Happy Chinese New Year, Happy Valentine's Day

It's one party after another around here! Between Josie's preschool Valentine's Day party last week and Chinese Parties this past weekend and upcoming weekend, the kids are out of school for the week-- breathe.

I'll start with the very fun Chinese New Year Party hosted by Grace's Mommy and Daddy.

The girl's dressed in their party dresses and party coats ready for fun. 

Don't the look lively?

Grace's Mommy Michelle went all out for the Chinese New Year Party. It was a lot of fun with crafts, games, dancing, and yummy food!

She even made some really cool foam picture frames with a tiger for each of the party girls.

Thanks Michelle!

Stickers are always a good time with this crowd. Even the dads got in on the action.

Wim and Clara Rose enjoying the yummy food. I think Wim was on taste bud overload!

Josie couldn't eat her's fast enough-- and she did eat everything on this plate.

Josie and her gal pal Angeline, enjoying some post dinner chips and more sticker fun.

The hostess with the mostess-- Grace, looking lovely in red.

A fun game of pin the tail on the Tiger.

Clara Rose having a turn-- she put hers on the nose.

Everyone gathered to look at the Yummy Cake.

Wim and I with the girls.

Clara Rose and Josie gathering all their fun party favors for the ride home.

Earlier in the week I took Clara Rose to visit Josie's school for their annual Valentine's Day Party.

Josie posing in the big play room under a duckling.

Clara Rose posing next to a worm.

Yummy treats.

Me and my Sweethearts.

Wim giving the girls their Valentines Day presents.

Josie decorating her heart box.

Sharing stickers.

Later in the morning we "made" some Valentine cookies. I kind of whimped out and used some pre-made ones this time around.  What can I say, I'm worn out.

Pre-made or not, they were enjoyed.

I hope everyone had as sweet a Valentine's Day in your home as we did in ours.

Enjoy the festivities of Chinese New Year-- more parties and pictures to come.

The Snow Storm that Really Wasn't

For those not aware, I am not a native Rhode Islander or even a native New Englander although I have now lived in these parts longer than I have consistently lived anywhere else. Regardless, it never ceases to amaze me how wound-up folks get out here about the weather!

Here are some pictures of the girls playing in the snow yesterday during the "blizzard."

Clara Rose wasn't sure what to think about us going outside in this mess at first, but she really likes her snow boots.

Playing on the slide fort.

Josie walking around the yard with her Elmo snow hat on.

We call her Bishop Elmo when she wears this hat.

Clara Rose feeding snow to Phoebe. She took off her gloves (Clara Rose-- not Phoebe) because

Josie took off her gloves.  Major Mommy eye roll.

Josie throwing some snowballs.

In a flash

I've been sick the past several days and throw in Xavier's Birthday to make things pretty hectic around our home without a whole getting done.

Happy 12th Birthday Xavier!

Everyone gathered around to give Xavier his presents and watch him open them.

Even the cat.

Clara Rose and Josie woke from thier naps later on full of energy and ready to party some more!

Clara Rose bouncing in her crib.

Josie actually invited Clara Rose into her crib so they could bounce together.

Things changed long before night fall. Here the girls are working on crafts.

I asked Josie to smile for a picture . . .

This is what I got!

Another Week in the Life of our Home . . .

Dressed to the nines and ready for some serious shopping!

Josie jamming on the harmonica (a new household favorite for the under 4 ft. crowd).

Josie and Clara Rose blowing-off a little steam with each other in a more acceptable way than actually coming to toddler blows.

Revenge is mine!

"Oooooo! She's scary!"

Nothing solves world problems or at least a sisterly dispute, like lolly pops!

Clara Rose receiving welcome home gifts from her friend Grace.

Sporting the ever fab bathroom do.

Lady Ga Ga has nothing on this little fashionista!

Josie enjoying some of Elmo's World before she heads off to "school."

And, in case you are wondering, Clara Rose is "too widdle" to go to school yet. Just ask Josie and she will tell you all about it!

Dog Days of Winter

Hi There-- Yeah, I know . . . I'm cute!  Guess who else is cute-- Go.

No, no NO! I don't mean you go--

I mean "Go!"

Any guesses on how long it took Phoebe to learn her new name?

"Go" in Mandarin (phonetically) is Dog and Clara Rose follows Phoebe around the house,

"Go, Go, Go!"

It didn't take Phoebe long at all!