Ellie's outfit

It is a treat every morning to see Ellie's Outfit of the Day. Today's theme featured kitty cat knees and socks. All matching of course. 

Sunday Funday

Sunday morning included a visit as a family to the gym at Mike's work. They explored every machine and piece of equipment, but the treadmill was a favorite. 

Coffee

While Norah was still at her sleepover in the morning, Ellie requested coffee in a mug just like Mommy and Daddy. 

First sleepover

Norah got invited to her first overnight sleepover birthday party. It was for her friend Brooke, and Elle was the other guest. These girls have known each other since they were in a playgroup together when they were 2 and their friendship is so sweet. 

The girls were so spoiled with a visit to Boomerang air sports, manicures with hot chocolate, pizza, and a movie. Norah was a little nervous before bed and almost needed to come home, but with some help from Brooke's mom Erin, she made it! 

In the car on the way home Ellie said "I am going to miss Norah tonight," and everyone was in agreement about that. But such a fun time watching these girls grow up with good friends. 

Another snow day

We had another snow! 

Baby Arthur

Mollie, Gordon, and baby Arthur came for a playdate too. Both of the girls loved how he squeezed their hands! 

Play date

Norah has been asking since the first day of school if her classmate, Rylynn could come over for a playdate. Finally it happened, and serious Pokemon discussions in her room ensued. 

Flowers

When you have a cold and still have to go to the grocery store, these cheery flowers somehow end up in the cart. 

Bunny's surgery

Norah came downstairs teary-eyed yesterday morning and somehow beloved Bunny's ear had fallen off during the night. He underwent surgery later that day, and pictured is the before and after, including his discharge notice. It reads: 

SURGERY REPORT

Bunny performed excellently during his procedure and was very brave. He will need extra snuggles tonight. 

Dr. Mommy

Veggies

Trying to eat more veggies in 2018! 

Bath

 Everyone needs a nice relaxing bath when they are sick. She insisted on the head rest (which promptly fell into the water) and the book.

Sick girl

Poor Ellie had a terrible cold and cough last week, and this morning the throw up bucket was put to good use. Here's hoping the warmer weather and Otis can make her feel better. 

Crop top

Mike's favorite sweater came out of the dryer as a crop top. Ooops. 

Ear piece

The girls made ear pieces for a show they were producing after dinner. There were also tickets, clip boards, and sign in sheets involved. Plus a rousing rendition of "You Belong to Me" by Taylor Swift on the piano courtesy of Norah. Learning a pop song for the first time has been so fun for her! 

Magic Bands

We got our Magic Bands in the mail! These were a welcome surprise during two inches of snow last week that caused the girls to have three snow days (two days after they returned from winter break). Here we come warm weather! 

New Years Eve

We had a great day despite the freezing temperatures! We met Fafa and Magee for lunch in Charlottesville, then the girls helped Jommy and Pops prep for a party that evening, while we had a day date. When we got to the house at 7, we rung in the new year with dancing, glow sticks, and homeade confetti! 

Bring on 2018! 

VCU vs Fordham

The Ratliff family invited us to see the Fordham vs. VCU game with them. It was so fun! Ellie loved the cheerleaders and dancers, and Norah enjoyed the pep band the most. And they both enjoyed the popcorn and snacks! 

Christmas Day

We had a wonderful Christmas. Norah was up at 4:30, but fell back asleep until almost 7, and then we woke Ellie up. Norah got her top request, a hoverboard, and Ellie got a sewing machine. We spent the day relaxing and enjoying their new presents, and were lucky enough to see all of the grandparents, as well as facetiming with Corin, Conner, and Catherine and the Parks family in Germany! 

Christmas Eve

Jommy read the girls a book on Christmas Eve. We had a nice meal here with MeMe and Tera and family, and then got ready for Santa to visit! 

Eggs

Norah made scrambled eggs from start to finish! 

Elf

Snowball, our elf on the shelf, got into some mischief this year even though he only visited us for a week. 

Christmas Town

We went to Christmas Town with Jommy and Pops this year. The weather was perfectly chilly, and although it was crowded, we still had a great time riding the rides, seeing some animals, watching a show, and taking the train. 

Handyman

This handyman fixed the front burner on the stove, which was not an easy or quick process! 

NASA

Great Uncle Chuck sent the girls some goodies from NASA. 

Polar Express

We went to see The Polar Express at the Dome Theater at the Science Museum of Virginia. It was a fun activity to do as a family, but the movie on that big screen was a little scary for the girls, and made the adults motion sick! 

Dynex Holiday Party

Before the Dynex Holiday Party. 

Blog Dump coming up - sorry for all the e-mails...

The Friday before winter break, Ellie's class had a Mexican Fiesta party, and I went in to help. It was wild, but fun!