Ariel's Tea Party

Last month, Nana and I took Caitlin to a Princess Tea Party with Ariel. Before the party, we decided that Caitlin needed a new spring dress. We tried a few on at home that she refused to wear and ended up at Target one afternoon. Cooper was helpful enough to find & show her the brightest pink dress in the store. She refused to look at anything else.

The party ended up being one of the most fun things I've done with Caitlin. They hosted around 12 girls, most under the age of 6, who were completely star struck.

Each girl started by having her makeup applied by Ariel.

Once the makeup was done, they each had their nails polished.

The hosts had set the tables for a tea party (pink lemonade & cookies). I just loved the centerpieces!

Once the girls were done with their nails and makeup, they all sat down for tea & cookies. Ariel used this time to read her storybook to the girls.

Each girl was able to take a photo with Ariel that was printed & sent home. The girls were all announced and applauded by their parents! I couldn't help but think of all of the "dance shows" I've attended at various NYE parties.

Once the tea & cookies were finished, Ariel invited all of the girls to sing and dance with her. I think that was their favorite part and she received many hugs after the songs were over.

Caitlin managed to find Ariel for one more photo before we left.

January Phone Photos

It seems as if the months that are filled with sports just fly by. Throw in a week long trip for me (work related) and I have no idea what happened to January.

Aunt Sassy gifted Caitlin a box of Disney Barbies for Christmas. The cycle is that she undresses them, and I have to come back and redress them. Fun times.

Jason went to a Cowboys game, so Nana and I took the kids to see Alvin & the Chipmunks. It was Caitlin's first movie and I think she ate the most popcorn. But overall, she really did well.

We spent some time building the Lego set Santa brought.

At 6 years old, he's still excited by the garbage truck.

After many long conversations about a "big girl bed," Caitlin finally spoke up and asked to have hers changed. I was convinced it would not last, but so far (almost 8 weeks later) she is doing well.

We celebrated a birthday with this Happy Girl!

And sometimes, this one is happy too.

Caitlin opened one of her big Lego sets.

My "helper."

One night, I let Caitlin polish my toes for me. She worked so very hard and after she went to bed, I cleaned the up a bit.

Jason and I decided to finally renovate the laundry room. We replaced the flooring and painted the walls. Cooper even helped with the nail gun!

After:

Basketball 2016

Last fall we began talking about the option for Cooper to play basketball after the holidays. We were gifted an old basketball goal from a friend and he spent many hours outside playing before the season started.

Fortunately, our church was the home to a basketball league making practices very easy to get to. We were also lucky enough to have a previous Sunday School teacher as our coach & Cooper was happy to be party of the Tigers.

The kids played three six-minute periods, followed by half time, and three more six-minute periods. This gave each kid a great opportunity to play, and get a good break when needed.

Cooper was easily the tallest kid on his team...and most other teams!

This was Cooper's response when he scored a goal. And when anyone else on his team scored a goal.

Cooper had a great time playing basketball and has already said he wants to do it again next year, when he is in First Grade. Caitlin loved watching the cheerleaders most, but when asked if she wanted to be a cheerleader or play basketball, she said basketball like Bubby.