More Celebrating for Riley...

Our friends, the Doucet's, could not make Riley's party due to the snow. They got a lot more than us. So, we celebrated the next week. They came over for a playdate and Riley got to open her presents from them. The kids had a great time and the moms did too. :)

Riley, Reece, Rachel, Caleb, Hannah and Regan

Regan's Piano Recital...

Regan had a piano recital on December 19th. We also had a little snow that day. We did not get to play in the snow because Riley had her birthday party that morning and then we went to the piano recital in the afternoon. So, the girls ran around in the yard for a few minutes after the recital. Regan's piano teacher helping Regan with her music

Regan and Mrs. Elena.

Regan loves Cardinals and this Cardinal likes to hang out on this feeder. So, Tony thought this would make a good photo with the snow.

Riley taped this first video so the beginning was cut off and several times the camera moves. :)

Regan and her teacher, Mrs. Elena, doing a duet.

Nativity Play...

Riley's class put on a Nativity play on December 18th. Riley was one of the Shepherds.

Riley Turns 6....

Riley turned 6 on December 17th. She is growing up into a fine young lady. Riley is full of energy, curiosity, compassion, and sensitivity. She loves gymnastics, school, spending time with her sisters and friends, cooking, playing webkinz, playing Wii, acting like a dog, doing crafts and singing. She is such a loving girl and by far my best cuddle bug. Riley we are so thankful for you and love you very much. We praise God each day for your life and your love for Him. Riley starting her birthday off right - breakfast cupcakes with her sisters

Blowing out the candles...

Then, off to school, where she celebrates again. I had the pleasure of coming to Riley's class and celebrating with them. Riley's teacher, Mrs. Pothoven, prayed over Riley. It was such a sweet prayer and brought tears to my eyes. Riley is blessed to be at such a special school with such loving teachers.

Blowing out her candles at school...

Riley got Wii Mario Cart for her birthday. She was very excited. As you can see in the next photo. Riley is doing a little "happy dance" while Daddy opens Mario Cart.

We took Riley out for dinner on her birthday. She invited her bestfriend/"brother", Drew, to come with us since she was having an all girl party this year and he was not coming to that. Drew's birthday is the day before Riley's so they always like to celebrate together. We went to Red Robin to eat and then Drew came over for presents and playing Mario Cart. It was a fun evening.

Drew letting the mascot, Red, know that it is Riley's birthday. Riley was not too fond of the bird.

Riley opening her present from Beth and Amy (Drew's sisters). They sure know what Riley likes.

Drew is also very good at knowing what Riley likes. He got her pink Legos! Riley was thrilled!

Riley and Drew playing Wii Mario Cart together.

Riley's 6th Birthday Party...

On Saturday, Dec. 19th we had Riley's 6th Birthday Party. Riley loves to help in the kitchen so this year she wanted a cooking party. So, she invited all the girls from her Kindergarten class and a few of her closest girlfriends from church. It actually snowed a little on the day of her party but the roads were perfectly clear. So, we turned our house into a winter bakery and had loads of fun.

The girls decorating their own Chef Aprons.

Riley, Julianne, and Regan busy at work on their aprons. We also made gingerbread ornaments.

Riley with one of her best friends, Julianne.

All the Chefs... (Leah, Finley, Ingrid, Julianne, Riley, Sydney, Regan and Elizabeth) We missed our friends Emma L. and the Doucet's who could not make it to the party.

The girls made their own pizzas. They were yummy! I love how the girls are raising their hands for more toppings.

The girls got to decorate their own cupcakes and sugar cookies with icing and candy.

Blowing out the candles...

Time to open presents.

A fun day was had by all.

Riley's 1st Time Ice Skating...

Uncle Joe and Aunt Abby started a tradition with our girls for their birthdays. Once they turn 5, they get to go on a date with Uncle Joe and Aunt Abby and the girls get to choose where they want to go. The girls look forward to this every year. So, for Riley's 6 yr. birthday date she chose to go to Wendy's for lunch and Ice Skating. Yes, you read me right Riley chose Wendy's for lunch. I have to admit Wendy's is Riley's favorite fast food restaurant because of their burgers. She had a wonderful time and Aunt Abby and Uncle Joe did not realize beforehand that this would be Riley's 1st time Ice Skating. :) So, thank you Joe and Abby!!!!

Family Portraits...

On Monday, Dec. 7 we got our family portraits done. We have not had portraits done since Reece was 2 yrs. old. So, we decided it was time to go. Here are some of the shots. We did not get all of these.

This is one of our favorites.