Let's Celebrate

Grandpa Tom and Grandma Andrea came the Saturday before Riley's birthday to celebrate. We decided to take the kids to Skyzone, which is a trampoline park. Ethan had been there for a birthday party and he had a blast.

It took Riley a bit to warm up to the idea of jumping. Even though we have a trampoline and she likes to jump on ours, she was hesitant to get out there. I'm guessing it had something to do with all of the other kids out there.

Ethan and Mia had absolutely no problem getting right out there.

Of course, no party is complete with out singing "Happy Birthday" and eating cake and ice cream. Grandpa and Grandma bought a cake from Coldstone Creamery. It was so good! It had actual cake in the middle and ice cream surrounding it with fudge. There was only one small piece left after everyone had some. Riley had a fun day celebrating with everyone!

Valentine's Day

The kids had a lot of fun with Valentine's Day this year. They each had their list of classmates to do and addressed them themselves.

Grandma Joanne helped Riley with hers and I helped Ethan and Mia. I sent along Skittles and Starbursts so they could hand them out with their Valentine's.

What the Kids Want to Be...

I asked the kids at the beginning of the school year what they wanted to be when they grew up. Here are their answers.

Ethan wants to be a super hero.
Mia wants to be a house cleaner.
Riley wants to be my boss.

New Kitchen Island

 I finally got around to taking pictures of our new kitchen island. My brother-in-law has a coworker that does woodworking on the side, so we asked him to make us a butcher block counter and new island. Isn't it pretty?

 I painted the island a light grey-taupe color. I didn't want the island to compete with the black-walnut counter. I used Benjamin Moore paint and I was very impressed with it. I am a convert to Benjamin Moore!

 I had him distress the counter. He said it was very painful to make little knicks in the wood. He did it just a little bit and told me if I wanted it more distressed, I'd have to do it.

 I put about 6 coats of waterlox on the butcher block to protect it from water. It darkened the wood and gave it a slight sheen. I have had no water damage to the wood, and my kids are pretty messy and splash water everywhere. The waterlox is doing its job!

 I chose an Egyptian marble stone sink. It is a cream color and goes perfectly with the island and butcher block. I am in love with this sink! It is so beautiful. The pictures don't do it justice. It has a chiseled apron front and the inside is smooth.

 These two cabinets pull out and the garbage can and recycling bin are in there.

 My plan is to get some stools so the kids can eat at the island.

Skating Party

 Ethan and Mia's school held a roller skating party and we decided to go as a family. We've never taken the kids skating so I was very unsure as how it was going to go. I haven't been on roller skates for a decade so I'm sure we all looked funny!

 The kids were all really excited. They saw a bunch of their friends and a couple of teachers that they like. Ethan has turned into quite the social butterfly. He talked to everyone that night. He has really come out of his shell!

 I was trying to teach Mia how to move her feet.

 The kids fell like crazy. Ethan took me out while we were holding hands skating. We both fell really hard on the floor. Ethan hit his head and he decided he was done skating.

 We made Kelly put on some skates. I'm sure we all looked ridiculous.

 Riley enjoyed skating the most, which surprised me. The twins took their skates off half-way through the party, but Riley kept hers on the entire time. She didn't want to leave.

We had a fun time at the party but will probably wait awhile before we go back. I don't think they were quite ready for skates.

Disney Live

Mike's parents bought ticked for Disney Live as part of the kids' Christmas presents. We had amazing seats. We were the 5th row up. There was floor seating, but I think our seats were even better than the floor. 

Disney Live was so much fun! They had characters from Aladdin, Toy Story, Micky Mouse and his gang, and Little Mermaid. The kids paid attention the entire time, which is pretty unusual for our bunch. We spent a small fortune on cotton candy, popcorn, and pop, but I suppose that is to be expected. 

 We arrived plenty early to get our seats! The kids were so patient while waiting for the show to start.

 I always wanted to go to one of these shows when I was little. I think I was just as excited as the kids!

 The dancing and singing was entertaining. You can tell they put a lot of time into the show.

 Aladdin, one of my favorite Disney movies.

 Little Mermaid was also very good.

 Aunt Kelly also came to the show with us. She enjoyed it as well!

We ate supper at a local Mexican restaurant. It was a great night with many memories made. What a great Christmas present!