Preschool Pirate Day

*we had to convince Macy that many pirates use flashlights instead of knives.  

I didn't think Miss Debbie would appreciate a knife at school.

Spectacles

Macy did not pass the eye test at her four-year-old well check.  So off we went to the pediatric optometrist and now we have an adorable little four eyes at our house.

Shopping for glasses for a four year old was not fun.  She liked trying on the first three pair and then -- four stores and lot of bribery later -- we had two pair of frames picked out.  She has been great about wearing and taking good care of them.


One day, after putting her hair in a bun and dressing her in her silk shirt, she put her glasses on and looked so much like a miniature librarian stereotype that I had no choice but to make her play along for a photo shoot. 

Seriously adorable!

Lots of Pictures of the Girls

look at those two little teeth

I had the girls pictures taken at Fotofly to give to JD for Valentines.  

I thought they turned out pretty cute.

Happy Birthday Macy!

the invitations

I love planning Macy's birthday parties.  I like to let her pick a theme and then I go crazy (probably overboard) from there.  This year she wanted a camel or rainbow party.  I went with rainbows.  Macy's cousins are her favorite friends, so we threw a party for each side of the family.  Both parties were crazy and wild and very fun for us.  

missing Abby and Claire (and Will who was home sick)

  

Bud photographed most of the party and made sure to get himself

JD is so awesome.  He took my crazy idea for a balloon rainbow and spent hours putting it together.  

I instantly tear up thinking of the day Macy was born and how our lives were transformed.  She is sweet, funny, quirky and spunky.  She brings more joy into our home than I ever imagined possible.  We are so blessed to be her parents!

Can you feel her excitement?

first day of primary

She loved it and came home and told us the story of baby Moses.  

Her darling teacher stopped by the night before to meet her.

Christmas Day

We had a really fun and slow Christmas morning.  Macy liked to play with each toy as she got it and then after a bit would be ready for more.  She wanted to have us all have turns and was very grateful for everything she got.  The real hit of the day was the toy dinosaur that, I have on good authority, Santa got at the dollar spot at Target.  We took video so I only have a few pictures.

Macy made this cute bag at preschool as a present for us.  She came home that day and stealthily snuck it under the tree.  She was so proud of herself.  It was full of cookies.  So cute! 

In the afternoon, we met up with the entire Ashby clan and had a delicious meal.  The kids then exchanged gifts.  Of course, it was now that Macy chose to act like a three-year-old.  She got an adorable tote with markers, glitter glue, crayons and coloring pad.  All things she LOVES.  But at the moment she couldn't get past the fact that tinkerbell was on the tote.  She threw an embarrassing little fit. (So sorry Kt).  But once we got home and she saw the markers and such, she has been playing with it non stop.  

The kids acted out the nativity and then it was time for the always fun white elephant game for the adults.

We feel so blessed this Christmas for our little family, our extended family and our Savior who made it possible for us to be together forever.  

Pre-Christmas

Preparations:

Events: 


About a week before Christmas we had a Summerhays adults (and Julia) only dinner out and then went back to Jenn's house where the kids entertained us with skits, played a game and we watched the videos my brother has put together of the kids to send to my parents while they have been on there mission.  Each family received the cutest amish toy and a beautiful book about the Savior from my parents.  This was our chance to get all of the Utah dwelling family together.

we are missing Brady, Abby, Julia and Mary in picture

On Christmas Eve we had the same cast minus Jenn and Jono's family over for dinner and a our traditional program.  We made sure to include the traditions of cheese fondue, lighting a candle and making a wish, and having the kids reenact the nativity. 

Jonny is holding up the camera so Grammy and Grampy could watch via Skype

We also continued from last year having the elf, Luigi, leave gifts for all the kids on the porch.  This year they all got pillow pets (last year it was Zhu Zhus).  They all loved them and couldn't wait to try them out.

After everyone left the girls got matching pajamas and were off to bed for Santa to come.