Spring Break Fun Continues

And the fun continues.....

Today's fun was none other than ice skating. After running 4 miles this morning, I decided my glutes needed a workout so the kids and I packed up and headed to the ice skating rink - met some friends, talked, exercised, ran off some energy, and enjoyed another leisurely spring break afternoon.

The girls have ice skated before and loved it. We must say the local ice arena does not compare to ice skating at Sea World - sigh.....but we had fun nonetheless. What an absolute perfect family affair. We just happened to be missing daddy in the equation. But I will say that we will be heading back soon. It was so fun and such a good way to get exercise. What could be better?

Tomorrow's events - - -REST!

Spring Break Craft Day

Yesterday - Tuesday - we decided to head down to the local watershed where the educators and staff are devoted to providing a fun filled, learning opportunity for the kids over spring break. They have various talks and seminars planned not to mention crafts and activities galore. The girls spent the morning painting with plant based paints.

Paloma was painting with raspberries and blueberries while Mattea stuck mostly with carrots and paprika. How fun is that? The colors were surprisingly very vibrant. The girls then moved into making wind socks, making their own paper, constructing bird

feeders and even making candy buildings with which they got to test out whether or not they were "earthquake proof." Of course the girls didn't really care about the presentation as much as they did about the candy they got to eat off their buildings.

The girls were exhausted at the end the end of the day but came home with some very nice arts and crafts. After a quick jaunt to the gym, the girls and I headed to bed early so that we would be well rested for tomorrow's activity - ice skating! Can't wait for the photo op. Stay tuned....

And the Fun Continues.....

As promised, more spring break fun. Today, the girls and I decided to take in the new Yogi Bear movie at the cheap theater. Oh my goodness, what a ridiculously stupid movie - but the girls laughed and laughed. And, the whole movie seemed very appropriate unlike some of the other movies out there. So tonight, the girls quoted the movie over and over again to their daddy who happened to be working his fanny off today at the office while we got to play and have fun at the theaters (thanks pappa.) Stay tuned for tomorrow's excitement....What is on your spring break schedule?

Just Call Her Brilliant

So my little Paloma has always been a rather "passive" learner. Fighting me every time I pulled out flashcards or a letter book, she seems to rather pick up on learning through other means. I remember one time even believing she was "slow" because she REFUSED to learn. But to our surprise, she is not slow but rather - ummmm - brilliant. No not really. But her preschool teachers have mentioned they expect so much more out of her because she is "so smart" and "so advanced." Yikes. She will read sentences in Mattea's book that Mattea struggles with. She will recite her sister's Bible verses and even finish Mattea's math homework. No joke. The other day as I was working "actively" with Mattea, Paloma was "passively" doing her homework. I gave her a dry erase board and told her to LEARN. She sat down and wrote all of her numbers from 1-10. Just prior to that she wrote the entire alphabet. I have never sat down and worked with her on writing. I just give her a book. If I tried to guide her the way I did with Mattea, she would throw the pencil down in protest. So, I guess we will stick with what works. Not too bad huh?

Kickin' Off Spring Break

Well, our family is officially on Spring Break.
No more early mornings, no more homework - it is nothing but relaxing for a week.



I have an entire week of fun and activities planned for the girls and I. Since our weather won't be nice until the end of the week, we have indoor activities planned for the beginning portion of our vacation.



Saturday night started with a good old hockey game. Dave got free tickets to the game from work so we decided - why not?



The girls loved it - loved the excitement and the food the best. They enjoyed so many snacks. We did that in part so Dave and I could watch the second half of the game in peace. The girls started talking too much so we decided we could gain a few minutes to concentrate on the game if we loaded them up with dippin dots and popcorn. It bought us about 10 min.



Girl shot!



Even at 10 pm, they still had quite a bit of energy. Here's to the beginning of a great week....
Stay tuned, we are getting ready to embark on our next adventure soon.

St. Patty's Day Fun

Who says you have to be Irish to enjoy St. Patricks Day?



Our day consisted of green pancakes, green macaroni, and corned beef and cabbage for supper at Dave's request.



My kids were pooping green for the rest of the week but they sure had fun.

Bring on the Bling

I am a bit late on compiling this post - but better late than never right?
This is one that I have been so excited to do but just haven't found the time to sort through all the pics. I think we took a total of 190 pictures that day. It was such an exciting and magical day. We wanted Mattea to feel extra special on her "Golden Birthday." Our first born turned 6 on Feb. 6th. Happy Birthday Miss Mattea.



