Mackenzie's 5!

Seriously? Already? Where has the time gone? I can't believe my baby girl is already five. This was just yesterday, I swear.

Actually, this was just yesterday.

Well, on November 15 mackenzie had her birthday party. She wanted to go swimming. I was able to rent a room and open swim time for her party at one of the local schools. All of the schools around have pools, but the one we went to has a kids pool and a competition pool. There's water shoots, a slide, and a basketball hoop to play with while you swim. She was also allowed to invite a few friends from school and most of her cousins were able to come too. All of the kids had a great time.

GG and Aubt Taylor made a very cool Elsa dress cupcake cake. And it tasted delishious too!

And I put together a spread of frozen themed foods.

She got a bunch of new presents also. And she loved every minute of it!

I love that look of surprise and joy on her face when she opened the present she asked for!

She was invited to a princess for a day party at one of the local churches to take place that night also. All of the girls got their hair, makeup, and nails done. They got to color, make a craft, and have frozen themed snacks. And finally, they got to meet Elsa!

Yesterday was her actual birthday. I decorated the house a bit while she was sleeping. She woke up very surprised! I even made a streamer curtain and hung it in front of her door that she had to walk through. She said, "mommy, that is sooo cool!" Marty made the kids pancakes for breakfast. And I took them to church. She even got to decide if she wanted to go on her birthday. I'm happy to say it was her choice to go. She asked for homemade nachos for dinner and marty and I made her a cake. And of course the few presents from mom and dad.

There's that joyful look again because she got what she asked for.

And a new skirt and Dora movie.

She loved that microphone. She was on it at least 3 hours yesterday.

I still can't believe that she's a whole hand old!

Happy birthday my baby girl! I love you!

Veterans Day

What does Veterans Day mean to you? Do you have any Veterans Day traditions? A small town parade? Buying a poppy from the VFW?

We don't do anything special on veterans days usually. There is a parade in town here, but I completely forgot about it. And I was "cordially invited" to the Veterans Day festivities at school since I'm a veteran. However, it was at 8:30 and I was dropping Cameron off at school :/

Veterans Day is a day to remember all of those who served, made that oath, wrote that check for up to and including their life. And many of those checks were cashed. We remember and thank those contagious people past and present. Without them we wouldn't have all of the freedoms that many of us take for granted everyday. 

There are many family members and friends that I love who have served. And I personally say thank you. 

My dad, served in the Michigan Army National Guard

My cousin, served in US Marine Corps. Deployed to Djioubouti, Africa in 1999

An myself, U.S. Army Michigan National Guard

Remember those military members on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and every other day in between!

Happy Halloween!!!

I've found, as kids get older they have a lot more activities for any holiday. We started the week off normal, by Thursday we were so busy and the kids were exhausted every night. Of course, "we aren't tired," came out of their mouths every night also.

Saturday there was the Halloween carnival at the school at church. I donated cupcakes for the cake walk. We took the kids for the trick or treat village, which they always love. I think the most exciting part for Cameron was seeing his teacher handing out candy. This year was also the first year the kids got to play games at the carnival. We always forget about that part and I finally remembered this time. They had a blast and got a ton of treats from the village.

Thursday Cameron had his Halloween party at school. They went trick or treating through the school. Mackenzie got to go and participate in everything as well. They had treats, decorated foam pumpkins, which has made their way into our Halloween decorations, and had stories and songs.

Friday was, of course, Halloween. Mackenzie had her school party. She told me if I came I better wear my costume. So I did.

Rosie the Riveter

The babysitter was able to take Cameron to his dance class for me so I could go to her school party. They had snacks, played games, stories, and had a parade through the school and office.

Ghost writing

And he ghost hands. Just some shaving cream!

Afterwards we came home, had lunch and naps. During this time it started to snow :/

Once it was time to get ready I had to shove the kids into their costumes because they already had their coats on. We also trick or treat with a couple of my friends and their kids. It makes it easier on all of us that there's 3 of us to wrangle the 4 kids. In the crowds downtown, it's very nice.

And we lit the pumpkins last night also.

Cameron's scary face

Mackenzie's unicorn