the company went out of business.  My mom searched high and low and found one so that little Myles wouldn't be left out on all the nostalgia.

Isaac's favorite gift (and that which he requested from Santa) was more cars and tracks for his Zip Track set.  He has already invested MANY hours with this.

Clare LOVED her doll house (which she helped design and then Phil built) 

and her Papa Smurf (which she requested from Santa).

Christmas afternoon in Florida is sunny and warm rather than cold and white.  AMEN!

We took a family outing to the park and tennis courts.

Ninnie volunteered to hang with Myles.

Clare and Papa play tennis about once a week, and she is getting pretty good.

Look at the determination on that sweet, little face.

Clare is right-handed but left-armed.  She writes with her right hand and does everything else (throws, eats, plays tennis, etc.) with her left hand.

Phil picked up tennis a year or so ago, 

and it's so fun watching him play the sport that I've played for years.

Papa is the best coach!

Just like riding a bike.

Ann couldn't resist picking up the racket, 

and she still had the touch...even in flip flops.

Mema played hide-and-seek with the kiddos.

Isaac likes hiding, but he never wants anyone to work too hard at finding him.

He makes as much noise as possible so that the seeker can find him right away.

 

 In the afternoon, we made our annual birthday cake for Jesus.

Clare was solely in charge of decorating.

I'm including the following pictures because they crack me up...and I think that they will make us laugh years down the road.  Clare erupted into a full-blown meltdown because Phil told her that she didn't get to blow out ALL of the candles.  SERIOUSLY!

We love our spirited girl, but we're kind of thankful that this house is only 40% estrogen.

So as not to end the post with sad faces, 

here is a more typical glimpse of our beautiful Clare Bear!

 Joyful, Blessed, Wonderful, Delightful, Happy, Merry, Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Eve

Mema and Papa took the big kids to Busch Gardens on Christmas Eve.

They had one more chat with Santa before the big day.

Clare, now 5, is able to go in with the kangaroos...

and she requests to do that every time she goes to Busch.

We had a nice Christmas Eve meal before heading to church at 7:00PM.

A little story time before heading off to church.

 Stories and snuggles with Papa!

Quick family photo while we were somewhat dressed up.

 As tradition has it in our family, we all opened one present on Christmas Eve.

Our sad looking tree (only lit on the top half and mostly decorated on the bottom half)...

but our happy family of FIVE.  :)

Phil started a new tradition this year.  He camped out with Clare and Isaac.  They slept in our back yard and listened for Santa and the reindeer. 
Myles and Mommy staying inside.

It was a fun day/night in preparation for Jesus' birthday!