Kids will be kids

Sometimes this little mischief maker can be pretty cute in the midst of all her mischief.

I mean, who can resist smashing their nose in the sliding door?

Or licking it, for that matter?

 She obviously thinks it's pretty funny. :)

 Layna had to come see what was so funny.   That silly Brylen!

FIVE!

Can it really be possible that five years ago this little girl came into our family?!?  We sure do love her!

She got to make this poster all about her for her pre-school class.  She was really excited and spent a lot of time coloring everything to make it just right.

Then on her actual birthday we went to church, and had Grandma and Grandpa S. over for a party at our house.  We had homemade pizza per her request and then opened presents.  She could barely wait to open her presents.  I think I can honestly say she loved every single present she got.  Just see for yourself.  The proof is in the pictures.

After presents we had ice cream and oreo balls.  A pretty great treat, if I do say so myself.  She must have the same taste as her mother.

And a picture of our five year old with her loot.  

Happy Birthday, Layna!  We love you!

Birthday in Laramie

It wouldn't be a true birthday without celebrating in Laramie.  At least, that's what Alayna thinks.  It just so happens Alayna's birthday is during hunting season, which then gives some extra incentive to go to Laramie.  So we were able to follow through with Alayna's request to go to Laramie to Grandma and Grandpa L.'s house. 

And we sure celebrated!

Alayna (with her courtesy smile) and cake.

  

And her real smile.  (Peek a boo! I see someone else in the background.)

If you think her cake looks pretty much the same as last year, it is.  Last year I asked her what kind of a party she wanted and she said, "Pink! A pink party."  Well, think year I asked the same thing, and guess what she said?  Yep.  "Purple!  A purple party."  Creative, huh?  But this mom loves it!  I can most definitely do simple.  And believe it or not, she asked for the same cake.  She snuck in a little pink though.  She requested that the actual cake be pink with purple frosting.

Hmmmm!  Looks yummy to me.  (Bunny tracks ice cream, white-with pink food coloring- cake, and purple buttercream frosting.)

Festive purple party.

The birthday girl getting ready to open all those presents.

She has been patiently waiting 'til The Little Mermaid came out on DVD.  Her favorite!

Monopoly Jr.!

A princess umbrella.

Trying it out!

She was showered with gifts and came away quite spoiled. It definitely met her expectations!

Kendree was quite glad when Alayna was willing to share some of her new presents.  She couldn't wait to get all glammed up.

Accomplished

One of the many things I learned how to do while living in Arizona (Thank you, Roberta!), was can chicken.  

I will never be able to go back.  Other than the amount of time it takes, it seriously is relatively easy.  

And in the long run it makes dinner preparation SO much easier.  

And considering my family loves themselves a good chicken sandwich, it saves me money in the long run.

Ahhh, feeling accomplished.

Kindergarten visit

Clear back in the beginning of October, Alayna and I went to visit one of my friends and former co-worker in her Kindergarten classroom.  Alayna was slightly apprehensive at first, but as soon as we got to the school, she warmed right up.  

By the time it was lunch for the kids, Alayna was begging to stay.  She can't wait to be a Kindergartener herself and was proud as ever to wear her visitor tag all.day.long.  :)