life through a new lens

Kelly is really good at surprising me with things. All kinds of things... ideas, stuff he has found, things he wants to do and things he has bought. Yesterday he got me a new lens for my camera. Exciting! We only had a short time for me to practice with it after school before it got too dark. The kids were less than thrilled that I was cutting into their afternoon snack time. It was also pretty windy and they are pretty much over me taking their picture all the time!

So I really like the new lens and I am excited to learn how to use it better!

Allie Ruth celebrates four: part two

Allie Ruth was not letting this birthday pass without a party. She kept asking "When are all my people coming over for my party?" When she went to the dentist a couple of weeks ago, they asked her what kind of party she was going to have and she replied "A big one!"

We invited family over on Sunday afternoon. Allie Ruth kept saying she was so excited all day. She also asked a bunch of times when everyone was going to be there for her party.

We ate, the kids played, and we just hung out!

And opened presents, of course!

She did not like us singing happy birthday to her!

Its official... 

Allie Ruth is F-O-U-R!

She said it was the best birthday party!

Allie Ruth celebrates four: Part one!

Allie Ruth's birthday fell on a day of bad weather. They were calling for an ice storm and were letting schools out at a half day. I was so thankful for that extra time to spend with her on her birthday! Kelly kept both the kids at home with him until I got back.

Allie Ruth LOVES opening presents! I decorated the living room after she went to sleep the night before with balloons and a banner. 

We let her open one gift, a birthday crown to decorate. 

While I was at school, Kelly took the kids to the grocery store. They were going to pick out a cake to bake that day but came home with this one. Kelly said she had to have this one because of the wand and crown! It was $22!! She is very into princess, pink, purple and glitter!

The weather never got as bad as they said it was going to. We spent the afternoon playing around the house and taking a nap. 

She was dying to open her gifts!

All she asked for was clip on earrings! Her Daddy was not a fan! 

She also got some vintage doll clothes and I made her a camera!

I caught her looking at herself in the mirror! She moved the chair over so she could see how beautiful and glamours she looked!

After bath and changing PJs, it was time for singing and cake!

Happy Birthday, sweet girl! We love you so much!

FOUR

Happy New Year

We had a very quiet New Years Eve night. That day we went to eat lunch at Memphis BBQ. It was so good. We did some shopping and also got some fireworks. Landon and Kelly put on a firework show and Allie Ruth and I watched from inside. It was a nice, relaxing evening and a perfect way to start the new year!

Got to get out of the house

After several days stuck inside with sickness, we were ready to get out of the house a little.

We were going to go skating but at the last minute went bowling. Bowling was a little less movement and the whole family could play. We had a great time.

After bowling, we ate lunch at Huey's. We made it back home just in time for nap!

Kelly and I made it out of the house for a date! We ate japanese and went to a movie!

And when we just couldn't take it anymore...

We went for a walk.