chris.reese.girls1.2.3.4

Along with the Pinkalicious celebration, we had a small party on each of the girls' respective birthdays to open family gifts, have a small dinner (of their choice) and treat (of their choice). Translation: we've partied for two weeks' straight! Brynn's Birthday (Oct. 14th...delayed to the 17th...she can't tell!) She had pasta, jell-o, and a pink cake. I frosted the cake, Paige decorated, can you tell?? We are happy to see she's matured from her fear of baked goods and frosting. Uncle Matt and Aunt Dani joined us--they are so good to the girls! They (along with G&G Apken) gave her a big bag of new dress-up clothes. She tried on a few and danced the night away... More presents: new jacket and toys from Paige Another dress-up outfit.  Happy Birthday, Brynn! And a week and a half later we celebrated Paige's birthday ! October 29th She chose spaghetti, corn-on-the-cob, and dilly bars for her treat (i.e., super easy!). She did, however, say she wanted t...

Today is Paige's birthday.  I feel like we've been celebrating for two weeks and honestly, we almost have! I still can't believe I have a five-year old...maybe I will continue to say that every year as my first-born gains a year. What a crazy day it's been as we've enjoyed Halloween festivities, a visit from Grandma, my sister gave birth to a sweet baby girl this afternoon and we are anxiously awaiting my nephew's arrival...which probably will be tomorrow (dang!).  Pictures from our family celebration coming soon... PaigeL5, You are such a fun and sweet little part of our family. You have such unique and diverse interests...you constantly keep us on our toes. We love to see you grow and try and new things and to help us progress on this journey of an evolving family.  We love you being you! Happy Birthday, Miss Paige!  Love, Mom

We did a combined "friends" party this year for the girls. They invited their cousins (aka best friends) and Paige got to invite two other friends. It took a while but we finally settled on a  Pinkalicious theme, (which is a wonderful children's book). Considering the chaos and turmoil of the last few months, it felt fulfilling to organize and prep for such an exciting day! I put all my mom efforts into this one and it was FUN.  (If you aren't familiar with Pinkalicious , the book tells the story of a girl that eats so many pink cupcakes that she turns pink! If you have girls you MUST have this book!) The girls before the party...in their PINK! They shed the fancy pink clothes after about 10 minutes.  I gave each of the girls a cupcake necklace for the party...the third one is for me! Brynn especially loves that she and I have matching "pretties."  The spread The two little rascals trying to break open the presents. More of the munchkins... Pin the c...

(I almost forgot to post about this...it was the first weekend in October...out of order, but documented nonetheless) Our second annual girls' weekend!  I love these ladies to pieces! I consider it a precious gift that I am close with my husband's extended family...like they are my own. They are some amazing women and I love spending time with them. This year we visited Seaside, OR. The Oregon coast lived up to its reputation of being cold/rainy/windy, but that didn't matter one bit. Just imagine sleeping in until 9am, not making a single meal for three days, staying up late chatting into the wee hours of the morning, laughing, shopping, watching movies...it honestly, was a little slice of heaven.  (L to R: Julie, Janet, Courtney, Jana, Reese, Dani) Thanks, Julie for all your organization! Thanks Grandpa for the timeshare and for dinner! Thanks, Dani for carpooling! Thanks to my own mom who helped with the kiddos for a day and to the hubster who made it possible to get a...

This month booked up fast! And when it came to schedule our annual family visit to the pumpkin patch, I wasn't sure when we would do it. Chris has been spending extended hours at the office, including most of last Saturday. But he snuck home with a few hours of daylight left, and we jetted out of the house to a local patch.  It was a bit too sunny for the girlies, but it's sun in the northwest and I refuse to complain about such things! This was their favorite thing...fighting over the old tractors. The final choices: This is a typical "hug." You gotta love the strangle.

Today is the 14th...and although we are "postponing" Brynn's bday to Sunday (today is just ridiculously crazy and she won't know the difference), I still wanted to reminisce about my baby on her REAL birthday.  Brynn,  I'm feeling bittersweet about you growing older. I often wish things could stay the same for a while longer, but know change is inevitable. Our family is evolving and you too must grow older. I love you, Brynnie. I longed for a baby that would cuddle and love, and I have never tired of your snuggles for the last two years. You climbing onto my lap to be close to me is still something out of my dreams.  Happy Birthday, Sweetheart! Love, Mom