Avalon's 3rd Birthday Party: To Infinity & Beyond!

Avalon definitely has a mind of her own.  Since we discuss the kids' birthday parties every day, I knew that we were not going to get out of throwing her a big bash.  I tried for several weeks to convince her to do a Pinkalicious party, which would be based on one of her favorite "girly" books.  She was on board for about a day, and then she was adamant that she wanted a BUZZ LIGHTYEAR party!  She said it with the funniest, deep voice.  I thought it would be tough to throw her a party the weekend before Christmas, but I did not think about the weather.  It was POURING rain for days before hand, and on the day of the party.  We did our best to arrange our house to accommodate everyone.  It was challenging, but the end result was very fun.

 The Cake!  Here is my attempt at decorating my own cake.  It doesn't look like much, but the fondant letters were quite a challenge.  All of the websites that say fondant is easy to make and work with are lying.

 Avalon modeling her Buzz outfit.  It was the "girliest" Buzz outfit I could find.

 Aunt Tina was very popular when she gave Avalon her gift--a Buzz doll!  It was a huge hit that got carried around all day.

 Avalon prepares for her first round of face painting--flowers and "buzz" swirls.  Round 2 was much more intense.  Note the beloved Buzz doll.

 Avalon shows off her doll to Haley and Jennifer.

 Waylon was super jealous of the Buzz doll, but handled it well.  He and his friends had a ball at his little sisters party.  It helps that she worships his friends, and wanted them all to attend.

 Everyone crowded in the family room while the rain poured outside.

 Jonathan was a huge help, hosting a picnic with our kids while we ran around.  I'm tellin' ya, we used every inch of space in our house.

 The living room was converted into another play area with a train table instead of a coffee table.

 The birthday girl is showered with good wishes.

 An aerial view of the madness in our house.  If only it weren't raining (*sigh*).

 Avalon prepares to blow our all THREE of her candles.  Such a big girl!

 Enjoying the cake (and the Buzz figure from the cake).

 Our attempt at an indoor pinata.  It was pathetic, and apparently dangerous.  Aaron ended up dumping all of the candy out.  Too bad one of the kids was right underneath getting pelted.  Sorry Jonathan!

 The candy grab.

 Our guest room was emptied out and used as another play area.  Avalon played with our neighbor, Emma.

 The superheroes:  Ryan, Jonathan, and Noah.

 The parents were excited to watch the NFL playoffs.  I know it was the Eagles vs. someone???

 Face painting round 2:  Bat girl!

 Grandpa helps Avalon open her gifts after the party.  He loved the Woody doll!

 Avalon was so overwhelmed by all of the gifts she just kept ripping open all the paper and moving on to the next item.  She had not napped, and was a mess by the end of the day.  However, I think she had a blast.

Yea!  Avalon is three!!!

Face Painting at Avalon's Party

Avalon LOVES face painting so it was easy to choose the entertainment for the party.  Art, the face painter was stuck in the corner for the entire party, churning out masterpieces.  The kids loved it--and with the rain pouring outside, it was a good distraction. 

 Avalon

 Chloe

 Ryan & Jonathan

 Sydney

 Sarah & Samuel

 Luke

 Austin

 Paige

 Emma

Noah

Dana Point Boat Parade

We joined Grandma and Grandpa Davis at the Dana Point Yacht Club for dinner, and a chance to see the boat parade.  However, Grandma got antsy and left early.  On our way out to the car we saw the parade, which the kids LOVED!

If you look closely, you can see a boat in the background.

Christmas Caroling with the Neighbors

This was the second year that our neighbor, Paula, organized Christmas caroling for the neighborhood kids.  Her son was our "band" with his trumpet, and the kids knew about 3 songs, but it was awesome.  The hardest part was finding people that were home because everyone was out caroling!  Finally, one of the parents ran home and answered the door so the kids could sing their hearts out.

 Waylon is at the far left and Avalon is second from right at the table in her purple jacket.

 Avalon and Waylon singing one of the 3 songs.  Avalon loved being with the big kids.

 Here is a view from the doorway as the kids belted their tunes (W&A at left)

Emma and Avalon ended the night riding in style!

2010 Photos with Santa: The First Double Smile with Santa Photo!

The kids school had a terrible holiday event (see below), but the upside was they had Santa there for photos.  I think its much easier for them to warm up to Santa in a setting where they feel comfortable.  Plus, while waiting in line they watched all their school buddies sit on the jolly man's lap, which helps.  Waylon was totally up for it, but Avalon was freaking out the entire time we were in line.  However, a Christmas miracle occurred and when I set her on his lap, she was happy!  So here it is (drum roll) our first non-tramatic photo with Santa and both kids!!!!

 Waylon told Santa he wants a fireboat lego.  He was very consistent with his request this year!

 Here is the Christmas miracle photo!  Avalon totally got into it. 

 She asked for Buzz Lightyear legos.  Not consistent.  Time for mommy to scramble.

Waylon and his friend, Summer, read in their classroom after photos with Santa.  They look like an old married couple on the porch.

Holiday Events at School

The kids preschool usually holds a holiday event that features the kids singing carols and other winter-themed songs.  There is also punch, cookies, and photos with Santa.  It is all very cute, and last year was awesome.  This year they decided to try something new--"Literature Comes to Life."  It was AWFUL, and here are the photos to prove it.

Night #1:  Avalon's group "acted out" the book The Rainbow Fish.  The crazy lady leading everything ran all over putting kids in costumes.  However, Avalon refused to participate until the very, very, very end.  Here she is in the aqua dress above--for the last 2 seconds of the event.  A total bust.

 Night #2:  Waylon was sitting with his class rather than on my lap, which was good.  He actually put on a Walrus costume, and looked adorable...

 Here is the crazy lady (black outfit in the center) acting out the book.

 When it was Waylon's turn to speak he wouldn't say anything.  Crazy literature lady gave up, and looked at the teacher and asked for a new Walrus.  I was furious, and wanted to show her what she could do with her literature.  Poor bubba!  I was not surprised that he was too shy to speak, but I was very surprised that the woman handled it horribly.  Luckily Waylon's teacher, Ms. Tamara was there to comfort him.

 Thankfully, Waylon's awesome teachers chose to have singing in the classroom after the horrible event. Waylon is in the far back (striped shirt).  It was not as good as last year, but still sweet.