Miranda draws

She loves drawing on the walls, so I put up some paper in her favorite spot. Clearly, I have been out-smarted.

Aunt Kimi's Winter Visit

We are out for a brisk stroll at the arboretum.

Christmas Time '09

Erika makes gingerbread houses at the Hanley's house


Party after party takes it's toll.


Grandma Gladdy and Catie frost cookies.

Christmas 2009

I know, you are expecting pictures, but we have not taken any. I understand this is surprising, but our holiday has been unfolding more like the a tribute to Miss Saigon more than anything else.

Christmas morning unfolded unpredictably as everyone has the sniffles, and then it was a slow progression which did not lend itself to any particular photo-worthy moment. As of right now, Dec 26th, we have 20 gifts as of yet unopened.

The kids are in the mode of opening one thing, then playing with it until they are ready for the next. I guess I don't really feel like pushing them, but at some point they are going to have to kick it up a notch.

Thanks to everyone for their generosity! Grandma Kathy and Keith are unsurpassed!

Right now, the three of them are at a birthday party at Jump Planet, so I have about two hours to clean the living room with a snow shovel and make some progress with the kitchen. So there are no pictures yet.

Merry Christmas!

Transition to Christmas Decorating

Here Erika models one of two Disney nightgowns which we purchased this morning with some of her Birthday money. Like an arrow sprung from the bow, Erika and her birthday money were headed straight to the Disney store.

So she *can* get her socks and shoes on in under 1 minute!


Miranda exclaims that the transition from Erika's birthday party to Christmas is very exciting.


It is, however, frought with danger at every turn!


After the 47th piece of her birthday cake, Erika (with frosting still on her face) starts to love her sisters agressively. It's just the sugar talking at this point.

Erika turns 5

Babies help decorate






Erika celebrates with her pals Takara and Lynze.
A small, but dedicated fairy crew.

X-Men: Static Electricity girl

Few have seen Static Electricity Girl charged up and lived to tell.

High-chair fun

Miranda enjoys dress up these days too.

Miranda cannot eat another bite!

Catie is Erika's favorite person.

Catie has something to say.