Happy 8th Birthday

Happy birthday morning!!

"Po"-the panda pillow pet

A book light

The favorite gift!! A BIG chocolate bar!

Tie dye soccer socks for spring

DS art game

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This past weekend Fiona celebrated her 8th birthday and I was left wondering (seriously) where has the time gone? I cannot wrap my brain around her being 8 for some reason.

I still remember the day she was born-I had gone to an appointment and Dr. Wellman sent me over to the labor floor to be monitored. I stopped in the waiting area at OSF and ran into Melissa Trauner who excitedly asked if I was going to deliver that day. I remember saying something witty while thinking-sister, I'm not ready for this baby to be here!! Just a few hours later our beautiful Fiona was born to a waiting room full of family (she was the first child we had here in my home town)-I also still remember waking up in the recovery room to a full house and thinking man I need to vomit!!! I have fond memories of that day-being surrounded by our closest friends from church and our family. Holding her for the first time-my tiny bundle that mewed like a little kitten.

Fiona I pray that you will continue to be the unique little girl that God has created you to be. I pray that your sense of self will blossom as you enter this new year full of promise. You are truly a gentle and wise little soul who brings me tremendous joy each and every day.

Your daily "I love you Mom" means more to me than you will ever begin to know.

Happy birthday curly girlie.

I love you

Fiona's Friend Party-Gnomeo and Juliet

This year Fiona decided to have some of her good friends join her for a birthday movie celebration. She picked Gnomeo and Juliet-along with popcorn, soda, and some additional movie treats!! She is a candy connoisseur!!

Family Night

Mark one item off of the bucket list!!! We took a night out for some serious family fun at Artful Designs!! Here is what we each decided to paint:

Peris-a dragon bank

Michael-a piggy bank (that was sick and therefore was named Sickie the pig)

Ella-an elephant bank

Fiona-a kitty bank

Emmy-a doggie bank (which she gave her cousin Addison as a gift)

Derek-a sugar bowl painted as the tin man who is "off to get some sugar"

Me-a bunny bowl for Easter

Willy Wonka

This year Metcalf put on a wonderful rendition of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Peris was a townsperson and an Oompa Loompa. She did a fantastic job-all of her hard work and rehearsing paid off!!!

Featured Friend

Ollie begins to wonder what is going on here??
Getting ready to meet the first graders....

Emmy has waited ALL week for her special guest!!

Aunt Christine answers: "What would you do if you only had one hour to live?" which followed questions such as "What is your favorite color?" and "What is your second favorite color?"

Gotta love first graders!!

Ollie shows off his sitting up skills

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After months of waiting and then being sick for 14 days, Emmy finally was featured friend in first grade. Each day for one week, Emmy was in the spotlight and was able to have visitors come in to meet her class. On Tuesday, Derek went in and read a book; but the REAL deal happened on Thursday when Ollie came to visit. Last year as a kindergartener (seriously) Emmy asked if Aunt Christine and "the baby" (who wasn't born yet) would come see her on her featured friend week. It was a great morning!! While Ollie wasn't sure at the beginning of the visit, he cheered right up and was the most popular 5 1/2 month old around!! The first graders adored him!!! I got to go in for my visit on Friday to read a book and when questions were asked they went something like this:

"When can you bring Ollie back for a visit Mrs. Story?"

Maybe at the end of the year my little first grade friends!!!

Snowtorious B.I.G.

This drift was up against the garage door and around our van!
Yes that is a snow drift behind the kids-they actually could sled down into the front yard-it was crazy!!

Eventually the kids made a snow fort behind the drift.

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Well I wasn't a beliver when it came to the forecast in early February about the "big" snow. Obviously it did come true-even Metcalf closed down for 3 days!! Derek was home 2 of those days because the University shut down as well. It was actually a nice break from the craziness of the school year-we spent time outside and then warmed up with lots of hot cocoa, marshmallows, and a toasty fire.

Ollie comes to play

I'm a bit behind, but we enjoyed having Ollie over for an evening while his Mommy and Daddy had a date night!!

We hope they go out again really soon!!!!