Bee Joyful

This was the week of Atley's 5th birthday! I say week because her birthday was on Wednesday and we celebrated with a family party. Then today, Saturday, we celebrated with friends. Atley's two little friends came over yesterday to spend the night for the "sleepover!" Then we woke and prepared! We started with Duck, Duck, goose, and finished with Hullabaloo. In between we decorated cupcakes and had a tea party! It was really fun! I cant get over that Atley is now 5 years old! It seems with Atley being our youngest, the time is marked more dramatically. We are enjoying each and every day! Treasuring each moment and trying to take the time to enjoy everything and everyone in each day. I am reading the book, 1000 gifts by Anne Voskamp and it has really helped me to slow down and look around, and live fully engaged , in each moment that I have on this earth. Rick and I also celebrated the anniversary of our first date! January 13, 1989. Twenty three years ago we went out...

The month of December was BEEZY! We still had our normal activities and responsibilities yet added many social events! Between parties and cookie baking and decorating and all our holiday events, we also had full school days, tests and all! My favorite evening, Christmas Eve, arrived and we shared the night with Omi and Popop enjoying spina coppita, shrimp, ham with all the fixins, Russian Salad (my favorite!) and creme bruelle'. After that we started a new tradition! Singing Christmas carols in German and English together was most memorable! I think we did really well without even rehearsing! We then proceeded to open the Christmas gifts under the tree and was that FUN! Atley was especially excited to get the DOG she had wanted. No, not a real dog! Christmas Day was relaxing here. We were all very thankful for the thoughtful gifts we received. Alex and Addison have spent hours with their remote control helicopters and new computer...

Thanksgiving 2011 kicked off our Christmas season. Uncle Karl, AKA, "UK" came down to visit and we has a wonderful time. We picked him up at the airport and went out to Thai food. Then the next several day were full of fun and relaxation! Thursday was Thanksgiving day and we started it off by watching UK, Rick and Alex play a game of football. Then over the river and through the woods to Omi and Popop's to feast and enjoy fellowship with each other.