4th of July

The 4th of July weekend was a busy one, but a good one! The weather was great, lots of playing outside and lots of laughs! The 3rd, I ran in a 10k in Barrington, first race back in Barrington in about 10 years. The course was the same, but the humidity wasn't a friend. Managed to win my age group, but the time was not of my liking, oh well. Then we headed to Linda's house to play in her pool and completely wear the children out.... it worked. (Thanks Linda). Chris and I watched fireworks from the deck-- the kids were too worn out.

Sunday we headed to the parade and then Smileys and Danneggers headed over in the afternoon/evening. The kids all had a great time. We put the hose up at the top of the slide and created a water slide that seemed to be pretty cool, just really cold water (no pics, not sure what we were thinking!) We'll work on that for next year. Good food, good company and lots of laughs.

Anika getting her friends ready for a picnic on the 3rd.


Shay too---- she was attending Ani's picnic.


I've got enough food mom!

Cheese! Kylie wanted the picture, but as soon as she got the camera, Ani and Shay came running over to sit with her.

Chris and his girls at the parade.... Odin was there too and quite popular.

What's better than a 4th of July Princess at dessert?

Aunt Julie's dessert has everyone stopped---- and eating. It was awesome.

Ryan looks like he is trying to steal a dessert.... :)

Anika DID steal someone dessert-- Shay's. And in case you did not hear, you have to have dessert while wearing your backpack.

Twins snapshots from two weeks back

Here are some pictures from a few weeks back.... I can't remember much from two weeks back, so hopefully these pictures can bring back some memories.

Shay showing off her favorite pants-- Buppa made them for one of the Dannegger girls and now its moved onto the Donovan girls. Shay LOVES them and even though they are getting pretty short, she continues to wear them. Hopefully this brings a smile to your face Buppa. Hope you are feeling better!!!


Shay again in her pants.


Anika playing with one of the most annoying toys in the world. Mary, why the hell did I buy this at the resale? I cannot get it to shut up even in the box. However, the girls love this game... its just a headache when it is constantly playing. Quack, quack, quack, quack.

Anika doing some light reading at Kylie's school fundraiser. (she got through about 10 pages of the bible before she was tired.

Anika and Shay in their "cosby" sweaters reading together.

Christmas festivities continue...

Christmas, Christmas, and more Christmas.... It seems we can't keep up with things these days... We had an early Christmas at the Danneggers. The whole crew was there- Smileys, Donovans, Danneggers, Nana and even Uncle OJ made a surprise visit! (and for some reason, I have no photos of OJ, but really, he was there!)

Below are some pictures of the kids at the Danneggers and some of Nana's visit to our house.

Shay eating her cookie, but she actually ended up wearing more of it. (And cousin Lily in the background deciding if playing with balloons is more fun or decorating cookies is more fun...)

Anika, the neat eater, is eating her cookie (and by the looks of it, Lily has decided that she wants to try to decorate cookies-- I know her Dad is happy now!)


Elf Annalee

Annalee and Kylie decorating--- thanks to Annalee and Abby for helping the little ones decorate and stay out of trouble.

Ryan decorating

Abby decorating



Shay playing

Ryan, Kylie and Luke watching Annalee on the Wii

Shay crashing on Julie

Anika and Nana reading together. This is about as close as Anika would let Nana get to her- no holding or anything else!

Anika playing my least favorite game.... but certainly is having fun!

Bathtime, park visits and ballet class

Pictures are way easier than writing.... not to mention it saves me lots of time!

Kylie and Anika

Anika not sure she wants to share the bath with both her sisters....

Bathtime

Duck, duck, duck....

Ryan's it!

Getting ready for Ballet/Tap classes

Anika lounging

Shay learning how to sit on a chair rather than stand on it.

Kylie on the Dora trike