Snowman Nativitiy

This is the greatest nativity and greatest snowman spectacle ever.

It wins on both fronts.

We came upon this as the girls and I drove around Mountain Lake Park looking for Christmas lights.

I love everything about this especially the attention to detail.

Even the shepherd got a crook.

First Snow

These were taken last week during our first big snow of the season.

Of course her initial instinct was to throw a snowball at me.

She then ran down to the neighbors house to go sledding with her friends.

Party Time

We began by playing musical chairs. (Look how attentive they are. Nice!)

There they go. Moving along to "I Want Candy" by Bow, Wow, Wow.

Getting a little swing in their step. (Notice M. tapping each chair...this is how she wins.)

Sorry G. you totally had this and I think I called you out :(

I love the expressions here.

M. wins but second place takes it like a champ.

Isabella's consensus on boys this year is that they are, "Wild and crazy".

Yes, but also joyful and fun :)

Next it was the bubble blowing contest. (Again, look at how attentive they are.)

There was a little bit of unexpected panic from the children because they didn't know how to blow bubbles. They all tried and did a great job.

Best Mickey Mouse bubble ever! Couldn't have made it better if she tried.

Three days of practice and this kid's has become a bubble blowing champ.

Most elegant bubble.

Bubble attempt failed. Flew out of his mouth and onto the floor. This is his bubble lament!

Good start.

Good start kid!

(Note the gum chewers in the background trying to get their gum to just the right consistency.)

Nice one A!

Oh...we forgot that front teeth are required in bubble blowing.

This bubble blowing is serious business.

Nice style. Good start!

Each child got a cupcake that they designed and each one got a candle to blow out when Isabella blew hers out. They all made some very beautiful designs on their cupcakes.

Mom made Isabella the most beautiful cake EVER! This is the best shot of it and it doesn't do it justice.

 We had a delightful time with such delightful people!

Happy 6th Birthday Isabella!!!

Now We Are Six

When I was one, I had just begun.

When I was two,I was nearly new.

When I was three,I was hardly me.

When I was four,I was not much more.

When I was five,I was just alive.

But now I am six, I'm as clever as clever 

So I think I'll be six now and forever.

~

A. A. Milne

6 Reasons I love Miss Isabella

*I love how motherly you are.

Seeing how much you desire to be a mother and embrace your womanhood is beautiful.

 I appreciate your single mindedness on this matter.

 It reminds me of what this father said to his daughter on her blessing day "The world needs your womanhood".

 Yes it does.

*You a very gentle and caring for nature and other reliant things. 

*You are drawn to the strong, courageous and brave even when you are nervous, tender and frightened.
 You are an ethereal warrior in a tiny human girl's body.

*Your faith is a beautiful thing.
 You really accept how welcomed you are in God's embrace.

*I think it's so neat how you have always been so drawn to the accordion. 
Not the flute, not the violin, not even a piano....the accordion.

* You are really funny. 
You've got the greatest sense of humor. 
I love sharing laughs with you.

Sweet girl you are a spark of joy.

We LOVE YOU!

Mama's bed.

November Morning

The girls love it when I can lay out a blanket where they can play together.

 Kora gets a big kick out of her big sister.

  Oh yes she does!

I love my two sweetie pies!

Highchairs are great!

Highchairs are great.

So are teethers.

So is the sweetest 6 month old I know!

Swimming Lessons part 1

Isabella is taking swimming lessons at the local University (that is until next Fall when we get our public pool in our county).

The student teachers do a fantastic job.

She even gets to take the lessons with the wonderful Adrienne.

Giggle, giggle, bark, bark, giggle...

Josh was making Kora laugh with Isabella's doll.

All sorts of things make that baby laugh these days.

She really gets going after the dogs make a ruckus.

Chicken update

Our girls have a fondness for the top step.

Try to move them.

Not going to happen.

When I picked Rosetta (sitting) off the step to put her back in her coop, Linda (black) scurried into the house and made a ruckus when tried to get her out.

The other hen is Mary.

Everyone should have chickens.

They make wonderful pets.

Farm Day

We went to Backbone Farm for their open farm day.

We had a lot of fun and met some very lovely people.

There was delicious food too.

Yum,

Yum,

Yum!

From the source.

Max teaching the children how to thresh oats.

The children threshing oats the old fashioned way.

It's a real good way to get out your aggressions out.

End product.

My attempt to get a picture of Isabella's tomato person as she is running to watch the draft horse demonstration.

Veggie creature creations.

Amazing creativity from the kids there!

Isabella did the three in the center.

Draft horse demonstration.