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.