January Misc. Pictures

 

We have had a couple COVID exposures so every time that happens we try to stay away from grandma and grandpa for a couple days.  It's weird being right next-door but not coming near each other.  Sometimes the kids can't wait to tell them some things and need a quick FaceTime call.

Karly's 6th Birthday!

What?! No!  How can it be that my baby is 6?!  I just can't believe it.  It's both so exciting and so sad all at the same time.  Karly is an absolute delight, and watching her grow and develop has brought so much joy.  She is the perfect blend of being my baby, and needing lots of snuggles, but also being very capable and independent when she needs to be.  I adore her.

She really has so much personality all wrapped up in that tiny body.  She loves to dance and sing for us, and enjoys being the center of attention (but only when she chooses to be).  She doesn't like to get put on the spot or be embarrassed.  She has so many sides to her personality, and it's so fun to watch as she is establishing her likes and dislikes.

For the last couple months she has been asking to get her ears pierced and we have been waiting for a special birthday date to go do that.  The night before her birthday, Brad and I took her out for a treat of choice, and then over to the mall.   We enjoyed some donuts in the car, and she loved every minute of having 100% attention from mom and dad.

When we got to the mall for the ear piercing, she decided she wasn't ready afterall.  So instead we did a little shopping with her birthday money from grandma and grandpa Justice.  She really had a hard time narrowing it down, but was excited about her final purchases.  Thanks grandma and grandpa J!

And then the party day came!  She woke up so excited and happy for everything to come on her special day.  She requested blueberry muffins for breakfast, and then was really excited to decorate a birthday shirt. This is a tradition that she has not forgotten or outgrown yet.

This year she requested an "Encanto" themed birthday party and cake.  All I could think of was using plenty of colors.  She was excited about how it turned out.

Then Eden helped her dress up like Mirabell from the movie.  Karly couldn't believe Eden had a shirt that looked so much like Mirabel's.  It was really big on her, but after a few rubber bands, voila!  She decided she would have to save her birthday shirt for another time so she could be dressed like Mirabel for her party.  She also requested to get her hair curled.  She's so funny.

Then the costume just kept getting better and better when she found these Harry Potter turned Mirabel glasses.  She ended up wearing them for many, many hours that day.

After lunch, it was party time!  She was so excited for all her friends to arrive.

First game on the party agenda was Encanto bingo.  It was a little crazy and chaotic, but by the end, everyone had at least one bingo and a prize. Phew.

Then next up was an "Encanto" scavenger hunt through the magical house.  Brad came up with some pretty funny and clever hints that had them all giggling.  Good job Brad!

He did good to make sure they had lots of running in between gathering clues so we could wear them out a little bit.

Next up, cake and ice cream!  Karly was so squirmy when they were singing happy birthday. She was holding her cheeks trying not to smile.  I think she was a little embarrassed, and also really giddy over that much focused attention and everyone looking at her.  She was so cute to watch.

Next up it was time to open presents!  She was so sweet to give each friend a giant hug after opening the present from them.

Even the friends who were not as comfortable with the hug, still got a hug.  ha ha

There was just so much excitement about the presents that the group just  kept getting closer and closer.  This age is adorable.

She also had some really sweet birthday cards from Janie and Jude.

They were all very excited to break into some of the new toys to play for a bit.

They played a bit, got some cotton candy, and then off they went.  It was a huge whirlwind of energy, but was over as quickly as it started.  Karly had a blast, and told me she has the "best friends ever!"

Then after a quick respite, the family party began and the Murdochs and grandparents joined us for dinner. Lola gave Karly some nail polish, and then got a birthday girl thank you hug.

She opened her family presents and was so excited to get a nice art kit, a new watch, and a fancy jewelry box.

Olive drew her this cute picture of Bluey for her birthday.  They both love this show and resonate very much with the two characters on that show.  It was the perfect card.

And we all got a kick out of the random stickers and comments on the back of grandma and grandpa's card.  You never know what you might get on those cards!

For her birthday dinner she requested spaghetti and meatballs.  And then we measured her on the birthday board.  She such did grow a lot this year!

And then..... we all crashed hard.  It was a busy day, full of life and energy - just perfect for our Karly baby.   We sure love you and treasure you in this family.  Happy birthday 6 year old!

Eden

Eden has become quite a dedicated, and beautiful musician.  Her piano and harp skills blow me away.  She has a gift of musicality that I feel is more rare.  Not only can she play beautifully, but she plays the music with so much emotion and it is inspiring and impactful to listen to.  She is very dedicated and self-disciplined with her instruments and her hard work is really paying off.   It's beautiful to see her blossom with these talents.

She is a very disciplined and responsible student too.  She takes her work seriously, and doesn't like to slack off, or prolong work she knows she has to get done.  The math load this year has been intense, and she hates how much time she has to spend on math homework each day, but she is dedicated and won't take any short cuts (even when I encourage her to do so!).  That self discipline and dedication will take you far in life Eden!

And, of course, she has the most amazing and beautiful golden hair.  We have fun experimenting with new hairstyles and techniques.  Now if I could just get her to try to curl it herself we would be making progress. ha ha

Eden has been babysitting her siblings while Brad and I do date nights.  We have appreciated that tremendously, and they all enjoy when she is in charge (most of the time).  She is looking forward to babysitting for other families soon, and has been getting lots of practice in with helping with Lola and the twins too.  She has been practicing changing diapers and Isla has taught her that she needs to be quick! 

She is loving being in young women's and is in her class presidency.  She works hard for her class, and also loves participating in all the fun teenager things.  I have felt that my time as young women President has been such a blessing so that I can be in there with her.

Her health has been really good this year.  Somehow we have managed to avoid COVID, and any other major respiratory sicknesses.  We will go back to Cincinnati Children's Hospital in April for some follow up on her airway and vocal cords, and we will also be doing more extensive testing into lung capacity.   We both look forward to this special time together, even though it's got some really uncomfortable parts too.

All her siblings like to tease her and give her a hard time now that she is on the brink of being "a real teenager".  She says they are annoying, but I know deep down she really loves that they look up to her and think it's awesome that she is "acting like a total teenager".

And lastly, for now, she has the best laugh.  You can't help but laugh along when you hear her laughing.  Eden - you are my sunshine.  I love you deeply.  You are incredible.