Hollywood Party!!

For years... and I mean YEARS... Evelyn has wanted to have a "Hollywood" themed birthday party. Her wish came true this year as we celebrated her tenth (ten? ACK!) birthday with a fun-filled afternoon with her friends. She said it was the "best party I have ever had!"

Here's a recap:

The invites (which of course, I didn't get a picture of...ugh) were a "VIP Pass" ticket that told of the Red Carpet affair. Guests were encouraged to dress up and be prepared to have a lovely time!

Yes, it was Evelyn's party... but Matthew REALLY wanted to be a part of it, and dressed up to help out! This pic was just to be of the door sign, which led the girls downstairs.. but he wanted to be in it.. HA!

The Red Carpet photo area...

 

The party set up: red carpet, photo booth, fondue table, photo album/notebook station

First photo booth photo! We borrowed an instant camera from a friend to use for the photo booth. My birthday girl was ready to smile!

The girls arrived and we had them all walk the red carpet....

Love these girls and thankful for such good friends for Evelyn!

They're 10. They're girls. They're super silly!!

We did an ice-breaker/get to know you game. Most of the girls knew each other, but it was fun to hear their answers to the questions. Lots of laughs for sure!

Evelyn really did NOT want a birthday cake... she wanted fondue. I wasn't surprised as she doesn't like to be the center of attention (even on her birthday). [My mom was a saint and came over and basically made all the fondue while the party was getting started. It was a huge help.. thanks mom!!]

We had three different fondue pots with all sort of things to dip with. The girls thoroughly enjoyed it!

(Yes, Matthew is dabbing..haha!)

The photo booth was a HUGE hit!

 

Each girl got a photo album and got a handful of instant camera photos to put in it. After the pictures were done, I talked to the girls about how as they are getting older, they will be more and more exposed to the "Hollywood" way  of "looks, money, etc., are everything". I wanted to start them thinking about being different.. being more kind, more intentional, more encouraging.  Then I had them write notes of encouragement to each other, and those went into the photo album. Not sure if I made an impact on the girls, but they certainly had fun with the whole thing! 

She was blessed with many thoughtful gifts..

We ended our party with a movie. The girls picked out of a selection of choices. "The Parent Trap" won and they all were full engrossed.. which allowed Doug and I time to clean up a bit and have some quiet.. haha!!

Tenaya was the last to leave.. and we had one photo left on the film roll. This was the final party photo!

Evelyn was celebrated so well today, and although I am tired, I am thankful for a super fun day for my baby girl!

Snow Day Fun

School was cancelled due to the threat of snow. I was skeptical about it.. who knows what will really happen. But, it started snowing today and this afternoon there was enough snow to go play at bit in it. It was cold but the kids had a great time and I loved having them home with me today!!

As you can see, we had a very fun time in the little bit of snow we had!!

Matthew Turns 7!

Our sweet, lovable, hilarious, big hearted, thoughtful, rough and tumble Matthew turned SEVEN today!! He is growing into such an amazing young man... we are so proud of and grateful for this little boy!!

First up.. opening presents of course!!

SO excited to get a Chewbacca (his favorite Star Wars character) mask!!

Battleship!!

Jody came over EARLY with donuts for her favorite birthday boy... he was thrilled!

He is such a special boy indeed!

His beloved teacher, Mrs. Viegas also celebrated him well at school today. The class sung to him and he had a special seat to sit in. (Side story: Jody brought Matthew a few donuts to choose from and told him to give the other one to somebody. He wanted to give one to Mrs. Viegas. He gave it to her when we first got to school (she was in the office) and she started bawling!! She has had a rough week and was seriously craving a donut this morning when he brought his to her. It was a sweet moment. We are so fortunate to have her as his teacher!!)

 Red Robin for dinner (his choice). Daddy brought him balloons!!

 

 

 A Titan's jersey... SO excited!!

 BOTH kids got Legos

 Enjoying Birthday sundaes!

 Thankful Grandma and Grandpa got to join us in celebrating!!

All his birthday "loot"!

Matthew, you are a joy. We are so thankful you are ours!! We hope and pray this year brings more growing, more confidence, more fun times, and more knowledge of Jesus' love for you!! 

Happy Happy Birthday Matthew!!

Tree Hunt 2016

As usual, we had a fun adventure getting our Christmas Tree. This is Baggenstoes last year growing and selling trees (sad!) so the trees weren't as nice as they usually are, but we took our time and eventually found "the one"! :)

Our tree marker.. daddy's glove!

We will miss the wonderful people who work here. Thankfully the same bunch of guys and gals works the pumpkin patch and berry fields, so we will see them again! We love Baggenstoes!

F

Free cocoa!! Score!

Our annual "Five Guys after getting our tree" lunch stop!

Christmas PJ's and Christmas movie time... YAY for the start of Christmas!!

The final product from outside. So pretty....