Emily's First Birthday

While the cards are blocking her face, you can see that Emily does smile once in a while, and it seems to be Sara that brings it out every time.

She loves her new pillow pet! Melissa does, too, I guess. Or she wanted to show off her teeth.
Black-bottom cupcakes--delicious and not so messy.

Happy Birthday, Emily!!!

Fondue

The traditional cheese and chocolate fondue was a big hit, once again, in our house on New Year's Eve. Ashley was invited to the church youth's New Years Eve party and she wondered why anyone would want to celebrate that holiday away from home and the fondue. Needless to say, she chose to stay home!

Christmas 2010 part 1

The girls in their new Christmas Eve pajamas.

Acting out the nativity. Melissa doubled as the star and the angel. This is her as the star. She makes me laugh!!
Jason worked on Christmas day, so we just had a movie marathon/manicure day, then celebrated Christmas day on the 26th, after 3 hours of church! My girls are champions with their ability to be patient.

Christmas 2010 part 2

Christmas isn't Christmas without some good food! Here's the traditional Danish pastry wreath we have every Christmas morning.

I made the girls this monkey bread on the morning of the 25th. Yum.
And here they are all dressed for church.

Graham Crackers

It's gingerbread house time again! Emily thoroughly enjoyed the candy.

Rachel and Sara hard at work. Sara had to have her water bottle on hand to wash down the sugar.

Ashley and Melissa not wanting a picture taken.

The completed village. From Left to right, Ashley's, Dad's, Melissa's, Rachel's, Sara's, and mine. Sara's roof says "Rachel is my friend". What a fun tradition!

O Christmas Tree

We spent our Thanksgiving in North Carolina with our good friends, the Jorgensens. Sadly, the only picture I took was of Jason taking the kids for a ride in the tractor mower. Perfect weather! No coats needed!

This is the tree we got this year. It's easily 10 feet tall. We went with a Douglas fir this year because the Frasiers were very sad looking. I love Christmas time! So does Sara, apparently. What a goof.

Whistling

While Grandma Parkinson was visiting, Emily taught herself to whistle. She does it all the time now, except when I get out the camera. This is the best recording I've been able to get. Keep in mind--she is only 10 months old!!