Kaitlyn's Valentine Tea Party

Kaitlyn likes the idea of Valentine's Day and she enjoys spending time with her friends.  So, we decided to host a Valentine's Day tea party with a few of her friends.  

Mommy made chocolate chip mini-scones and applesauce muffins with Raspberry tea (Kaitlyn's choice).  

We set up a festive table with kid size tea cups (thank you World Market) along with some silly heart spectacles.  

Here are some pictures of the girls enjoying their tea and treats.  The girls in Kaitlyn's class are so sweet and friendly.  It's great! 

After the tea party, the girls made Valentine's for whoever they wished.  We had a wonderful collection of paper, hole punches, stickers, markers, scissors, etc.  

 Madelyn napped during most of the tea party.  She begged daddy when she woke up to come down and have some tea.  We obliged her request.  

Star of the Week

 Kaitlyn's kindergarten class has a fun tradition.  Each full week of school during the year (okay, 25 weeks of the year), one student gets to be "Star of the Week."  During the week, the class learns about the student, his/her family, likes/dislikes, future aspirations, favorite things, etc.  The 'star' brings in his/her favorite book, and estimation bag and sometimes a treat to share with the class.

In return, the 'star' gets to take care of Skippy Jon Jones the whole week at his/her home.  Kaitlyn adored having Skippy for the week.  He went on lots of adventures.  Here are a few pictures of Skippy playing with Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn took Skippy to tennis, gymnastics, and in the car all around town.  He joined us for breakfast and dinner.

 Last, but not least, Skippy had a sleep over with Kaitlyn and Madelyn.  They would like to invite him back.

Playing Before School

We had a bout of snow overnight, which caused a two hour delay in school starting.  Since Madelyn went to school before Kaitlyn on this rare occasion, I let Kaitlyn play in the snow before school.  As you can see, she loved it!

Food & Fun with Gamma Linda

 Gamma Linda came to visit in late January.  We ventured out to visit the American Indian Museum and then to Good Stuff Eatery.  Good Stuff Eatery is a burger joint owned by Top Chef alum Spike M.  

Here Madelyn tries weaving a reed around a large basket.  The girls love this activity every time we visit the museum!

Gamma Linda enjoyed the Michelle Obama burger while Dave tasted the President Obama burger.  The girls ate classic, plain burgers.  Every shared the fries.  Dave and Gamma reported eating delicious burgers!

 After a busy day, Madelyn relaxed with Gamma Linda while mommy and daddy made dinner.

 On Gamma's last night, Kaitlyn showed off a very loose tooth.  It was hanging on by one root.  Daddy convinced Kaitlyn that eating an apple would make it come out.  Let's see what happened...

Tah-dah!  Kaitlyn lost her second tooth!!

Holidays Part IX

 Just before the new year, Gamma Laurie and Joe came to visit.  Gamma Laurie brought the girls a fun box of goodies.  They had to unwrap it to get inside and see what it held.

Lots of fun toys like balloons, poppers, purses, a balancing eagle and more.  The girls had fun, especially with the balloons.  I think Daddy, Gamma and Joe blew up more than 20 balloons.

Gamma and Joe gave the girls each a princess dress for Christmas.  Madelyn received Cinderella in her favorite color.  Kaitlyn received a new Brave dress.

More Legoes - yay!!!

Let the balloon blowing begin...

 Playing with balloons.  I think the red one popped on the Christmas tree. ;-)

A cute picture of Madelyn using her V-Reader while watching the Michigan game on New Year's day.  

Madelyn helped us make salad one night.  She was in charge of Kaitlyn and her salad.  She did a great job!

Holidays Part VIII Random Holiday Activities Part Deux

Madelyn loves to sing as demonstrated in this video.  We were walking back to the car after visiting the National Christmas tree.




Once Kaitlyn figured out that Madelyn knew the words to Jingle Bells, she decided to try a duet.  When Madelyn is shaking her hand, she is pretending to shake bells.

In preschool, Madelyn's class learned to sing Jingle Bells and shake hand bells during the song as a special performance for parents.  It's unfortunate that all but Madelyn and one other little kiddo were actually well enough to attend school the day of the performance.

Holidays VIII - Random Acts of Fun

 Kaitlyn's friend came over and we made Reindeer Munch.  The recipe is posted on a previous holiday post.  This batch of reindeer munch didn't have much popcorn left because of two little ones nibbling on it while making it.

The girls are mixing the chocolate chips and M&M's in for the final step.

Our finished batch of reindeer munch!

 Kaitlyn's kindergarten class had a small holiday activity.  I agreed to make cupcakes.  I happily settled on Snowmen and Reindeer.  I heard the kiddos enjoyed them!

 Our friendly neighbors invited us to tour a park with thousands of holiday lights.  The girls had a lot of fun!

At the end, the kids roasted marshmallows to make smores.

Prior to Uncle Tim's arrival, we went to see the Christmas tree at National Harbor and watch fireworks with friends. Daddy made hot chocolate and our friend made popcorn for the kids.  

 Aren't they all so cute!!