I decided to throw Mattea a princess tea party this year. And I also made the executive decision to have someone else do all the work - mommy was going to relax and enjoy the fun for once. So at a place called '2 B a Kid' we went. The above pictures are of the girls before all the glitz and glam began.



Quick shot of the girls before the guests arrived. Each little girl was allowed to pick out a fancy dress to be worn throughout the entire party.



Mattea, of course, was the first to get her hair done. The lady did a fantastic job of making the girls' hair look extra spectacular.



While each girl got a chance to get their hair and make up done, the remaining girls worked on a project. The project we chose was making a book. Mattea and Paloma are obsessed with making books these days, so they were allowed to design their very own hard cover book.



Aren't my girls gorgeous?



I couldn't help but capture a side view of Paloma. I thought she looked absolutely adorable that day. I have never been able to manage her hair like this lady did. It was amazing.



Paloma taking her turn getting her nails done. Needless to say she bit the polish off the next day. Oh well.



Quick shot with my beauty before the princess came.



And there she is. Our very own guest appearance with Cinderella. Mattea was so surprised. Cinderella made her way in, greeted the girls and then took them upstairs for games and story time.





Story time....Cinderella story of course.



Capturing Mattea amongst all the excitement.



Then it was back to the party room for "tea and cake."



The girls were served "tea" which was more like a fruit punch concoction with whipped creme and sprinkles on top. It was a big hit.



It went over really well with the birthday girl.



All of the beautiful princesses enjoying an afternoon of tea an fellowship.



There is my darling new 6 year old. My time has flown by....



As the party started to wind down, the clock struck 3 and the pretty dresses, shoes, and accessories started to disappear. But the company of good friends did not.



And that wrapped up an absolutely amazing afternoon. I do hope Mattea will remember how much fun we had. I know I couldn't possibly forget.

Father/Daughter Ball - 2011

Well, it is February. What a great month. During this month of "love" our family celebrates Mattea's birthday, David's birthday, Valentines Day, and of course the Father/Daughter Ball. My girls look forward to this very special night for almost an entire year. And this past Friday marked the unforgettable night.



Paloma was feeling a bit under the weather but she thought she could muster enough energy to get dressed up and head out with daddy and sister for a night of dancing, crafts, and a big chocolate fountain.



A little sisterly love.



Of course, a dance with daddy.



The girls once again had a memorable night out with their father. I am so lucky to have a man in my life who is committed to being in their lives. All of the research suggests the presence of a father in the home is monumental in the outcome of healthy, strong girls/women. Dave and I have talked at length about that. If my girls continue to feel the love of both their heavenly father and their earthly father, we are hoping that is enough to satisfy them. May they always know how much they are loved.

Wordless Wednesday

Our Golden Birthday - 6 on the 6th!

February 6th was a big day at our house. My little Matty Moo turned 6 years old. Nothing like a reason to celebrate. What birthday is bigger than your golden birthday? I wanted so badly to make this year special for her.



Mattea posing with her daddy and her new doll Sydney. She hasn't let that doll out of her site since opening her.




Let the gift giving frenzy begin. Some of Mattea's gifts included her Sydney doll, a pair of pajamas, some dress up accessories and a game from Aunt Kim, a Barbie scooter, a doll carriage, her ears pierced, and a scattering of other wonderful things. Thank you all for loving all over my sweet girl.



As I said, the gift giving frenzy just seemed to keep on going. And this would be why we request no gifts at the girls' birthday parties. They are in need of nothing.



And to top off the celebration - a birthday song and sundae at Red Robin where our family enjoyed a nice dinner out with our birthday girl. Happy Happy Birthday Sweetheart. You are an amazing girl.

BUT, the celebrations have only just begun. Stay tuned as next week Mattea hosts her own very fancy tea party at 2 B A Kid with a few of her friends. Should be one fancy good time.

We Did It!

I have been throwing around the idea for awhile and finally after talking with quite a few moms, I decided it was time to let Mattea get her ears pierced. And what better time that her 6th birthday.



It was a surprise to her today but she has been talking to all her friends about it for quite some time. They have all told her how much it hurts in the beginning but the "stinging" goes away. I was prepared for tears - but to no avail - my baby didn't even flinch. We were all astonished. She kind of just sat there shell shocked for a moment.



She chose a sparkly pair of pink flowers. She loves looking in the mirror in adoration. I love that she loves them. Happy early birthday present love bug.