Allie is 12!

It’s my beautiful, baby girl’s birthday today!! This does not seem possible. How are you TWELVE?!? Watching you over these past 12 years has made my heart swell. You have brought a tremendous amount of joy and love to our whole family. I’m so proud of all that you are…mature, helpful, cooperative, understanding, daring, witty, funny, and dedicated. When you put your mind to something I just know you will accomplish something amazing. Stay true to yourself and be confident in all that you do this next year. I love you so much and I’m looking forward to our next chapter of adventures with my Allie Girl!

We’ve been celebrating this girl ALL WEEK! When you have school all day and practice all night on your birthday-day…you get creative!

Last weekend we kicked off our Allie-festivities. Dinner with Nana eating her favorite food, noodles…and a birthday taco cake (she had her heart set on a taco shaped cake). A trip to the mall to spend her gift cards and birthday money, and share a birthday milkshake with her mama.

Today our little elves continued their tradition of bringing a surprise this morning. One of her teachers decorated her locker at school and her computers teacher made her 4th hour sing Happy Birthday to her. A double birthday celebration with a cheer friend whose birthday is a day after Allie’s…a pirate theme seemed fitting.

Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate Allie’s birthday. She was spoiled with gifts from her friends and cheer besties too. 12 is pretty awesome so far!

Northpole Breakfast

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…thankful for these little elves (and their pets) that bring us so much joy each year. Our annual North Pole breakfast kicked off our Christmas craziness. Jingle and Belle brought a cute puzzle, treats, and hot chocolate for the kiddos, and brought us all matching Christmas jammies! We made elf shaped pancakes and enjoyed reading our letters from our far away friends. Ayden was thrilled to have Jingle and Brownie back and even read him a few stories!! Melt my heart.

Thankful

 Thankful for time off from school, sleeping in, family dinner, and time spent with family.  So much to be thankful for.

 

First Snow

I dislike the cold…but yesterday I was thankful for the snow. This little guy played outside for HOURS all by himself!! He even shoveled the sidewalk that runs through our courtyard. I adore his love for snow and winter.

Halloween

 This year's Halloween costumes were great!  Allie planned to be a blue M&M with some friends at school.  Ayden took a bit longer to officially decide.  He finally landed on Minecraft Steve.  We have fun making his blockhead together.

We celebrate Halloween all month long.  The Russell Beach Trunk-of-Treat was a fun evening.  Ayden made his way around the trunks a few times.  The decorated golf carts were the best!

We celebrated with friends at family party.  There was lots of food, friends, and fun...and LOTS of kids!

Ayden and his friend, Logan, trunk-or-treated at our church on evening.

 

As for school...Allie had her first school dance, a Halloween theme. Ayden celebrated with his classmates at school with a parade and class party.  I was lucky enough to attend for a quick bit!

On Halloween night, we went back to our old neighborhood and trick-or-treated with our besties...just like always.  Ayden pooped out faster that expected, he was more interested in passing out candy and playing with his bud.  Allie kept truck'n on and collected about twice as much candy as her brother. The adults trick-or-treated for adult goodies and treats!  It was a another memorable Halloween.

Stunt Tournamnet

Spent half of the weekend in Grand Rapids at Davenport University.  TWO WINS for MCC at Allie's first STUNT tournament. Allie is basing and flying on her 11U team. First game 17-5. Second game 16-3. Way to go MCC!

 

 

Certified Babysitter

She’s official…CERTIFIED BABYSITTER! Trained in first aid and CPR. Responsible, caring, and a good role model. Let her know if you need a sitter for your kiddos!!