Mimi and Bapa

My parents were here for ten days!  Ten days of awesome and this is the only picture I took with them in it.  It's at 6 AM at the airport as we were saying goodbye.  I'm not sure how they were here for ten days and I didn't take a picture.  It was so wonderful.  SO fun.  WENT SO FAST.  I guess I just enjoyed living it instead of documenting it.  I don't know.  But we sure had a wonderful visit.  And I hope they come again soon.  Here are a few things that could have been great pictures:

The looks on my kids faces when they saw Mimi and Bapa come walking out of the airport.  They had NO IDEA.  Just thought I was lost after we went to Menchies.  Ha!  Best surprise ever!

Our dinner fun at Coconut Kenny's

Or at Bob's Burgers

Our ice cream cone party

Our catapult contraptions we built in teams

The chunky blankets Mimi helped Cooper and Madeline make

The game nights

Mimi and Cooper jumping on the trampoline

Bapa drawing with the kids

Grandparent hugs on Madeline's birthday

Rolling on the floor playing and laughing with Oliver

...etc...etc...etc...

You'll just have to imagine it all.  And next time, I'll take some pictures!

Madeline's Birthday

We had a fun and busy morning celebrating before school.  She opened a little pony from Oliver and saved the rest of the gifts for later.

 Blueberry Pie for breakfast!

 Yep, she liked the cake I made her while she was at school!

 She got a few how to make fairies and fairy furniture books and it didn't take her long to put them to use!

 Happy Birthday dear Madeline!

 Yum!

 It was so fun to watch my darling girl open pink thing after pink.  One girly delight after another.  She was happy and it was such a wonderful evening.  I think her favorite part was having all her grandparents with her.  A picture I'll always wish I took...

 Even the sky turned pink for Madeline.  Heaven wanted to wish her Happy Birthday too.

May this year be as awesome as you are.

Madeline's Cake

Madeline wanted a mint chocolate cake for her birthday this year.  I made a devils food cake, mint frosting with chocolate cookie pieces in the filling, and topped it with ganache and mint meringues.  It was such a delight to make and turned out looking beautiful.  

Happy Birthday Madeline

Happy 11th Birthday Madeline!  You were seriously the cutest baby girl on the planet 

I feel like crying because you are so darling and where did the time go?!?!

Now you're the cutest 11 year old girl on the planet.  Growing up so fast and turning into the most delightful little lady.

 Your piano skills, your creativity with crafting, your love for imagination.  Your kindness and love.

 I'm grateful to be your mother

 I'm grateful to feel your joy for life

 I'm grateful you love me so much.

 Your heart is most beautiful.

 I'll love you forever!

 Happy Birthday!

Good

Indian Peas and Potatoes

 Hot Chocolate with big scoops of peppermint ice cream floating on top

 Creme Caramel

 Ice Cream Sandwiches

 Rosemary Focaccia...twice

 Ice cream!

The sweet buns with dried berries and cherries I made and didn't take of picture of were also good.

Lots O Stuff

Family pyramid...sort of :)

 I'm in Young Women's now.  I'm with the six new Beehives and they are awesome girls.  I'm excited to be able to teach and be with them.

 Ollie isn't too impressed with the trampoline but I try...

 Cooper's eyes are improving and it makes me feel very grateful.  The eye drops we've been putting in have helped his lazy eye heal and the hope is that it stays that way!  We are currently weaning off the drops over the course of the next few months.  More appointments to come, but things are looking up.

 Madeline's recording studio.  She saw it in a magazine and decided to make it herself.  Of course she did!

 Oliver is most happy when he's got me tied around his finger.  For real.  

 Madeline inspired me to try knitting.  I gave it a go 7 years ago and opted to stick with crochet.  But it has been fun to try knitting again.  I made her doll a little wash cloth.  Nothing like starting with a project you actually can finish!  Ha!

 A tower TALLER than Dad!

 January 13th was a sad day for Cooper...He fell onto the arm of the couch playing football with Ethan and chipped his two bottom front teeth.  Oh my!  It makes me really sad...there isn't much we can do for now.  My poor baby...

This is the boy version of a tea party I think

 Beanie Boo tower!

 CrAzY tubby hair.  Teehee

And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again...

at home

 at school

yep

2019 Theme

Our Family Theme for 2019:

Be a Builder

There are so many ways to be a builder.  Build self with personal improvement goals, build others by being kind.  Build faith and testimony.  Build the kingdom.

I feel like my family and I have been given so many gifts and blessings that enable us to build up those around us.  I have had experiences in the last few weeks where I can see that I can have influence for good simply by remembering and trying to be a builder in everything I say and do.  I'm excited for this year and hope to feel true change in all of us!  I know I'm a better mom when I'm trying to be a builder.

Sledding in the New Year

Happy Happy New Year!  We woke up early and went out for our 9th Annual New Year's Day Sledding Extravaganza.  Mt Baker National Forest was breathtaking.  The first sight of snow on the trees brought tears to my eyes.  It kind of surprised me!  I just was overcome with the beauty and I think I missed having snow this Christmas.  There is magic in snow and I loved being up there this morning!

 The kids were excited.

 We were glad Grandpa joined us!

 The snowflakes were amazing and perfect.  It was so crazy awesome to watch them land on our coats and see their perfect awesomeness.

Aren't my people cute?  I love being with them.  It was cold and crowded but lots of fun.  Hot chocolate was the perfect finishing touch.

Welcome 2019.  We're ready for you!