Kendall is 5!

Kendall is now 5…how can that be? She is growing so fast! Her loves are princesses, books, playing house, riding her scooter, playing outside, and recently she has developed a love for the avengers…specifically Incredible Hulk. She is pretty tall for her age and the doctor has said she will probably be 5'11"…WHAT?!?!? Um, that's taller than Andy…sorry babe. Kendall has such a sweet heart and is quite the snuggled. She loves to hug, kiss (she insists on kissing on the lips) and just be touching soft things (ex: rubbing your arm, shirt, blanket, neck, cheek, etc.). She is a very touchy-feely child;) She also is quite dramatic, looooves to sing, is sensitive and needs to have her alone time to regroup herself. I love this girl that God gave us and I pray she develops into a true servant of God! 

She has been doing a little bit of school at home and has been catching on fast. We did make the decision to enroll her into Fort Hill's preschool program, for the remainder of the year, so she could have some time away from her sisters. Her first day was on her actual birthday:) She thought it was a pretty cool present. 

Our traditional birthday breakfast! DONUTS!

Our sweet and sassy middle child

Her expressions while opening presents…theatrical;)

This year Kendall changed up her birthday plan. Ever since frozen came out, she has been saying she wants a Frozen party. One day at the grocery store we saw some super hero cupcakes and she suddenly decided she wanted an Avengers party. It wasn't too much of a surprise, since she's been reading about the Avengers and talking about them a lot. I'll be honest though, I didn't buy ANYTHING for the party until a few days before it. I was concerned she'd change her mind! She didn't…

The birthday girl with her Avengers shirt (she wanted an Incredible Hulk shirt, but we couldn't find any).

Friends making their Captain America shields

everyone protecting themselves from the bad guys…or me...

Ready to blow out her birthday candle

oh Kendall, the faces you make...

 Happy Birthday sweet girl!! We are blessed to have you as part of our family! May this year be filled with joy, love and God!

Friends

The girls and I traveled back up to VA two weeks after Christmas. Andy was going to be done for about a week so we thought it was a perfect time to leave too:) A good friend of mine (who has girls the same age as K and A) planned a play date for us at central location. I always love getting together with the Weigard family! They are so fun and we all get along great. It was too short of an afternoon for all the catching up we needed to do!

Yeah, did I mention how crazy they are when they are together?!!! Love them all:)

Alley and Elliot, picking up where they left off in the friendship from last visit!

The grandmas and their grandkids. Mom and Pat (and our family growing up) have been close friends since I was in elementary school. We love getting to see them, which isn't nearly enough! The great thing about this friendship is that no matter how much time lapses between visits, we pick up like we haven't been apart. I cherish these families:)

Until next visit!

Christmas

Andy had 3 days off for Christmas this year so we booked it up to Richmond for a quick trip. I've always loved begin around family at Christmas time. I know there will be a time that we won't be able to travel to see family, so I am soaking it up right now! We had a full and busy 3 days around Christmas. We did lots of decorating, playing, baking, and entertaining. We were the only "kids" able to come to my parents this year, so it was definitely quieter, but it was still enjoyable:)

 The girls decorating a tree in one of the guest rooms

Christmas Eve…she was a piece of work during the service. Here she is laying on the floor and coloring. At least she was quiet for a few seconds;)

 Our traditional Christmas Eve family photo op.

Mom and dad had several guest for Christmas eve dinner this year. The Davidson's, our favorite french teacher and family friends, were there. Madam Davidson even taught us a Christmas song in French!

 Christmas jammies!

Mimi and Papa and their favorite McPherson grandchildren:)

Christmas morning was so fun. I love getting to see this day through our girls eyes. They love getting presents (what child doesn't?!), but they also cherish each item they get and get so excited watching others open the gifts they give. They have sweet hearts:)

Their Santa gift this year…Olivia's house (legos)

 This next progression of expressions are from opening their stocking…they are the cutest!

They totally forgot/ignored all the presents under the tree and spent a long time just playing with the mini lego sets they got in their stockings! Of course, Papa and daddy were all too happy to help;)

 little miss trying on Mimi's glasses

Cousin Dan came by for a quick visit before we went of to church

relaxing after church and opening more presents…its always more fun sitting with daddy:)

Mimi and Papas gift! Fishing gear and a promise of getting to go fishing with papa!! The girls are SOOOO excited!

poor cagney!

 Granny came! Sweet Kendall going out to meet Granny.

Alley showing Granny her knitting. Granny is the one who taught me how to knit, so I thought it was special that she got to see a product of her guidance:)

Getting ready for Christmas

The girls got a gingerbread house kit for Christmas from Granny. The girls get so excited about this gift. They just love decorating with candy and then getting to see it everyday:) It's a fun little project that seems to help them feel like they are decorating for Christmas. 

The starting point

this is serious business

oh MC, how many pieces of candy did you eat??!

 The finished product…I think everyone is proud

The girls and Andy were so sweet. They treated me to dinner at Red Robin in honor of my Birthday. I always love when we can spend time together as a family. Lucky for us, Andy had a day off close to my actual birthday, so we did some last minute Christmas shopping and did a little celebrating:)

my little pistol:)

We certainly had to keep up with the tradition of going out for donut the morning of your actual birthday. I just lucked out with getting to go to Krispy Kreme! Happy Birthday to myself!! :)

My girls, who are the best presents I ever received!

Now I think we are ready for Christmas!