Keeping up with the Joneses

Clarissa turned 6 recently. She had a great birthday. It seemed to stretch for about a week with several family and friend gatherings.  She played a big role in planning her friend party. She was so excited for it. She picked a family activity for the night of her birthday, as well as where we'd be going for dinner. Christina and I joked that she was milking it for all she could. That's ok I guess, she'll only turn 6 once.

Another masterful cake from Christina.

Out front, waiting for friends to start arriving,

Posing or dancing or something.

Lunch at her "fancy" party. All the girls came dressed up.

Decorating headbands.

They also painted their nails.

Cake time.

Fancy party goers.

She wanted to go to the trampoline place the night of her birthday. This is the ONE photo that didn't turn out blurry.

Carson and Lijah in the background. The kids had a blast.

Back home for presents. She seemed very excited about the Hello Kitty gumball machine. Though later she said "I thought is was going to be something funner."

"Is any of this stuff for me?"

Birthday cupcakes and a cute little girl.

In new birthday jammies with a couple of her presents, including the horse she got for her doll. She told me it was ok because she wasn't putting her weight on it.

The year is already moving by quickly. I guess life tends to do that when you're busy. The kids are happy and doing well. We're all ready for some warmer weather and days outside. We've had glimpses of spring the last few days and the kids enjoyed being out. 

Here are some photos of some of the things we've been up to lately:

Alexis was blessed in church in January. Here she is that morning all in white.

Before heading out for church. Lijah and Clarissa trying to get the crazies out.

We had a great weekend with some friends up in Midway last month. We went sledding one afternoon. Carson had a blast.

Clarissa heading up the hill.

Is that a happy kid or what?

Crazy hair day at school.

The boys both got to do the Pinewood Derby this year. (two cars for dad, double the stress) Lijah took 3rd place and Carson took 4th. They had fun.



This little cutie is growing and changing and showing tons of smiles.



And is still fully capable of doing this.

Christina took the kids ice skating. It was a nice warm up for all the Olympics we've been watching.

Looks pretty graceful here, but she took plenty of spills.

Cold and ready to go eat and warm up.

Alexis and her cousin Hazel. This is one of many photos that will be taken of these two. Born one day apart, in the same hospital, stayed in rooms next door to each other. They will always share a special bond.