The Untitled Post

Really there isn't much to be said in this post.
The photos tell the story themselves.
One naked little man getting his hair cut = free laughs!



As a friend well put it "Boys and their Toys!"

Ear Piercing

After all the doings throughout the week, Gabrielle was pretty well worn out. She took a nice nap on Saturday afternoon with little prompting. After waking she quickly informed us she wanted to go to the mall to get her ears pierced. We had talked about getting them pierced when she turned four (I was four when I had mine pierced) but her Daddy educated her that it would hurt - darn him! so we waited it out another year. She was determined to get it done this year even with the knowledge that it would not be plesent at first. A big thanks to my cousin for descriptively telling her so just days before the piercing as well :0)

Ms. Shay got Gabrielle all prepped for piercing after Gabs painstakingly choose which earrings she wanted. Purple dots make for perfect placement of the "holes."

I threw this one in because I think you can read the anticipation in Gabrielle's eyes. She watched Shay's every move and carried on quite the conversation.

Shay and Molly approaching with the piercing guns.

Do you sense the hesitation in the way her finger is questioning what it was?

This is where I was sure it would all go south. Uh???!!!!

I know G was thinking "I'm not so sure about this anymore. Guns to my ears."

We had a discussion earlier in the week about triggers and examples of triggers. It was the perfect opportunity to revisit a triggers function. I explained that the piercing gun was going to act as a trigger and when Shay and Molly simutaniously pulled the trigger the earrings would be placed through the purple dots and into her earlobes.

So my cousin didn't lie! It did hurt, but the short lived pain was worth it in the end. Gabi was/is so proud of her pierced ears. She continues to be eager about showing everyone she knows.

Gabrielle and Dawson walking the halls of Macy's hand in hand.
Love it!

!! 5 !!

Warning - photo overload!!
Our 1st born, our strong willed, free spirited, artistic girl celebrated her fifth birthday on new year's day. The week was filled with activities and celebrations. She invited a handful of her friends to open gym at Debbie Howard's the Wednesday before her bday. The kids had a fun time playing and challenging one another to the gym activities. Following open gym we gathered at a near by McDonald's for happy meals, cupcakes, ice cream and gift opening.

Tatum, Gabrielle, Kendyl, Kamryn & Delia

Across from the girls are the brothers (Brenn, Dawson & Xander) + Bella!

This gift definitely won the award for top favorite.

We weren't home five minutes before she retreated to her bedroom to tear into the box. She presented downstairs in full Sleeping Beauty garb. I love when she plays princess with her brother or friends. She lets her imagine run wild! The things she says tend to make me smile and often times laugh out loud.

This was a very special birthday because Gabrielle was able to celebrate and share cupcakes a 2nd time with her cousins from Alabama. My brother Derek and his family were traveling back south from Iowa and stayed a couple nights allowing for a small family party. She received an I spy Leapster game (she is wicked talented and a little obsessed with I Spy), an I Spy bingo game, Hello Kitty bath gel & an adorable cheerleader outfit from Mema and Papa and some art items and stickers from her cousins. She couldn't have been more pleased.

Mema let her choose a cake from Target. She really wanted the princess cake, but we think $40 is a little exuberant for a birthday cake, plus you had to preorder and we weren't that organized :0) Her second choice was an adorable puppy cupcake arrangement.

Digging into the deliciousness!

On her actual birthday we spent the morning at Monkey Bizness. I can say with honesty that it was such a fun outing. Travis and I got our work out keeping up with the kids. I like this fun photo Travis captured.

Gabi opened gifts from us after arriving home. Everything she received was princess themed ... a color yourself princess pillow case, The Princess & The Swan DVD, a princess spin toothbrush and toothpaste, Sleeping Beauty Barbie and horse, a Barbie princess dance mat (super cute and highly recommended for all princess lovers). Cousins Tyler and Paige got her the Pretty as a Princess board game. And the biggest hit of all ....

A princess snuggie! Those darn things are so ugly they are cute.

Can you see the excitement in her face? What a goof!
If you made it this far please leave a comment of a fond memory or favorite moment with Gabrielle from the past year. I would love to add it to her scrapbook.

1st Sleepover

I swore this day wouldn't come for years down the road, but I was caught in a weak moment. The kids and I had a playdate with one of Gabrielle's school classmates this past Monday in Lenexa. It was perfect for several reasons: It got us out of the house on a cold, blistery day, I didn't have to do any pick up after the playdate (all you moms know what I mean on that one), the kids are comparable in age - the girls just a few months apart and the boys are within a years age of one another, and the other mom and I formed a fast friendship that is fun and came with little effort. As I saw how beautifully the girls were playing together I began to wonder if Gabrielle was ready for an overnight with a friend. On one hand I knew/know I am not ready to have her sleep over at someone else's house, but on the other hand I was open to the idea of giving it a shot at our home. I can honestly say the "event" was a breeze and quite a fun time for all!

The trio watching a Barbie video before turning in for the night.

Delia and Gabrielle fast asleep.

Santa's Wonderland '09

We took a little trip to the North Pole {Bass Pro's Santa Wonderland} again this year. They have a great display and fun activities and crafts on the weekends for the kids.

Gabrielle striking a pose. This girl, I tell ya!
I do think this picture is very representative of her personality at this age.

A new "attraction" this year was the slot car racing. It was a hit with both Gabrielle and Dawson. They had the speed set at 30% and those suckers were going at a pretty good clip. I can only imagine how fast they must fly at 100%.

Dawson was anxious to get in on the shooting action. He was so darn cute aiming that gun. I vowed I would never have a gun (play or real) around when we had Dawson. I can see that having weapons of any kind is the inevitable with a boy in the house.

One thing that came as a real surprise to me was that Dawson wanted nothing to do with the big man in red. He is our fearless one so I was thrown back when he put the brakes on and started to cry as I was urging him to approach Santa. I was so thankful that my friend Holly happened to be just a few feet behind us in line. She snapped this photo for us. Notice - no smiles on Mr. D's face.
Maybe next year!!