Quote of the Day from the Sullivan House

"I'm not poisonous, Julia!!"

(John David said this in complete exasperation when Julia was bothered by his touching.)

Family Game Night

A couple of weekends ago we had a family game night.

It involved the lego gamed "Creationary"

some pizza

and some homemade "Maggie Moo" creations.

It was Joshua's turn to clean the table.

Basically, the game is like pictionary except you build things with legos instead of drawing a picture.

There were lots of snuggles and hugs.

I'm pretty sure that John David randomly chose to build something different several times during his turn. No wonder we couldn't guess the answer!

Daddy was very, very precise in his building. Like, annoyingly precise. ;)

On my turn I had to build a pyramid. At first I thought I had an easy one, but then I started. Legos are not for the faint of heart, dear friends. My little pyramid was surprisingly difficult. (Do not make fun of me until you have tried it.)

Here are some sweet sisters enjoying their ice cream.

Whipped cream anyone?

John David got more than he bargained for.

At least Julia knew it was coming!

Daddy had to show them how it's done.

Joshua wanted a turn too!

This is what Friday nights were made for.

(Well, that and staying up late to watch a movie after the kids are in bed because you know you can sleep late the next morning. That's pretty good too!)

Before and After

I have very, very fond memories of eating my grandma's homemade cream puffs when I was growing up. They were soooo good and we didn't get them often - partly because we lived far away and I'm guessing partly because they were a lot of trouble. I know they're trouble because I made some yesterday!

It wasn't my grandma's recipe (I'm still waiting on my aunt to send it to me - hint, hint!) but it was from my Southern Living Cook Book and that's one fine book. I believe I could improve them a little, but for the first time I was pleased!

So, here's a before shot:

and the after shot:

And they were totally from scratch. Go me!

Best Buddies

These two are best buddies.

For hours every day they play and play.

I really am super blessed.

The laundry basket is often a boat or a cage or a spaceship.

I love these guys!

Chore Time

One of Julia's chores is cleaning all the bathroom sinks and counters. She likes to involve the little ones and usually has them help her.

She lets one of them squirt the cleaner (Mrs. Meyers of course!) and the other one gets to hold the paper towels for her. They all love it and I think it's great! And don't you love that the girls are cleaning in tutus?

Take a good look at that pink bathroom - it won't be around much longer!!! Woohoo!!!

Aulora Likes....

Presents

and sprinkles.

Lots of sprinkles.

The end.

(just a few more old pictures I never posted from Christmas)

A TON of Christmas Videos!

A VERY Belated Christmas Post

It's March and here's a post full of Christmas pictures. I did it on purpose so that the joy of Christmas could be stretched further into the year. Like, into spring even. You're welcome.

We celebrated Christmas at home with my side of the family (my parents, my grandma, and my brother) and then we all drove to Tulsa. We went to be with John's side of the family and my parents went so they could continue on into Dallas and Austin to be with family there. So yes, there is a picture or two of my family at John's family's house. Confused yet?

Pictures were taken here at our house, but my dad took them with his camera and I don't have them. (Dad? That's your cue!) Some more posts will come later on in the day with some videos.

If you are a grandparent then you will probably love this post. If you are anyone else, run! =)

Julia helped decorate the tree at home.

John David was mighty helpful too. (Until he went scissor happy wanting to "trim" the tree a little too much!)

John made "Bananas Foster" for our Christmas dessert.

He set each batch on fire as he brought it to the table. It was hard to capture that action!

All the babies loved on Mimi.

John David roasted some marshmallows in the fireplace on the back porch.

Every time we turned around Aulora was dancing in one of the living rooms. Dodie was dancing with her this time while Gran played the piano.

We had a birthday cake for Jesus. It was SO good! (and chocolate!) Thank you Jesus for being born! ;)

Julia worked hard with Aunt Kara on a gingerbread house. I think she was mostly busy eating it though.

Aulora has that look on her face because her mouth is stuffed with candy.

That's more like it.

There they are dancing again and this time Joshua is trying to join them.

On Christmas morning John David received a note to let him know that Santa was too lame to bring his present inside.

He ran outside and discovered his very own go kart!

Aulora got her first bike!

A family meal

Gran and D at the head of the table

Uncle Zach gave Aulora a Memory game.

Not sure of the reason for the kiss but it's still sweet.

Joshua was the first allowed to run in and see what Santa brought. He got a Buzz tricycle and a big dinosaur.

There's Aulora finding her bike.

Julia is always happy for another Webkinz and she also got the Tangled doll house.

Thanks Gran and D for my Christmas Barbie!

The girls were each given a new Madame Alexander doll.

John David had his new lego set built in no time.

Reece, one of the dogs, was busy inspecting Joshua's new things.

I should probably explain to Aulora the difference between a pretty laugh and an ugly laugh. ;)