Estherbean- 7 years old!!! (An art party)

Esther loved her crown cake made by Granny and Auntie Gloria

So pretty!

Check out this beautiful box from Emani!

I covered the table with paper so the girls could draw and write all over it.

Fiona and Sydney

Kate, Fiona and Sydney

Take a close look at Sydney's hair here.  See the pink and blue streaks?  We chalked everyone's hair at the party. SO FUN!  Why didn't I get more photos of that????

CC, Ms. Hanlin (art teacher extraordinnaire!) and Olive

Eleanor, Emani and CC with the rainbow flower centerpiece I was very very proud of.

Thanks to all the family and friends who made Esther's birthday so much fun!

CC turns 4!

A graceful 4 year old who wore her favorite slip all day long.

Opening tappy shoes!

presents

The most amazing princess rainbow and star birthday cake in history, made by one Gloria Brown.

Cake pop people with crowns.

Baikal

Yummy Garvin

Lucas is mellow

Madeline

Godmother Pat stuck around to play with beads after the party.  So much fun!!!!

And finally, the cake and candle moment. :)

The water cycle

CC and the cast

Before CC had her cast removed last week, Gloria did this photo shoot of her.  I am glad to have such beautiful documentation of the three short weeks it took for her bone to heal.  Thanks Gloria! 

Everybody else- enjoy!

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love posted on the blog- 3 kids rehearsing!

A Christmas eve rehearsal for the big moment.

On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love posted on her blog- 200 children singing

We enjoyed the TMSA Concerts for Compassion last week.  Esther's grade (1st) performed 'Seven feet of snow',  'All I want for Christmas' and 'Rockin' around the Christmas tree'.  Robert's grade (3rd) performed 'Over the River and through the woods/Jingle Bells'.  Now you too can enjoy their awesome singing in the comfort of your own home.  Thanks to all of the TMSA specials teachers and students for a great holiday concert. :)

The girls have their say

Last night at bedtime Esther spoke to me in earnest,
"Let me be clear mom, when you speak German your voice sounds very weird."

Since Advent began we have been gathering in the living room before bed to tell each other stories in lieu of reading books in the kids' beds.  Robert and Esther can come up with some very amusing plot twists and fabulous details.  CC usually opts out.  But two nights ago she chimed in,
"Once upon a time there was a princess.  She was in her castle.  But she didn't have her nightgown.  She looked in the mirror and she didn't have any clothes on.  Then a prince came to the castle.  He looked in the mirror and he didn't have any clothes on either.  The End"