Fairy Princess Party

We got together with the Richardsons today for a Fairy Princess Party. It was a fun excuse for a party. I think I got into it more than the girls although they had a wonderful time. (Sorry Mom, I now understand how sad you must have been that I never played princess. I know you tried to get me to wear a dress but I was too much of a tomboy. Well, I'm making up for it now.) The morning started with a princess wand craft, followed by dancing, tea, swinging, and lots of creative play.


Craft Time

Finished Wands
Dancing
Steve and the Princesses

Tea Time

Princess that lost a shoe just like CinderellaSwinging Mommy with Princess Victoria
AdorableSo, the Dads weren't too happy about these photos...but they're adorable!
I can't help but smile everytime I see this one.
Such a Princess!

Yes, they did turn into pumpkins (cranky pants) at the strike of 12 noon. They're napping now and hopefully having sweet dreams about happy princesses.

Arizona

After work on Wed the 10th we drove through the night...ALL night from 6pm to 6am to get to Phoenix for Jeff's Grandma's memorial service on Thursday. The drive went pretty well. The kids slept the majority of the time. There were a few moments with crying from everyone though. I took the first shift and drove until we were just outside of LA. Thanks to cheap gas station coffee and flamin hot cheetos I was able to stay awake and alert. It was actually kind of nice to drive. I was able to have quiet time. That's looking at the bright side I guess. Towards the end of the drive Tori informed us that she thought flying was much better. We agreed!

It was important to us that we celebrated and remembered Jeff's Grandma and that we were there to support the family. It's been a long road of illness for her and a lot responsibility for Mom and the rest of the family. We know Grandma is at peace now and in Heaven without any pain so it is a good thing although she will be missed. Of all things, a great uncle also passed away on the same day on Jeff's Dad's side of the family so there was also a memorial service for him. We saw a lot of family in a few short days. It was very good that we were there. We stayed in Phoenix at Shelley's (Jeff's sisters house) for the first part of our trip. Thanks Shelley. She has an amazing saltwater aquarium and it was fun to watch the undersea adventure. It was a great entertainer for Siah. We'd sit him in his highchair and he'd be content to watch the wildlife for a long time. We stayed inside most of the time in order to endured the heat. It wasn't that bad considering how hot it could've been but we were anxious to get up to Prescott where Jeff's parents now live. It's cooler and really pretty. Here are some pictures of our trip-

Cuddles with Grandpa and Lucy

Auntie Shelley

Huge Saltwater Aquarium

The Whole Family in PrescottThis is the cool lake that we can see from their house. It's really unique.He looks so old to me in this pictureThese wild sunflowers were everywhere near their home.We went to this lake for a picnic. It rained a little off and on but we had a nice time.
Family Photo Tori found the water fountain and decided to wash the bunnies. Josiah thought it was a great idea and joined in too. They LOVE water.

So after all the adventures we headed home at 2pm on Saturday the 20th and arrive at 3am Sunday. It's taken a couple days but we're finally back to normal. We miss our family already and we're looking forward to flying back after Christmas.

Fairy Princess, Happy-Messy Kids, Potty Training Trains

Fairy Princess Tori
Having fun dressing up and playing in her fairy house.

crooked wings
Pixie Face

Josiah learning to eat

Do I have something on my face?

Mud Fight

Best friends Tori and Makenna making up after sandy mud fight.

OUCH!

Josiah was leaning on the screen door when Tori opened it up and he spilled out onto the ground. Both were crying and wanting to be held. Tori felt so bad that she'd hurt her baby and of course baby Siah's face hurt.

Potty Training Trains

I would say that Tori is officially trained and very proud of herself. We are constantly called into the bathroom to see what a good job she's done and she hardly has accidents anymore. Finally, thank you Thomas Trains! As you can see, she's earned a lot of them already. Unfortunately she doesn't want to share with her little brother.

Classic pout and oblivious baby Siah