Tori turns five!

Some little superstar turned 5 this weekend!  It was literally an all-weekend celebration.

On Friday, a big box from Grandma and Grandpa arrived--we decided to let her open it while Skyping with them.

 Daddy baked the cake on Saturday.  Tori told him she wanted a Hot Wheels cake and he did not disappoint.  We enjoyed it on Saturday night.

 Sunday was the official birthday party.  Our first, but certainly not our last Chuck E Cheese birthday party.  (Also known as the longest two hours of your life.)  It was Daddy's first time, so I decided to let him man the floor with the kids while I set up for the party.

 Look at this picture quickly--if I said she just got her learner's permit, you'd believe me, right?  She looks pretty at ease in the driver's seat at age 6.

 Watching the Chuck E birthday wish.

 Cake!

 Her presents.

 She looks like a birthday Avenger!

Happy birthday, Tori!  We love you!

Will you be my Valentine?

Found this idea on Pinterest.  Have your kid pose like this--add a message.  Use a hole punch to make two holes around his or her hand, and slide in a lollipop.  Super cheap and super cute.

 Tommy's not in school yet, but he didn't want to be left out, so we ordered a few for him to make and send out to family.

 Somebody turned 43.  (Not me!)

 Easter--was a blustery day, so we had an indoor egg hunt.  It was still super fun!

 Tommy enjoying his haul.

 

And after Easter dinner, we came home to find Grandma Deb and Glenn leaving presents for the kids.  This, of course, led to a visit!

My children are loved by so many people; we are so fortunate.

 It's never too cold to go to the park!

 The kids wanted "a new park we've never been to".  So we found one.

 I think they had fun?

The three amigos.

2015!

Cuteness abounds!

 Snuggles with Daddy.

 Girls' day out to the Favorite Doll Tea.

 While Daddy and Tommy hang at home.

December!

We, of course, had a home celebration for Dani's 6th birthday.  So much fun.

 School Christmas concert...our fearless Tori had a case of stage fright!

 Not Dani!  She had a blast!

 For the first time we went to the Schenectady PBA Breakfast with Santa.  (Wes never mentioned it before this year, but it is, apparently an annual event.)  Dani meets an elf.

 Tommy was in awe of Santa!

 Another Tori oddity...she wanted no part of Santa.

 Until she got a present, then he got a hug.

 Celebrating Great-Aunt Virginia's 99th birthday at Teresian House.

 Tori had a haircut and asked for a blowout.  She loved it!

 And CHRISTMAS!

Of course, Grandma and Grandpa came!

We hosted a Christmas Eve party and the kids wanted to dress up!

 Posing with Grandma.

 Christmas morning! 

What a smart Santa!  He wrapped each kid's present in different wrapping paper!  Way to go Santa!

 Santa is apparently unfazed by the term "some assembly required".  It took Grandpa and Mommy about 45 minutes to put the trampoline together!  (So worth it, though!)

 No, it's  not KISS or the Insane Clown Posse, Grandma bought facepaints for the kids.  All Grandpa needs is a black star on his eye, and we'd have KISS.

 A balloon animal kit from Grandma.  (She didn't realize we were already pros at these types of balloons!  She tried to get Grandpa to blow them up, and then I broke out the pump!)

 New Years!  We rang the new year in at 8:00pm so the kiddos could participate!  (We also did it at midnight too!)

What a super fun December!

Thanksgiving and Dani's 6th Birthday!

Thanksgiving--all dressed up, and a lovely dinner at my Aunt Renny's.

 Tommy, looking dapper with his cousin Leigh.

 Coloring placemats for everyone at the table.

 Tori, taking a call and attending to important business!

 Dani's birthday party, at the "bouncy house place".

 Party!