Urban Air Take Over

Ryland's class won the top earner for the Dragon Dash.  For their reward, they all were rewarded with a class party at Urban Air

Reed also enjoyed the fun with his friend, Molly.  Ridley was too fast and crazy for me to catch.  

Glass Elevator

The best thing about going to Dallas with Mommy was finding the joy in the small things.  Today, it was the glass elevator.  It was super cool to look over a part of Dallas from the top floor.  We rode the elevator up and down about 6 times.  We got a few funny looks from others, but the smile on her face when we got to the top was perfect.  

Shimmer or Shine

Ridley received this Shimmer and Shine costume for her birthday from one of her pre-school friends, and it is a huge hit.  She loves to dress up and sing.  She is full of personality.

Party Time

Reed, Ridley, and I celebrated our sweet neighbor's third birthday today.  It was a pretty day outside that was a little warmer than normal.  Ridley enjoyed the industrial bubble blower, which I immediately ordered. 

Reed was the oldest boy at the party, so the little guys thought he was so cool.  He threw the ball too hard and ran too fast.  It wasn't long before he had to sit out.  

My littles enjoying some birthday cake and ice cream.  These two love each other so much and play so well together.  I love to see their relationship grow, and they play so good together.  

Medieval Times

Instead of gifts for Christmas this year, we decided to start doing fun family experiences with the Brashears given to each other.  This year we picked Medieval Times for an awesome night of fun.  We had fantastic seats on the front row in the center.  Ryland, Reed, and Benton loved cheering for black and white knight.  It was awesome seeing them get into it!

Emory cheered on our knight, and he stopped to throw her a beautiful carnation.  This made Ridley extremely jealous, and she started pouting.

The knight came back around two more times and did not throw Ridley a flower, so she was upset.  The knight then presented a ribbon to one lucky lady in the crowd, and he selected Ridley.  By this point, she was so pissed.  She wouldn't slide the ribbon off the joust stick.  I slid it off, and she traded it for Emory's carnation.  Hahaha!  Girls! 

We had a wonderful night, and we all agree this was better than purchasing gifts for one another's children.  What will we do next year?

Celebrating Friendship

We have been so blessed this year to get the most wonderful new neighbors.  The Scillians are awesome, and my entire family has fallen in love.  Tonight the girls celebrated Jill's birthday with our little ladies in tow.  They all get along so well together, and I am reminded how lucky I am to have such fantastic neighbors.

OWAN Invitations

The invitations are complete, and I worked on getting them stuffed and sorted.

To add a little pizazz to the envelopes, I stamped all 450 envelopes.

Ridley loves to help me, and it melts my heart.  She was barely out of bed this morning, when she started stuffing envelopes.  She is a total little busy bee!

Braiding

Queen Elsa Ridley asked for a braid this morning, and I thought I could just whip one out.  Boy, was I wrong.  I am more than a little rusty on my braiding skills, but she was pleased as could be.  

Jui Jitsu Belt Stripes

Reed & Ryland received advancing stripes this afternoon, which came as a total surprise.  Coach was great with Reed and told him that he could do anything he sets his mind to, if he can stop playing.  Reed couldn't stop checking himself out in the mirror.  Kid cracks me up.

Ryland's talk with Coach was more serious and about believing in his skills.  Ryland lets all his frustration out on the mat, and I love to see his drive.

The Jiu Jitsu crew after hours and hours of classes. 

Boys' Breakfast

In order to have a quiet morning so Ridley could catch some more sleep, the boys resorted to a picnic in the master bathroom floor.  I asked them why, and they matter of factly told me the heated floor.  Made sense to me.  Enjoy your cereal, boys! 

Jiu Jitsu Tournament

We had a new experience today at an area Jiu Jitsu tournament.  Two of the boys that grapple with Ryland and Reed were participating, so we went to show support.  

They did amazing, and we all watched very intensely as they won gold.  We all love Sampson Jiu Jitsu and look forward to Ryland and Reed completing one day.

Ridley's 3rd Birthday

 Ridley celebrated her 3rd birthday on a beautiful afternoon at Bicentennial Park.  We lucked out and had gorgeous weather, so we just had to move the party.  She had lots of family and friends join the celebration.  

Ridley is a fun, silly, and active chicka.  She keeps her brothers in line and doesn't take any crap.  We love her no-nonsense way of dealing with them.  She is also very girly and loves dolls and make up.  She enjoys dancing, coloring, and being outdoors. 

Ridley could swing for hours.  

Ridley and her friend from school, Brooklyn, loved it!

Sleeper Sofa Drama

We have been getting ready to celebrate Ridley's birthday, so we had a few extra things to do around the house.  John Chris was out of town, so we had to get creative.

I want everyone to be comfortable and have a space to sleep, so I purchased a sleeper sofa.  I was thrilled that it came in time.  The only issue is how to get it home and upstairs, ready to use.  I rented a truck at Home Depot, which really upset Ridley.  She did not like the work truck. 

I drove to the store, helped load the sofa, and then drove home.  I was racing the rain that was starting to fall as I unloaded the heavy sofa and pushed it in the garage.  I then had to take the truck back and pick our truck up.

If all that wasn't enough.  I had to figure out a way to get the sofa upstairs to the loft.  I had two strong boys help me carry it up, all while being on the edge of throwing my back out.  Good news, we made it.  The sofa is comfortable and ready for someone to get a goodnight's sleep.  

Ridley Shopkin turns 3

Ridley woke up to a little Shopkin party!  She loved it, and I can't wait to see how excited she will be on Saturday.

The Shopkins donuts were amazing!  WOW!

I tucked my three year old in tonight, with a sock hat on, and I couldn't get enough snuggles.  She is silly, sweet, and full of spunk.  I love her to pieces. 

Lunch Date

I had some errands in Southlake Town Square, so Ridley and I stopped off at the library for some new books and DVDs.  When we were walking back to the truck, Ridley said "I need some Mi Cocina, mommy."  She didn't have to twist my arm.  I needed some, too!  I love lunching with my little lady!

Choices in the library

Big library day for Reed - He was able to chose any book in the library.  Until now, the librarian and teacher have guided them to one section of the library at a time.  Parents were invited to take part in this first selection, and I was happy to help out with the class.  Reed thinks he is a big boy now.

Emory's Birthday Party

We headed to Dallas to celebrate Emory's third birthday.  With back to back parties, the kids were getting a little worn out.  Nothing a little cake and juice couldn't fix, and we would never miss celebrating our best friend, Miss Emory.  I was able to get a picture of our fabulous five kiddos before they completely went nuts.

The little girls enjoyed manicures in between play time and cupcake decorating.  Ridley was over the moon excited!

Birthday Party Face Paint

Ridley celebrated her friend, Stella, with an awesome birthday party.  Ridley's favorite part was the face painter.  We were blown away with her talent, and Ridley loved the "sparkly diamonds".

Snow Day

The weather forecasts have been all over the place.  One minute we are going to get snow, and the next minute we will miss it.  We ended up being right on the line of the front, so we enjoyed a nice dry dusting of beautiful snow.  It barely covered the coping around the pool and lightly covered the flower beds.  It was so peaceful watching it fall.

Ridley enjoyed the snow fall while waiting on her brothers to get home.  She sat in her chair patiently waiting and playing on her tablet.  

Friday night fun called for a family room pallet and a movie.  My sweet babies are getting so big.  We had a fantastic Friday.