JRob's Cosmic Bowling Party!!

JRob celebrated his 4th birthday with a Sunday afternoon at the bowling alley. He requested a Cosmic Bowling, which is where they turn the lights off, turn on neon flashing lights and rock some loud music while you bowl. He wanted all his best buds from school there.

I made tie-dyed shirt for all the party guests to wear while they bowled and they looked so cool in the fancy lights at the bowling alley. We also sported each kids with a few glow in the dark necklaces/bracelets. It was a rockin' good time!!

JRobs Before/After Haircut

SHAGGY DOG BEFORE

DURING

HALF WAY THRU....MOHAWK!

FINAL CUT!!

Such a handsome boy!

Tommy and Sofi's "semi-surprise" visit!!!!!!

Nonnie and Grampy have visited quite a bit since we moved up to Northern Cali. Other than the Holidays, we had not seen our cousins since the move. So, Nonnie and Grampy decided to drive up and bring the two oldest Shine kiddos to surprise our two. The night before the arrived, we talked to them on the phone and the beans were spilled. Kaydes and JRob were so excited they could hardly sleep that night.

Once the troop arrived, in good 'ole Nor Cal fashion, it rained for almost 3 days straight. So, to keep the kids entertained, we spent alot of time playing games. One day/night was designated to celebrating the four kids birthdays. Because of the distance, we decided it would be fun to celebrate their March and April birthdays - complete with a bday pasta dinner, games- including pin the tail on the donkey (homemade by Mommy :) ), cupcakes and presents!!!

Tea in San Francisco

While my mom was up visiting for the weekend to see a few SMC games, we decided to hit the city for a full day of fun before the Gaels took on the Dons of USF! We met Megan for afternoon tea with both kiddos in tow. The kids enjoyed their mini sandwiches, while the adults relaxed and enjoyed the treats, but mostly each others company. It was so relaxing. We then walked to the mall for a little shopping before we had to move on to the next plan. We were meeting a group for dinner before the big game.

Northgate Cheer Clinic

For those of you who dont know, I grew up a cheerleader. Cheering on the sidelines of all my brothers Pop Warner Football games. After turning to sports in high school, I always hoped my kids would take the sports route. Kaydes is always so enamoured by cheerleaders so we decided to sign her up for a cheer clinic at the local high school (Ricks alma mater) to let her dabble in that for a change.

She had a blast learning a routine, only to perform at half time of the Varsity boys basketball game the next night. She, along with her cousins and some of her good school buddies, cheered during the first half, looking all cute with the biggest smiles on their faces.

California Bears Basketball

My baby is playing basketball! She was hesitant to commit to playing after soccer. I offered to coach and she was"all in". So, I only got a few pixs over th course of the season, as I was too busy keeping a bunch of 5-6 year olds focused on practice and games.

Kaydes had fun and isnt too shabby of a player, much to daddy and I's surprise. She definitely has the athleticism but we questioned her skill. Well, after the first practice and game, we quickly realized there arent too many "skilled" hoopers at this age level. What Kayden did do was went after rebounds like there was tomorrow, hustled after loose balls and was super coachable. Three things that arent easy to teach, but are crucial to success in the game of basketball.

The snack/treat at the end of the game is still a fan favorite of this little cutie! She earned each and every one! Look forward to watching my little girl play many more games of bball down the road!

And....the trophys! Runner up to snack, trophys are an added bonus to the end of season celebration!

VIVA Las Vegas!

Vegas isnt a place I think of when decideing on where to take my children/family for a little fun. And, although our little getaway to "Sin City" was fun, it was for "Croy Business" purposes. The SMC Gaels hosted Mississippi State at The Orleans for a neutrally played preseason contest. Being that we were in So Cal for the Holidays, my parents drove the kids and I over to support the Gaels! My brother and his family joined us and we had many laughs while together....

A few memories from the trip:

A lllloooooooooonnnnnggg walk to have dinner, only to find out this place was 21 and older! In Vegas?!?! Whatever!

Pirate show at Treasure Island.....Rated PG-13, borderline R. Our kids eyes were the sizes of saucers as they watched the "Wenches" take on the "Pirates".

Trevor doing laps in the hallway in his little walker

Last morning there....my moms car wont start, only to find out she needed a tow and new tire, delaying our departure 4 hours!

And.....the Gaels WIN!!!!!

A day at the museum

A few days after Christmas, we joined the whole "Shine" Clan for a day at the LA Museum of Natural History. We had such a good time and the kids were adorable. We packed a lunch and enjoyed a day spent together. I appreciated the time together, as we arent together as a whole group since we relocated to Nor Cal. I especially enjoyed watching my childrens faces as they learned something new or quizzingly asked a question about something they didnt recognize.

We were good this year!

Just like many houses during the month of December, ours was filled with questions as to whether we had been "naughty or nice" this year, and whether good 'ole St. Nick would be making an appearance on Christmas morning. We havent purchased the "Elf on the Shelf" but I hear that worked wonders in keeping children on their best behavior during the Holiday season.We chose to just threaten our children into being "good"! hahaha...Well, only half kidding. When the kids woke up Christmas morning and saw that Santa did bring what they asked for, they looked at one another and said sounding very relieved..."We were good this year!" And so the fun began....

Here are a few shots of their fave presents!

I LOVE Christmas with my family!!!!

Merry Christmas to all.....