The Dvina River

Showing posts with label grandparents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grandparents. Show all posts

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Kathlena's Birthday Party

We celebrated Kathlena's first birthday party with both sets of grandparents and Uncle Todd at our home. Kathlena being 4 years old seems like such a big jump from 3. I am not sure why that is, but it has seemed an even bigger leap considering Kathlena has gone from looking/talking like an infant to being this vibrant, energetic, confident little girl. She is a rough and tumble and keeps up with her big brothers, but also is very prissy and loves pretty dresses and babies. She is such a little mommy. Having a little brother or sister soon will suit her very well.


Her Uncles keep her outfitted in pink camo and J.Michael topped the day with a pink cap gun that she had to wear right away as you will see in the slide show below.


*be sure to pause the music in the sidebar to hear the video.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Our 1st Thanksgiving as a family of 6

Heading to Garland for Thanksgiving:


The boys are geared up for the 3 1/2 hr car ride with audios
and DVD's to entertain them.

Kathlena is busy at work with her 1st leap pad.

With Charlie sick he made the trip also. If you look out the
back window you will see our trailer we are pulling to house
the beef we are bringing back in our first delivery.


We made it to Paw-Paw and Grandmommie's at last. It
is worth the drive as Grandmommie is an excellent cook,
making everything from scratch. Below are some pictures of
one of Emily's favorite photography subjects...food. These
are the best mashed potatoes ever!! When we read Cranberry
Thanksgiving and it talks about Grandma cooking "everything
with crisp edges and tender centers" It makes me think of
Grandmommie's cooking.



We break tradition and have chicken...nothing against
turkeys, Shiflet's just prefer chicken. Doesn't that make
your mouth water for some chicken?

The kids table on night 2...leftovers as good as night 1

Paw-Paw and Kathlena "fixin" something. She knows the
right one to go to for "fixin" stuff.

Kathlena's first french braid...we finally have
enough hair!

She wanted 2 braids just like Mimi's.

The braids didn't last long. Can you imagine why?

Kathlena playing toss me as high as you can
with her Uncle Steve. Which is quite high as
Uncle Steve stands at 6'5". Aunt Cecilia
and cousin Hannah watch Kathlena soar
above their heads.

Andrew and his new rrrrrobot. Uncle Steve
is the master at finding the most perfect and
coolest ever little boy gifts. Thank you Uncle
Steve...it hasn't left his sight during the day
nor his arms at night.


THANKSGIVING PART 2:
Our first Thanksgiving as 6 at Dewey and
Nana's
Kathlena and "Dewey" a.k.a Dodad,
but princess Kathlena has renamed him.
Kathlena and Nana
Kathlena and Uncle Todd
The preparations in full swing as Emily and Aunt Susie help
get things ready to serve.

Aunt Susie and Sherri taking on the task of labeling all of
the cups for all 35 guests. Yes, we are a large family-four
generations represented here today.

Mom and I finishing up the giblet gravy...well Mom mainly
I am just visiting slowing down the process really, it is
almost ready though.

The boys table...enough said.

My 3rd cousins Madeline, Millie, Mary Grace, George and
Pete Smith. We have not seen them since they adopted Pete
(from South Korea) so this was an extra special day for us to
see them and meet Pete. It was the first time for them to meet
our newest little ones also.

My cousin Amber (Blake's Mommy) blowing bubbles with
the little ones.

Madeline and Andrew playing Wii bowling.
Madeline was such a sweet heart helping Andrew play!
Thank you! He had so much fun.

Kathlena watching the golfers.

Aunt Susie up at bat...oops wrong sport.

Blake and Pete playing too.
Kathlena and Pete playing in the "clubhouse" notice the
bucket of golf balls. The caddies are resting. hehe

Daddy getting in some target practice...well trying it was
quite windy.

Our budding photographer...imagine that? She had a big
time with her cousin Lucas.

Playing drop the cup from my head.
Lucas's glasses fit just right