Avalon's Birthday Playdate

When your birthday is 4 days before Christmas, it is hard for your parents to muster the energy for a big party.  Instead, we talked the kid into having a joint birthday party in January (photos to come).  However, we promised Avalon a special birthday dinner and she chose mac-n-cheese and Panda Express.  Apparently she likes American-Chinese fusion.  Aaron then blurted out that she could have friends over.  Voila, a second party was born.  Thus, our efforts to scale down actually ended up adding extra work.  In hindsight, it was an adorable celebration, and should have been her only party.  She invited 4 of her best friends:  Jason, Brooklyn, Danica, and Noah, for a playdate and dinner.  It was easy and adorable--just like birthday parties should be (but which I always seem to forget)

 Avalon pushes Noah on the swing.

 Danica and Brooklyn enjoy the dollhouse (it was nice to see it used).

 Aaron, Waylon, Noah, Avlaon (front), Brooklyn, Jason

 The birthday girl gets singing yet again, and another birthday wish!

 Danica & Brooklyn

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AVALON!!!

Avalon opted for a costume change.  Four of the five kids made it into a photo.  Lots of silliness!!!

Avalon's Birthday Celebration at School

On December 21st our "baby" turned four!!!  She is such as saucy little girl that makes me laugh, and also causes most of my gray hairs.  To celebrate her BIG day (which we have been talking about for months and months), she celebrated with donuts with her class as well as a playdate after school with a few friends.  Mommy had a big work meeting so daddy was sent to school with the camera.

 Avalon rocks a crown.  It is a big deal when its your birthday at school!

 Avalon and her BFF, Noah.

 The Forest Room heads out for donuts in honor of her majesty!

 Loving the attention, and eagerly awaiting her donut (with Janae and Ashley).

Christmas Fun with Neighbors--Claus at the Carlsons & Caroling

It was nice to get together with neighbors at the Foster/Carlson party where the kids met Santa, who actually read them a story and spent time with each kid.  It was a really special time that I wont forget.  We also enjoyed Christmas caroling with our neighborhood again.  It is a wonderful tradition with lots of laughs, wine, and bad singing.

Avalon met Santa, who knew she loved Hello Kitty, and brought her an entire gift bag of goodies.  Nicole and Susie outdid themselves on party planning this year!

 While I miss the photos of my kids screaming on Santa's lap, it was amazing to see how excited she was to meet this Santa since it was such a small setting and he read her a story first.  Awesome!  By the way, she wanted a Princess castle.

 Both kids smiling on Santa's lap?  A sure sign that they are growing up!

 Waylon tells Santa he wants beyblades (again?) and I think green lantern stuff.

 All of the kids at the party LOVED Santa, and got together for a group photo.

 Santa reads, "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to a rapt audience.

 About to head out Christmas caroling with the Seaside neighbors.  Our group has grown.  Waylon is on the back left with Will, and Avalon is front on the right with Emma.

 The girls:  Chloe, Rachel, Avalon, & Emma

 Waylon belts out a tune on the left.

Avalon decided to sit one out :)   Apparently mommy was too busy drinking wine to take many photos.

Waylon's Holiday Pageant

What is it about holiday performances?  Every time my kids get up in a group with their class and sing some songs I cry like a baby.  I am not a crier, but pageants kill me.  I love them, but they are such a stark reminder that my kids are getting older.  Seeing Waylon with his kindergarten class was crazy.  He is such a big boy--literally and figuratively.  He appears to be one of the 3 biggest kids in all of kindergarten.  This means he was in the back---allllll the way in the back.  It suits him fine, but makes me crazy as I try to snap photos to capture the moment.

Bubba arrives!  Lukckily I got photos just as he lined up--before the other kids stood in front of him with their cute little antlers blocking him.

 He was excited when they were all arriving.  Note that he does NOT have a red reindeer nose.  He has never had face paint on.  Ever.  Apparently a red dot counts, and according to his teacher, Sra. Noguez, he almost cried when she got near him with the red face paint.  I guess he is not so old after all.

 Love that excited, toothless smile!!!

 Lots of hand movements.  I love this photo because Waylon was actually singing.  That was not true the whole time. 

 Hands up in the rear!

 A photo with Sra. Noguez, who just returned from maternity leave on December 1st.  We LOVE her, and are thrilled that she has a tighter reign on the class, which is what Waylon needs.

 All done after the show, and ready for some post singing punch and cookies!

 Waylon and Diego.

 Tatum and Waylon.

Antler boy.  Good job, Waylon.  I was so proud of you (even when you were bored and looking around during the performance).  xoxo

Avalon's Holiday Pageant

Just before Christmas, we went to Avalon's preschool to watch her class, the Forrest Room, perform several songs.  It was beyond adorable.  I have never seen Avalon glow like she did when she was performing--she was clearly in her element!!!  Lots of tears from a very proud and verklempt mommy.

We are so lucky to have Chloe as a neighbor and get her hand me down clothes--this dress was the best yet.  Avalon looks like such a big girl with her couture dress and fancy haircut.

 Despite being all dressed up, she is still a silly girl at heart!

 Dress twirlability is a very important aspect of getting ready at our house.

 Our big girl!!!

 Avalon with her teacher, Miss. Amelia, who she absolutely adores. 

 The Forrest class takes their places.  Avalon was so excited as she stood front and center, which she seemed to love.  Waylon is the type of kid that wants to be in the back of the group, but not Avalon!

 Lots of adorable hand movements.  I dont want to brag (but I will) it seemed that a lot of the kids were following Avalon and Ashley (in pink).  Of course its all relative when you are talking about 4 year olds doing the "waddle waddle penguin" song.

 Well, I guess she did look around to follow other kids now and again.

 Waylon was so excited to see his BFF, Ryan, after the show.  Ryan + cookies = very happy Bubba.

 Avalon with her buddy, Brooklyn.

 Waylon had no problem jumping on Santa's lap, but Avalon was having none of it.  I usually force my kids, but the vibe in the room was really mellow, and as I started to move Avalon towards Santa she freaked out.  Other parents looked at me like I was a monster (party poopers!) so I gave her a reprieve.  I knew there were many chances to meet with Santa's helpers this year.  By the way, Waylon asked for Beyblades from Santa.  What?!?!

This looks like sibling tolerance rather than sibling love.