TURNING 9 IN 2009...

I have always thought how cool it is that every year because Anika was born in 2000 that her age starting on February 23rd is the same as the year we are in and it will be that way for her forever.



For the last few years we have had a tradition of going to Disneyland on our kids birthday day. This year was especially cool because she received 59.00 to go spend in the park. If you already have a Disney pass they will give you a gift card when you come on your birthday.



She knew exactly what she wanted. We went over to Toon Town where in their gift shop you can actually design your own Mickey ears. Her siblings also got in on the fun.


Of course no trip to Disney is complete without meeting up with Michelle and Kaleb. Michelle made these darling shirts for the boys which they all love and looked so cute in.



The kids always enjoy the teacups.



Cake time
Warning... as cute as that Chocolate piece of birthday cake is, it tasted nasty. This is coming from a girl who loves chocolate and really I like most of the food at Disney.



HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANIKA!!!
WE LOVE YOU!!!!

SIMPLIFY...

This has been my motto lately, and one I plan on keeping around for awhile.

Nothing is more simple than having the kids play in the backyard with play dough. . Taryn took a chance and asked me the dreaded question, “Mom can we please play with play dough? We will play with it outside, pleeeeaaaase.” I think I have said no so much to it that they had almost forgotten we owned any. I really can not stand that stuff and the mess it makes but whatever it takes to create sibling bonding moments I am all for, they played with it nicely with eachother for over 3 hours.

While they were playing we got a knock on the door. What a simple and wonderful surprise to get a Valentines gift from Grandpa and Grandma. It is always fun to open packages. Thank you Mom and Dad!!

SOLAR POWER...

Staring our future Academy Award winner, Anika. The play was so cute and all the kids did such a great job. They practiced for 5 months and you could really tell. Performance night was so fun but it is really the whole process put together that the kids take away so much from and she loved every minute of it.