Mina = 3

 

Ask her how old she is. She’ll tell you 5, maybe even 4, but our little sweetheart is 3… going on 12… maybe.

We celebrated Mina all day long. When she woke up, we let her unwrap a gift from G&G Youngberg and do a little Skype. They sent her 4 wrapped gifts. They looked so cute I made the mistake of displaying them on a bookshelf two days before her birthday, only to find her later in a pile of wrapping paper and two unwrapped presents. That's ok, she was happy. I would just tell her not to open the others.   ….hmmm yes, telling a 3 year old not to open presents…. I have a long way to go as how to clarify things to a 3 year-old.  Then later that day I saw she opened the Superhero undies G&G sent… so then I hid the last big present. Then came her birthday morning and I told her to go downstairs and we would Skype G&G and open her gift! I was only 10 seconds behind her  and apparently she thought it was go time and I found her in the last pile of wrapping paper with a big smile on her face about to play with the fire truck they sent. Oh well, we may not have witnessed those openings, but she sure liked every one of the gifts they sent.  Oh Mina, never stop being so cute.

Needless to say she loves the movie Frozen. This cake was a rare pleasure. I had a lot of fun making it. Some pastry to-dos are laborious chores that end with a cake-wreck and regret for not going with store bought. But when your client is easy to please as “Cheena-Chan” (or Mina Chan) everything is cherries.

Grandpa and Grandma Millburn sent the usual awesome gift. I recorded her opening but of course can’t get the movie to load. The only thing she said when opening it was “I’m gonna be so mad!” Hahaha it was so funny. It didn’t make any sense, but I think she meant she was “gonna be so excited.” I think, but she liked it and all was well.

Of course… until Mom told her to pose for the camera…. then not so happy…    well, until Marie made her smile…..

 

Thank Heaven for fun big sisters!

 

 

Marie was also the hero when she picked out a my little pony Memory game for Mina. I would not have let her get it, considering we already have a Memory game, but it was a hit for the whole family. I picked out a terrible game called “Pop the Pig” which I hope will make its silent way to the Thrift shop in the next month. But we got some Magnaformers  (magnet blocks) and of course- A BIG WHEEL! If my computer ever lets me load a video I would post that.

Until then,   let them eat cake- Frozen ice cream cake, that is.

Dear Mina,

I love you so much. You are my best little buddy. You are a great big sister to Grace and you have wonderful ideas. You and Marie have the best little imaginations together. You are smart and strong and wise for such a tiny gal. Never change!

Love,

Mommy.

Basketball Marie

Marie had a fantastic time with her basketball team.  Her coaches were great and she had a blast with her team.  The season just finished and we had to post a few highlights caught by the camera.

First, check out this dribbling exhibition she puts on.  Those little arms of hers know how to handle a basketball.

Next, check out her moves to the hole.

She had a blast even while on the bench.

And while this was the only shot she made this season….

Sooooo close!  Just a few more cheeseburgers and she’ll get it up there.

She has some serious skills.  Check these two out…first ones to get 10 in a row!

While she was really proud of herself to get the medal at the end of the year….

Nothing can beat the “good game” at the end.  Always her favorite part.

 

Toilet Park Madness! (aka Children’s Museum)

In January we visited the Children’s Museum. A free museum that is next to a cheap skiing hill. Brett was the hero of the day and let me and my good friend Whitney ski all day while he watched the kids at the museum. It was fabulous!

The museum has lots of different spaces to play and explore. Did I mention it’s free? Holy cow they love kids here. The girls had a fantastic time with their best friend Liliana.

Here is some of that sisterly play I count on so much. When we move I hope they still love each other!

We have a new fun camera, but taking self-pictures is not easy. Good job Brett.

 

Yep, that hat is exactly what you think it is.

“Marie, you’re too old to be playing in the toilet!” 

The kids had a great time and so did Whitney and I. It may be the only skiing I do this season, but it was a blast. Thanks Brett!