Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Rainah Turns Three!

Today, our baby girl turns three years old!  Time sure flies.  Such a crazy time of year for a birthday- we were at mom and dad's for a few days for Christmas, then came home to prepare for the party.  Aunt Lynne flew in from Arizona the night before and helped set up this morning.  
This year we had an owl theme- I made a fun banner to hang and an owl cake that I'm not quite sure actually looked like an owl, but, oh well.  
Jill, Hayden, Talan, Jessica, and Justin came out as well as mom and dad.  Aunt Kris and Isabelle also drove in from Chicago.  Our friends Jen, Joel, Anna, and Simon also came over to celebrate.  
Rainah got lots of great stuff, including some fun games, a doll house, movies, and Leapster games.  She also got a play kitchen.  
After all the gifts we sang "Happy Birthday" (which put a huge smile on her face), and ate cake and ice cream.  The kids all had fun playing together and Rainah had a great day.  
We have been prepping her for potty training, telling her that when she is 3, there are no more diapers.  She took that quite literally and wore underwear, making me a nervous wreck most of the day, but it was cute.  
We also were Day Sponsors again this year for Way FM, our local Christian radio station, so throughout the day our message played.
Rainah was whipped by the end of the day, but more partying is to come tomorrow as we drive back to the other side of the state for cousin Hayden's birthday!  
Happy Birthday, Rainah- we LOVE you sooo much!




The cake


The goody bags included handmade owl magnets and necklaces, pencils, crayons, stickers, straws, and paper.


Cute owl balloons

















Friday, December 25, 2009

Christmas 2009

Christmas this year was so much fun with all three kids being totally into it. We started bright and early with a yummy breakfast that mom whipped up and TONS of gifts. You'd think these kids had actually been good this year! It was great all being together! Among many other things, Hayden and Talan got this year's hot gift... Zhu Zhu Pets, which they all loved playing with. Rainah got a few games, a Leapster, a personalized book from Grandma and Papa, and a "Big Sister" shirt to announce the news that we are expecting.
We had a fabulous traditional ham dinner and then vegged out pretty much the rest of the evening between all the yummy desserts and chasing after over-tired children. It was a great day, though- next year will be even crazier with FIVE little ones! WoW!

Rainah in awe of ALL the gifts




Hayden and his Pez Dispenser


The kids checking it all out

Breakfast!

Hayden and Talan warming up for the days events






Rainah getting her personalized fairy tale book- she LOVES it!




Pop beads rock!



Rainah "helping" Papa with his gift


Dad's new netbook from everyone

Rainah opening her "sponges" - Santa listened!


The "Big Sister" shirt

Mom getting a back massager

Talan germing up Uncle Justin's Starbucks cup