January... thus far has been pretty great. We kicked off (technically Dec 31) with a fabulous New Years Eve party. It ended at 8, when most people's begins... I still wanted happy children Jan 1st so their bedtime didn't change. Mean?  Maybe but honestly my kids didn't mind.  They were just pleased about the party.  Particularly Katie, I let her plan all the activities

She called it our "Pizza, Pajama, Jungle Safari, pillow fight, games, and snack party"

 I admit, Katie didn't plan the games other than saying she wanted to have games at her party.  This is the "flour game" you cut the flour with a knife trying not to knock down the coin that is placed on top of the "flour cake".  Whoever knocks it down gets to push it off the plate with their nose.

 Katie was actually the one who knocked the penny down but, it made her feel bad and she started to cry so I volunteered (or more was volunteered by my dear husband, thanks Jeff ;)  ) and she was happy after that.

 Kylee was irritated with me for having a dirty face so I had to clean it right away

 The pillow fight (the tents behind were for the "jungle safari" portion... Katie's idea)

 One of Katie's favorite games: I Can Do, Can You?

it's from an old sunbeam book I used to have that had activities to correspond with the lessons.  I knew it would come in handy when I had young children of my own.  I've been glad I held on to some of my old Sun Beam stuff.

 and "Happy New Year" at 8 O'clock and then bedtime for kiddos.  I ended up reading until midnight.  Boring?  Not to me ;)

 Getting ready to welcome home uncle Jeremy from his mission :)

 Katie worked very hard on the banner.  She was proud of her work :)

 (Jeremy is in the middle)

 At the airport.  YAY JEREMY IS HOME!!! Does she not look THRILLED?  (Actually this was when she was going up and down on the escalator but I thought it captured the sentiment better than other pictures)

 Katie was invited to a Rapunzel birthday party and she had a BLAST.  They had the cutest little party favors, to include this Rapunzel hair that she rarely took off until the following week :)

 Things are pretty good here.  Its fun to see the girls becoming such good friends

Kylee and "Dee" (that's what Kylee calls her) reading together.  Isn't that the sweetest thing ever?  I think so :)