Annabelle's Tangled 4th Birthday Party

Annabelle celebrated her 4th birthday with a Tangled birthday party at Pump It Up.  She had so much fun playing with her friends.  And she had fun helping me bake and decorate her cake. 

We baked her cake two weeks before the party.  Then I just stored it in the freezer until I was ready to decorate the night before the party.  Baking and decorating it at the same time would be too much.  Annabelle hard at work stirring the frosting.

 

A silly pic...

 

Cakes are ready for the freezer...

 

The decorating begins the night before the party... 

I had a little help from Caden. 

 It takes several hours, so I put on my pj's about halfway through...  

The tower started shrinking and leaning, so I had to lay it flat all night.  I was a little worried that it wasn't going to survive, so I waited until we arrived at PIU to completely assemble the cake.  Annabelle and Mommy before heading to the party.  

Daddy, Annabelle and Mommy with the cake.

 

The cake fully assembled in the party room at Pump It Up. 

 

Annabelle playing.

 

Caden taking his turn. 

All the kids lined up before we head to the party room.   

A few pics with the cake.

 

Ready to sing "Happy Birthday"

 



Annabelle is 4!

I cannot believe Annabelle is already four.  She is fiercely independent and very mature for her age.  She is strong willed and opinionated; at times, she is quite the challenge to parent.  But for as difficult as she can be, she can be even more fun to be around.  She loves to dance and sing!  We are so thankful for her and for the entertainment she brings to our family!

Here are a few pictures in her 4 year old birthday dress.

 

And her birthday party invitation.

 

A look back at birthdays past...

 

 

 



February Fun

It has been so mild this winter; the weather has been fabulous for getting outside and playing.  The kids are enjoying it!  We have been savoring our last few months of Caden only being in school 3 days a week.

We went to the zoo to checkout the Lego exhibit.  It's pretty awesome!

 

The exhibit also has a tent where kids can build with Legos.  Here's Caden's creation.

 

The kids riding the tortoise statue. 

 

The kids as Lego ants! 

 

On slow days, the kids really enjoy catching the encounters.  They got to pet this anteater. 

 

The kids in the Jeep. 

 

Annabelle wanted to take a picture of Caden and me. 

 

One Thursday we had friends over to play.  Perfect weather for painting outside.  Garrett and Caden having fun with orange paint! 

 

I found a few monkeys climbing trees at the park.  Caden, Tessa, Luna, and Annabelle. 

 

Both MWF Explorer classes recited Psalm 1 in Chapel a few weeks ago.  Caden is second from the left on the front row.

 

Annabelle is still taking ballet once a week.  Her class is preparing for their recital in April.  A few weeks ago their teacher let them try on their costumes.  They are Texas Trail Bunnies. 

 

The pool is nearly finished.  Caden is relishing every last minute of construction observation.  He loved watching them use a hand controlled bobcat to fill dirt in before the decking. 

At times they watch from the patio, but sometimes they prefer to stand in the window sill. 

 

The kids went to the dentist in February.  Annabelle was super silly and chose a mustache sticker from the toys.

 

Caden wanted a turn wearing it, too. 

 

Somehow it ended up here. 



Valentine's Day 2016

Bob, Jack, and James were in town the weekend of Valentine's Day for a basketball tournament.  It was fun to see Jack play.  Nana and Papa came over to watch Caden's and Jack's basketball games that Saturday.

 On Friday, I went to Caden's school for his Valentine's party.  The kids attentively listening to the craft instructions.

 Caden and Mommy selfie.

 

The kids with Papa and Nana after church on Sunday. 

 

The kids in their Valentine's outfits. 

 

Brian was in San Diego to visit Grandpa, so a pic of just me and the kids. 

 

The girls.

 

Annabelle requested a group selfie. 

 

The littles lined up watching Jack's tip-off. 

 

We celebrated Jack's birthday while they were here, too.  Jack opening his presents.  

 

Anxiously awaiting the birthday treats!

 

The vent hood was installed right before Valentine's Day.  We love it!  The kitchen is now completely done!!!