That said, I did snap some shots of Arianna playing yesterday morning when it was quiet and the other kids were at school. She drug around Ethan’s carseat and buckled her babies in a bunch of times.

I have the hardest time getting my kids to eat a good breakfast before school in the mornings. They’d eat bacon or sausage every day if we had it. They also always ask for cinnamon toast, and I blame my mom for introducing it to them. ;) Andy always jokes (in his best mimic-them voice) “we’ll eat… sugar bread and… fat.”

(December Photo Project)

And, some bonus photos… Sunday was also the children’s Christmas program at church – Cookin’ Up Christmas. So cute. (Video clip HERE, you can see Adelaide and Drew great!)

(December Photo Project)

We’re 4 for 5 for climbers.

(December Photo Project)

While I was at church eating chocolate, Andy and the kids made chicken corn chowder and had big fun doing these Christmas projects I found 60% off at JoAnn’s. (I spent a whopping whole $10.) They LOVED it. Give my kids foam stickers, felt, glue, and glitter and they are in h-e-a-v-e-n.

(December Photo Project)

Last night was the Ladies’ Christmas Dinner at church. Pictured here we have Italian Creme Cake, Kahlua Cake, Candy Bar Brownie, Peanutbutter/Pecan Pie, and Fruit Trifle.

No, I did not eat it all.


(December Photo Project)

She never stops.

(December Photo Project)

I LOVE Christmastime/post Black Friday mail. Makes even a dreary rainy day better.

(December Photo Project)

He’s a non-discriminating thumb-sucker.

Sunday afternoon…

Help! My big sister is trying to give me a mohawk!

And from this morning, before school. Found them in the ditch.

Yes, she did.

Adelaide’s hair has been driving me more and more crazy. Finally tonight I pulled out the scissors and took care of business.

She looked in the mirror and goes “oh, that’s cute.”

The back…

Okay, I feel better now.

December Photo Project

There’s nothing particularly noteworthy about that photo except it was taken outside by the fire at Starbucks tonight, on my coffee date with the girlfriends. Yep, they let us out of the house.

December Photo Project info here.

Adelaide had an October “hillybilly” day (notice the fake freckles):

Indoor marshmallow roast at our friends’ house:

made into Nutella S’mores mmmmmmm:

A fall picnic, just snacks…

my view:

sleepy after a Sunday afternoon nap:

rotating fresh flowers on the table every week:

being silly,

going on errands,

lounging around upside down,

picking out what’s for lunch,

doing dishes,

getting happy with the markers,

unwrapping the butter,

getting candy,

and breakfast-twirling before school.

On one of the nice days last week I played with my kids on the “jumpoline” (a la Adelaide). Fun times!

On Madeline: tunic – miniboden, leggings Target last year.

On Adelaide: hand-me-down Madeline playclothes all from Old Navy (top was last year, jeans who knows!).

On Drew: top – miniboden, jeans Old Navy.

(For more mini fashion, visit Small Style at Mama Loves Papa.)

Monday night we met our Lewin friends for a picnic dinner and fun times at the sprayground. Perfect ending to a hot day.

How were YOU the Fun Mom this week? Link up your Fun Mom Friday post’s permalink below. Anyone can join at any time! Full FMF info can be found here.

Please, as a courtesy, and as you are able, remember to leave comments at all the FMF posts you visit.

No blog? Tell us your Fun Mom Friday story in the comments!

So it was laterish but worked out perfectly to meet friends afterwards for dinner at CFA. I decided I like afternoon outings.

Anyway, I’m trying to do some fun things with my kids before we’re home-bound for a few weeks. Thankfully we were able to park on the street right outside, making it much easier for me. They had fun running around and I had fun snapping photos. (Sorry there are so many.)

Wherein baby makes an appearance:

Blogging: better than a scrapbook. ;)

Today is Andy’s 30th birthday so we’ve been running around all morning getting ready. We’re going out to dinner alone but we’ll have a little family party later on. I also squeezed in getting Adelaide’s pictures taken at Penney’s and a quick stop at Kohl’s with my mom. I need a nap. But I did manage to get photos of them this morning so I could play along at Small Style today. So fun.

I actually had two of Drew from this week – on the left he’s wearing his t-shirt from kiddie soccer two falls ago and athletic shorts from Target.  New Balance tennies (Shoe Carnival) and Batman sunglasses he picked out yesterday while we were shopping at Target.  On right, Tea Collection shirt, Oshkosh plaid shorts from who knows how long ago, and Keen sandals (ebay).

Madeline’s top is Old Navy and her shorts are GK/Oshkosh for Target. Shoes are Simple.  (I’m not going to spend the time to find links for all these things that I’ve linked to several times already.)

Adelaide’s tunic/dress and shorties are Matilda Jane.

Arianna’s dress is also Matilda Jane and shoes are Livie & Luca (ebay).

For more mini fashion, visit Small Style at Mama Loves Papa!

A friend passed down this dress to Arianna, which I think it came from a local lady that does handmade customs. She called it “a little quirky” and had to know I’d love it. Shoes are Gracious May.

(She’s been doing this thing recently where she holds her hand out, palm up, while she’s “talking” to you. Hilarious.)

Adelaide’s dress is a Misha Lulu that she’s had forever. (Also seen here and here.) Striped top is from Target several years ago, skinny jeans are Old Navy, and red maryjanes are Kid Express.

(Whining to me about how she got hurt outside.)

Madeline’s top is Tea Collection, skinny jeans are Old Navy, and shoes are Simple.

Drew’s scooter tee is Tea Collection from a couple of years ago, jeans are Old Navy, and shoes are New Balance.

For more fashion-minis, visit Small Style at Mama Loves Papa.

That would be Madeline holding up Arianna’s new suit.  It was a lucky coincidence I had put suits in the girls’ baskets – they all brought them in the car and so later when all the kids decided to go swimming they were happily ready to go.  Drew had to swim in his shorts – ha!  And no, I did NOT get in (that water was FREEEEZING) and Arianna spent the second part of the afternoon napping in a pack n’ play.

My kids were sick last night so they spent yet another day off school. It’s been a laid-back pajama day, which has been kinda nice.

I actually had the little girls buckled into their carseats on Monday in plenty of time to go pick up carpool.  And then I realized the van battery was dead.  Why does stuff like that ALWAYS happen to me?!

Andy wasn’t answering his phone, neighbors weren’t home… I felt so stuck.  Oh, and the church office is closed on Mondays so I couldn’t get a hold of anyone at the school to tell them why I wasn’t there.  Finally I called my sister and she went over and I was able to talk to Madeline’s teacher.  She decided she could get some extra work done and the kids could all wait in her classroom.  I finally got a hold of Andy and he came home and jumped the van and then I was on my way.  Drama.

ANYway, we took the afternoon “off” and relaxed at the playground. I’m using those photos for today’s Small Style at Mama Loves Papa.

Arianna’s dress is Old Navy from last year and shoes are Pedipeds.

Madeline’s tank and shorts are Old Navy and shoes are from Simple.

Drew’s tee is from Old Navy, athletic shorts from Target, shoes are New Balance (from Shoe Carnival). Adelaide’s dress is Tea Collection (another of my favorites).