Follow The Star 2011

Last year we started a new family tradition of going to an "event" in our area called Follow The Star. It is a living recreation of the Story of Christ's Birth. You become part of the story leading up to the birth of Jesus. We followed wise men, spoke with Shepards, encountered Roman soldiers on live horses, saw angels and heard them sing. We walked to Jerusalem and Bethlehem. We found the stable where we saw Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus (along with live animals). It really feels like you step back in time and is a reminder of the real meaning of the season. It is a tradition that I would love to continue year after year. The kids really enjoy it and it brings to life the true meaning of Christmas.

Peyton was very interested in the whole thing this year. Last year she sat in the stroller and just took it all in. This year she was very excited to see the angels and baby Jesus.

Madison felt like an old pro and wanted to lead the pack this year. She showed no fear and was happy to have friends along for the journey.

They do not allow you to take pictures during the adventure, but I was able to snap a few pictures before hand.

While waiting for our tour, we were able to enjoy the Christmas music and entertainment provided.
Our good friends joined us this year. I love this picture. It shows how happy and excited the girls are.... we do have one "not so happy camper" in the group (I think he feels a little overwhelmed, being surrounded by girls.) Poor Guy! :)

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

We spent a quiet Thanksgiving at home with the MacKender side of the family. Bryan cooked a turkey and we had all of the traditional Thanksgiving trimmings and desserts.

We have so many blessings in our lives....a wonderful family, friends, a roof over our heads, food, jobs, and our health, just to name a few. So much to be thankful for!

Madison's Second Grade Music Program

Maddie had her Winter Music Program. It was fun to see her up there with all the 2nd graders singing some traditional Christmas Songs and some non-traditional winter songs. She did a great job and and I was very proud of her!

Here are Maddie and Peyton before the program.You can see Maddie on the top row, just to the right of Mrs. Ross.
Here is the entire Second Grade.
Grandma and Grandpa MacKender with the girls.

Happy 4th Birthday Peyton! Under The Sea!

Peyton really wanted an Under The Sea party for her 4th birthday. So, we had one for our family party. We turned our house into an ocean! We had streamers hanging EVERYWHERE, from the ceiling, fan, and chandelier. There were blown up fish, seashells, and Dolphin and Little Mermaid balloons. I think we accomplished the "under the sea" feeling! It was a lot of fun to plan, decorate and celebrate!

Here is the picture that went out on the Evite. Porter, our puppy, was celebrating his 1st birthday the same day as Peyton. They are birthday buddies! Here is a little glimpse of the Party!Taking down the last piece of sea weed....with the help of Papa. Wow...I can't believe my baby is 4 years old! Time has gone by so quickly and it is amazing the little girl she has become. She is sweet, silly, strong willed, loving and all around wonderful! I just love her so much! Happy birthday my little angel!

Peyton's Firefighter Party

Peyton had a Firefighter party at the Oak Grove fire station for her 4th bithday "friend party". The fire party was tons of fun. There were 13 friends that joined us with their parents. We had a hot dog lunch, a tour of the fire engine, opened gifts, sprayed the fire hose, and had cupcakes.

Everyone had real fire on their cupcake!

I LOVE the look on her face! Happy 4th Birthday Peyton! We love you!

Happy Halloween 2011

This year for Halloween Madison was a butterfly-fairy and Peyton was Cinderella. There were a lot of sparkles happening at our house! We had Family over for a spaghetti dinner and trick or treating! It was cold out, but stayed dry up to the end when we had a little sprinkle. Too bad Halloween fell on a Monday night. We had to get the kids to bed early for school the next day. They still had fun and were able to get quite a bit of "loot". :) My mom made these adorable trick or treat bags.

She does every year to match their costumes.
Konnor was a darling Mickey Mouse!Most excited about a plastic bat...of all things. She doesn't have a big sweet tooth. :)

Madison reminds me of myself when I was little! I would always come home after trick or treating and sort all my candy into piles. That's my girl!

Pumpkin Carving 2011

Bryan loves to carve pumpkins. I would say it is his favorite part about Fall. So, the girls were able to help cut the tops off their pumpkins, scoop out their seeds, and pick a favorite design for each of their pumpkins. They always seem to pick a pumpkin design that goes with their costume, which I think is so fun! Bryan always stays up late and works his magic. The girls are always excited to see the finished product in the morning. The BOO design was my choice. We grew the middle pumpkin in our garden.

Here is Madison's Pumpkin....a butterfly fairy. Peyton's pumpkin....Cinderella.