Avery's Soccer Season 2014

This past soccer season was fun!  The boys didn't win a single game, but Avery was on a super team, with a great group of boys, including wonderful coaches, which makes all the difference in the world.  It was fun watching Avery, because he plays his heart out every game.  He is aggressive, sometimes too aggressive, pulling jerseys and pushing boys, not intentionally, of course, just passionately.  He enjoyed playing forward and the thrill of scoring goals.  His skills improved with every game, enough that soccer is a close second behind his favorite sport, football.      

Coach Frank allowed little sisters to pass out trophies!  We all loved it.

Breakfast with Santa is Back!

Because Santa is a busy man and his schedule fills up fast, he was able to squeeze in Audrey's birthday party the day after Thanksgiving.  It was fun bringing back Breakfast with Santa!  Having Santa visit our home and getting to see him up close and personal makes the whole experience an intimate and magical affair.  Additionally, Mimi and Papa were in town for Thanksgiving and were able to be part of Audrey's special day, which was a major highlight for all three kiddos.  One of the perks of having Santa visit right after Thanksgiving is pinning down a Santa gift for the indecisive members of our clan.

Audrey wants a cheetah in a cheetah purse.

Amelia wants a new bike with white and turquoise coloring.

Avery wants an Imperial Star Destroyer Lego set (which I am informed is different than the Super Star Destroyer)

This year as a party activity the kids prepared snowman hats, which I loved because all of their little personalities showed up in their hat designs.  Additionally, with the help of Mimi, Audrey and Amelia were able to help decorate the birthday cake, again adding their own creative-personal touches.  However, the best part of any party is the company you keep and the kids were blessed to share Audrey's day with out-of town family and special friends!

Happy Birthday Audrey!!!

Happy 5th Birthday Sweet Audrey

Today is my baby's 5th birthday and she seems less like a baby and more like a little girl.  I so want to hold on to the baby and she so wants to be a little girl.  Audrey is such a spunky, independent little girl who pulls on my heart strings daily.  Her little personality has made a worm hole of delight in my heart and I am so very grateful for her presence!  We love you Audrey Estelle!

Things I want to remember about my favorite 5 year old.

1.  You still call me "mama" and I smile every time I hear those words.

2.  Your favorite stuffed animal is "Lady" from "Lady and the Tramp." You sleep with her every night, play with her everyday, and hold private conversations with her when nobody is looking.

3.  We still call you our "picky eater."  Most nights I still shovel food into your mouth, because although family dinner is not your favorite meal, you know dessert is earned and always tops your list.

4.  During car rides you turn into a chatter box, asking, telling, showing, and describing anything that pops into your mind.

5.  Your favorite books are Mercy Watson books.  You think Mercy is a hoot and gregariouly laugh out loud, which is always funnier than the book.

6.  During swim lessons you are always so proud of getting the tip of your nose wet, which you perceive to be your whole face.  If you do by chance get your whole face wet, you look at me and flash two thumbs up once resurfacing.

7.  Dance class is a favorite.  You twirl, leap, shuffle, and shake your booty at random times during the day.   To add theatrical interest you dress up in varying princess/fairy dresses while performing, which always inspires a latest and greatest dance move.

8.  You are more flexible than the average 5 year old and are eager to impress family members and guests with your leg extensions.

9.  Given a choice between a bath or shower, you would choose bath every time.  In fact, you still cry when dad gives you a shower because in your book getting your eyes wet is about as bad as eating steamed aspargus.

10.  Avery and Amelia are your best buddies!  I love the relationship and lifelong bond you three are forging.  

Avery, Amelia, and Audrey all worked hard to create a caterpillar, cupcake-birthday cake.

    

Thanksgiving 2014

This year we are thankful for…

Audrey - for my whole family and cousins

Amelia - for having special guests come and visit

Avery - for family and really good food

Mommy & Daddy - a Lord who loves us, the love of a spouse, three little angels, loving-extended family, and special friends

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2014!!!

The winning team of the Dieckman Thanksgiving Football Playoff!

Beauty Parlor Fun!

The kids have been having sooo much fun playing beauty parlor that anytime a special guest arrives they receive "the works!"