Happy Birthday, Nana!

Today is my mom's birthday. I think she had a lot of fun:

 Maddie made that head band for Nana. I think it's beautiful:)

 The birthday girl with my sister, Ava and me (in my own defense, I just came in from building a dog run in the back yard!).

 Nana, Janet, Maddie and Mommy. Ava took this picture!!

 Nana, Maddie, Ava and Mommy.

 Nana, Ava and Mommy.

 Blowing out the candles.

The girls digging into the cake they made for Nana.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a quiet family dinner at home today. We watched the Macy's Parade and later we'll all sit down together and watch the Rockette's Christmas special. But first we'll make our gingerbread house--we do this every Thanksgiving. And the girls have challenged me and Aunt Janet to a soccer game, so as soon as our food settles us old ladies plan to show no mercy (totally not in the Thanksgiving tradition:)).  We have talked with family afar and have made plans for upcoming visits in 2011--let's hold each other to it.

I am overflowing with blessings and grateful for everyone of them.  My deepest wish today is that we all have love warming our hearts.

There's a special little someone many miles away--I'm holding you close and lifting you up.

 Mommy and her girls in the kitchen.

Full tummies and full of smiles.

Visit, Day 3

We went to the Natural History Museum and then out to dinner. It was another great day. The museum has a lot of hands-on activities, plus a gem exhibit and photo exhibit, which the girls loved. I think Naomi enjoyed it a lot, too. We watched a 3-D movie about sea turtles and life in a coral reef.

 Cave girls:)

 What's that? Fun with magnifying glasses.

 Uncle Eric helps with the microscope.

Visit, Day 2

We went to the zoo. It was pouring rain and Ava oped out, but Maddie braved it and we all had a wonderful time. We saw a lot of animals and we got a chance to catch up some more. Then I took M home, fed the kids dinner, and met my brother and Naomi for coffee--where we talked for another 3 hours:)

Eric and Naomi Visit

Uncle Eric and Aunt Naomi arrived Friday night and stayed the weekend -- they were in route from Japan. It was wonderful to spend time with them!

Our small town had a Christmas tree lighting which we attended their first night here. We did a lot more talking than festivities, but it'd been 3 years since I'd seen my brother. They are a sweet couple and I miss them already (we said good-bye a hour ago).

First Place!!!

Maddie joined the synchronized ice dancing team in June. This past Sunday they had a competition (their second) in Anaheim and did a spectacular job! They danced to "The cat in the Hat."

My big girl and her first first place medal.

Some very happy first place girls.

Three very happy girls--and this was before their outstanding performance:)

Maddie getting ready.

Some of the girls watching the show. This was a few minutes before their call.

Nana and Ava.

Proud Nana.

Mommy applying the "stage" make up with a very interested little sis looking on.

Happy Birthday, Ava!

My little big girl is 4!!!


The birthday girl and her sis eating cake.


Time to blow out the candles.


The birthday girl with Nana and Aunt Janet.


Mommy with her birthday girl.


Ava has been asking for a real Ariel the mermaid costume.


Her "soft and cozy" Ariel sweatshirt.


Maddie hula-hooping. That's THREE hoops!


Ava hula-hooping. She's getting so good at it!


The birthday table.


Birthday cake!