Marilynn's Fourth Birthday - in Candyland!

We're still recovering from the sugar high of Marilynn's 4th Birthday party on Saturday. It was a Candyland theme and everything was decked out in sugar - from gingerbread men decorating to candy necklace eating to the cake! We had a total of 15 kids there and a few more kids at heart, and we are so blessed to have so many people in our lives to help celebrate Marilynn's special day!

A Whale of a Time!

Christian and Caitlin gave us a membership to the Seattle Aquarium for Christmas, so we headed over there today and had a whale of a time (hee, hee). Thanks, Christian and Caitlin - we had a great time and can't wait to go back.

Marilynn the Mermaid got her cheek painted with a crab.

Erika always seems to manage to find places to climb.

Just fascinating.

Horsies and Doggies

One of the girls' favorite things about Texas was the animals - 4 horses, 3 big dogs and 2 little dogs. They would go visit them every morning and every afternoon - feeding them, brushing them and playing with them. Erika had absolutely no fear of any of the animals - they just licked her hand and squealed with delight every time they saw her.

Christmas Morning

Marilynn and Maw-Maw set out fudge and iced tea for Santa and carrots for the reindeer on Christmas Eve.

It snowed the night before Christmas, so we had a White Christmas!

Erika carefully unopened her presents one by one.

Marilynn was thrilled with her stocking - everything pink!

Marilynn with all of her toys the night of Christmas

Marilynn with Ryan.