Bailey's 9th Birthday

My niece, Bailey, turned 9 this year. And each year for her birthday and Christmas we get together with my sister's family and my dad & stepmom to celebrate. Bailey really enjoys the Twilight Saga movies so her birthday cake was Edward. She was excited to open gifts to the American Girl Store and Justice. I can't believe how fast she is growing up. It was a great day to celebrate.


Bailey blowing out her candles.


Bailey opening presents.


Ryland watching the show.

Cooper's 1st Flute Performance

Cooper was excited to be invited to a Holiday Talent Showcase of students from her school at a local nursing home. She practiced for days and was super ambitious about playing numerous songs. She wore the "pillowcase" dress that she and Oma sewed together as one of her birthday gifts. All the students performed well and I'm sure the residents enjoyed the show.


Cooper in her "pillowcase" dress.


Cooper performing her flute.


Cooper finished with her first song.

Baking Goodies

A great part of the holidays is all the goodies you can bake and eat! My family loves anything with chocolate so with an open Saturday and a forecast for freezing temps, the girls and I put on our matching Christmas pjs and went to work in the kitchen. We had high expectations and fulfilled all of them. We made Scotcheroos, Fudge, Puppy Chow, Yummy Popcorn, Peanut Clusters, Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods & Pretzels, and Sugar Cookies. We literally spent ALL day in the kitchen. Minus lunch, a nap, and dinner of course. Both girls love to bake and cook. I think it's all about wearing an apron. They were both wonderful assistants and Chad even made an appearance to help out the cause as well. Now the question is, what to do with all these treats?? Happy Holidays!


Cooper and I making Puppy Chow - her favorite!!


Campbell and Cooper looking so cute!


Cooper and Campbell showing off our matching pj's. Alexander our Elf brought them for all 4 of us last year. Daddy didn't want to participate in the matching outfit day.


Chad helping shake the puppy chow.


The girls making peanut clusters.


The Lohman girls making chocolate covered pretzels.


Campbell decorating her sugar cookies.

Seafood Extravaganza Revised

What are the holidays without a little (or a LOT) of seafood? The Napa Crew gathered together at the Smith's house for a Seafood Extravaganza Birthday dinner. Complete with shrimp, crab legs, lobster, and scallops. Alongside was couscous, salad, cheddar bay biscuits, and chocolate cake for dessert. The starters were enough to fill up on, with cheese, dips, crackers, olives, and more. So much food, so many good friends, and so much fun! All the kids (11 of them) had their own party downstairs with Christmas movies, popcorn, and cookies. It was a delicious celebration dinner and even better that all the men were in the kitchen cooking, while us women relaxed in the living room and chatted it up. Great times!


The starters!


Crab legs!


Lobster!


Chocolate cake!

Orange Leaf

It's official our new family dessert stop is Orange Leaf! A self serve frozen yogurt chain where you can add all the toppings you want. The price is determined by weight. I can't imagine all the creations one could make.

Guys Shopping Trip

With list(s) in hand and picture(s) attached Chad and his buddies ventured off to Kansas City for a weekend of shopping, eating, drinking, and just being guys. I hope he found everything on my list!! I was a very good girl this year. ;o)

Girls Night In

What could be better than relaxing in a warm, quiet house eating tasty snacks and drinking yummy sangria with five fabulous friends? It was a perfect Girls Night In. Plenty of wine, sangria, and hot buttered rum. Plates of cheese, crackers, meats, breads, and dessert. We talked for hours and laughed until our sides hurt. Thanks girls for a fun night in.


I made Red Velvet Oreos for dessert. (Thanks Jura for the recipe.)