...doesn't fall far from the tree. The apple being Abby and the tree me, I guess! Sorry for another post about Abby, but this one is funny. Yesterday, the kids were outside playing, and Abby called me over to the porch screen. "Mommy," she said. "I thought of a food craft!" Then she proceeded to explain how you would do it, step-by-step. I thought she had seen it in a book or magazine ... but it turns out my little gal had thought of this "food craft" (what we call fun recipes, a.k.a. playing with your food!) while she was in bed the night before. I told her we had all the ingredients needed and if she would like, she could show us how to make the recipe after dinner. Well, she did! Ladies and gentlemen: meet "Abby's Apple-Marshmallow People." 
We got online to check out the series' website yesterday afternoon, and learned Abby can take quizzes on the Magic Treehouse books she reads. Furthermore, she can earn "stamps" for her "passport" as she completes books. 
Those first three pictures were beauty shots taken by Dennis. You can do some cool things with the camera ... IF you know what you're doing. I don't (a possible New Year's Resolution?) but would love to learn. Anyway, these next two shots just capture the fun Dennis and Ty were having. 
The track, that wrapped around the Christmas tree all season, was added to and stretched through both playroom doors. The boys had great fun watching The Polar Express go round and round. Too bad the Christmas decorations are coming down tomorrow. Guess she'll hit the rails again for Christmas 2009.
Even Auntie Jenn's friend, Brian, was a good sport! He donned his crown for the whole night and put up with our wild and crazy New Year's Eve party. Now, mind you, "wild and crazy" means children yelling and fighting over toys, babies crying, etc ... it was a different kind of party here!
And we made everyone work for their food too. Drinks were "grab your own" from the cooler (although Marc mixed up some yummy Chocolate Martinis), after dinner we had "Make-Your-Own Sundaes," and dinner was: a Salad Bar (notice the signs made by Abby)
And "Make-Your-Own" Personal Pizza ...
Since there was NO way our kids would have made it anywhere near midnight, we changed New Years to 8:00 p.m! I read somewhere that it's fun for kids to jump on bubble wrap (loud noises) to ring in the New Year, and while that was kind of a bust (I should have purchased the larger bubbles) the kids had no problem making noise with these balloon blowers! 
Tyler did NOT care for the loudness (Dennis had to help him blow up the balloon WHILE Tyler held his own ears. And, poor Sarah Kate looked downright shocked!) ... but the girls had a blast jumping around and blowing their horns. 
We had to steal them away eventually ... yes, even from Jenn and Brian (who were egging the kids on!)
After the big countdown, our families exchanged holiday gifts. Tyler just loves his Thomas goodies ... but it's equally fun to spend time with Marc (Tyler's godfather). 
And Abby received Lite Brite from Emily! I don't know who was more excited, Abby or ME?! 
I was a huge Lite Brite fan back in the day. And, even though Abby pleaded with us to give it a whirl last night, we opened the box this morning. Guess what? It's still fun! Thank you Smiths!
He did the research and ended up with this "little" thing ... which he unveiled on Christmas morning. The next day, we purchased a home for Dennis' new toy: a large entertainment center, which makes me happy because it fills the huge wall in our living room, and it somewhat helps the TV blend into our decor (i.e. my new floors - a.k.a. my Christmas gift to me and the family). Anyway, I have to admit ... HD is the way to go. We've really enjoyed watching the bowl games and today's Tournament of Roses parade! 
Dennis painted our front and back porches early in the week/late this past weekend ... what a nice way to start the new year!
