Candlelight Dinner

A while ago Victoria and I were talking and something came up about candlelight dinners. She asked if we could have a candlelight dinner sometime so that's what we did on Monday night. The only condition was that we had to have something to eat that everyone likes. So it was agreed that we would have tacos. I'm sure this was the first time I've ever had a candlelight taco dinner but it was a lot of fun. The kids were very excited and it only took Samara a short time to realize that we weren't blowing the candles out right away like we did on Victoria and Austin's birthday cakes a few weeks ago! We even got to drink our milk out of special glasses as you'll see in the pictures below.

Beads

Victoria got some perler beads from Grandma for Christmas and it's been one of the best gifts ever! The kids have been playing with them for hours everyday. They love it. The only time I wish we didn't have them is when Samara decides to grab a handful (or more) and throw them on the floor . . . just because. They're not the easiest little things to clean up. Since Victoria and Austin are out of school for two weeks, it's nice to have something to keep them occupied.

New Hairdo

So we thought we'd give Samara a perm. It makes her hair look thicker and gives it some fullness. What do you think?

And just in case after all those pictures you think it's real and we're really that cruel (LOL!), I should tell you it's just a wig.

New P.J.'s

There's nothing better than cozy new pajamas and the kids always get at least one pair for Christmas. You can see in these pictures that Victoria and Samara were in very silly moods in their matching purple P.J's. Don't worry Austin, not much longer and you'll have someone to have matching P.J.'s with!

Our Christmas Cuties

I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas. Here are some pictures of the kids dressed up for church on Christmas morning.

Happy Birthday Victoria!

Victoria turned seven years old on December 18. Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday she was born. Victoria, you’ve grown into such a sweet, giggly, loving girl and Mommy and Daddy are very proud of you. We love you so very much!

Opening presents at her party:

Party games:

Presents from us:

I can't seem to find the pictures of her cake and birthday dinner . . . I know she had one -honestly!

Working hard in the snow

This was one of our first big snowfalls of the year. Victoria and Austin were at school so Samara was the only one home to help Daddy shovel the driveway. She loved it and was actually pretty good at scooping up the snow, carrying it over the edge of the driveway and dumping it onto the front lawn.

Happy Birthday Austin!

Austin turned five years old on December 16. I can't believe he's been in our lives for five years already! Austin, you've grown into such a sensitive, loving and caring boy. Mommy and Daddy are very proud of you and we love you so much!

Here are some pictures from Austin's birthday party.

Eating pizza for lunch:

Painting wooden Christmas ornaments:

Opening presents: