Christmas has come and gone but this October, November and half of December blog hasn't yet been posted. I'll get to the Christmas blog once this one is finalized and published.
Life is moving too fast - slow down please! The girls are growing like weeds (literally) - each has grown approximately 2 inches in the last four months.
Halloween
Rory was Elsa (big shock) and Massie was adamant about being a pink spider girl. Who knew there was such a thing but all I had to do was google it and viola, there it was online and ready to purchase.
We continued the tradition of greeting trick-or-treaters outside in front of the bonfire. Below is a vampire Elsa (Rory), on Grandma Linda's lap and a camera shy Massie with her dad.
Hanging out in front of the fire on another fun Halloween.
Other October Happenings
Rory (far left back row) was invited to her girlfriend's birthday party at the bowling alley. She's never bowled (and still hasn't) but a good time was had under the black light.
Mild temperatures have allowed us to spend time at the lake this winter. Here are the girls with Yuri flying their kites.
Our five-year old TV ate the dust (apparently five years is a legitimate life for TVs now...what a waste) and a new one was purchased. Below are the girls playing puppet show in the box. Best toy ever.
October also saw swim lessons. 1st lesson for Massie and 3rd for Rory. They are a little less frightened of the water but are still not interested in swimming. Oh well, we'll keep trying. This photo was taken from a long distance - hence the watercolor type look. Rory is in the front of the pack and Massie is third from the rear.
Rory's 6th Birthday
After several celebrations, Rory is officially six years old (gasp). Her birthday party was held at the local Gymnastics facility and she had a great time with all her buddies. Her rice crispy treat cake was super easy, mess free and she loved it.
Rory got everything she wanted for her birthday - an American Girl Doll and Friends Lego's. Below is a picture of one very happy and fortunate little girl.
Betty and Bruce were here for Rory's birthday which fell on the day after Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving
Steve and Linda hosted Thanksgiving at River's Edge this year. They close it down in the winter so we didn't have to compete with any paying business. It was great a time - not only did we celebrate Thanksgiving with about 35 friends and family but there was a craft table, games, late night movies (for both the kiddos and adults) and a sleep over in the hotel.
Below are Rory, Massie, Symone and Betty at the craft table.
Bruce, Yuri and Bill catching up.
The kids playing the game I like to call "cookie face". You have to move the cookie from your forehead to your mouth with only your facial muscles.
Musical chairs.
Massie just hanging out on the floor having some "me" time.
Kid movie area...lucky kids!
1st Half of December
I believe that I've posted about the painting that my folks commissioned of the girls. Below are Mom and I at an art show in front of the Karen Austin masterpiece.
This beauty was hanging in the hallway at Massie's school - the title was "Self Portrait" but she told Yuri it was a Potato Head. Either she didn't understand the assignment or she doesn't think much of her looks.
December brought the much anticipated and much loved advent calendar gifts from Grandma Judy. Here are the girls posing with one of their daily gifts. I'll say it again...lucky kids.
A (Christmas Tree) Hunting We Will Go!
Yuri and I packed the kids in the car for a magical Christmas tree hunting expedition. Unfortunately, as many things in life go, my vision for the trip and reality were two separate things. The kids bickered the entire drive and refused to get out of the truck because "bears and animals" might get them. At one point Yuri turned to me and said, "we screwed up somewhere". We decided not to leave them behind - instead we just turned up the music and went to a happy place in our own minds.
Below is snow-covered Yuri scoping out a tree for me.
Our outdoor girls getting a peek of one of our many trees from the comfort of the 72 degree truck.
I had visions of putting up several trees - sort of a winter land bunching of trees. After killing three trees it was determined that since we don't live in the White House or one of those Housewife's of XXX homes, a festive bunch of trees was just not going to work (if we expected to keep any furniture in the house). So, we crammed two trees in and proceeded to decorate.
I love our Charlie Brown Trees! Below is the Morgan clan posing in front of the beauties. This is one of the cute photo's (of the girls of course) that didn't make the cut for the Christmas card.
We attended several Christmas get-togethers this year but none of the pictures are as good as this one. It's supposed to be a photo of my co-worker and friend, Kathleen, however the photographer caught me scolding Yuri. Although I will say in my defense that we both have smiles on our face.
The Morgan Grandparents Visit Fairbanks
Grandma Karen and Grandpa Sid visited the Wargan Morwick clan in mid December. Although they didn't spend a lot of time here it was certainly quality time. The girls had a wonderful time reconnecting with their grandparents and we thoroughly enjoyed having them with us. Below is Karen with one of many toys she brought for the girls.
While Sid and Karen were visiting we hosted a little family dinner. Unfortunately, the picture was taken after Carrie and Jesse bailed and Rory's eyes are closed - but, you can't win them all!
Santa Visits the Wargan Morwick Home
About a week before Christmas we were quietly sitting on the couch reading and enjoying quiet time with just our thoughts (yeah, right) - when I heard sleigh bells outside. The picture below was snapped immediately after telling the girls that I thought Santa might be outside. I love Massie's expression!!
I was right, I did hear Santa's sleigh and we were lucky enough to have him stop by our home for a pre-Christmas visit. He was armed with Christmas bears and candy canes - the girls adored him.
Here are the girls on Santa's lap. A huge thank you to our neighbor, David Hale, for sending him our way. We are so fortunate to be on his list.
Rory's Kindergarten class had a short Christmas Pageant. They sung Christmas songs and as you can imagine, it was quite entertaining. Rory (in white) is to the right of the girl in the center of the picture wearing yellow.
And, our Christmas card...
Next up...Christmas.
