Make a Smilebox slideshow

4 year old Rubie

We went to Shakey's Pizza for Rubie's 4th birthday party. The kids all had a ball. Rubie has been counting down the days until her big day because her mommy told her that when she turned 4 she could chew gum. You have to love a kid who shrieks with joy when she gets a pack of gum as a birthday present.

After lunch the kids all played in the game room. As you can see, Leilani and Rubie both have excellent Skee Ball form.

Rubie is crazy about Tiana (just like her BFF) . She got this adorable Princess and the Frog baby doll.

But the final gift of the day was the one that brought the house down. Leilani gave Rubie her first bike. She was so excited that she actually hugged the box. We were so proud of Leilani for not giving away the secret in advance. Normally she would have said, "Here's your gift. I got you a bike."

Jingle bells. Jingle Bells

Aunt Callie and Grandpops gave Leilani her very first American Girl Doll. Leilani named her Julianna. They have multiple matching outfits that Leilani loves trying on.


Christmas morning, coming downstairs and getting her first look at all the goodies waiting for her.

Princess Tiana slippers.

Matching pajamas... our Christmas tradition.

Lani and Daddy in their 3D glasses playing the Toy Story Game.

Getting ready to go see Santa.

Leilani and Baby Jesus in their matching Christmas dresses. If you don't already know the story of Leilani's Baby Jesus... don't ask.

Showing Santa exactly what she wants in the Toys R Us ad. She was pointing out a Princess Tiana costume. Everything she asked for this year somehow had something to do with Princess Tiana. She's obsessed!

Who knew Christmas ornaments made such glamorous accessories!

Holiday Fun Time at Grandy's

Grandy took Samuel and Leilani to see the play, The Grinch That Stole Christmas. Samuel is an old pro at going to see live theater, but this was Lani's first trip (I'm not counting our trip to see Thomas the Train live last year. I mean REAL theater!). She was very excited and afterward kept telling us "It was really live on stage. Really live!"

Their Auntie Shouna and Uncle Michael got them the tickets and then arranged for a tour of the theater. At the end of the day, they each got Grinchy Christmas gifts from Uncle Michael. Leilani was thrilled with her Max and Grinch puppets and Samuel could hardly wait to get home to put on his Grinch shirt and matching lounge pants.

You can sure tell how much fun they were having. Although for Leilani, ANYTHING is a great time as long as Samuel is involved.

Princess Tiana Day

My mom decided a few years ago that she and Poppy would no longer be giving material things to their grandkids for birthday and Christmas gifts. Instead, they give Leilani and Samuel "memories and outings." This year for Christmas Grandy gave Leilani "The Ultimate Disney Experience" at Disney Studios in Burbank. It included a pre-release showing of The Princess and The Frog, a Meet & Greet with ALL of the Disney princesses, a bayou adventure activity center, arts and crafts fair, and overall extravaganza. It was awesome!"
The highlight of the day was meeting the newest Disney princess, Princess Tiana. She was just as beautiful in real life as she was in the movie!
Leilani and Rubie really are best friends and the only trouble we had was determining which of the girls would get to meet each princess first. It's painfully obvious from Rubie's little tear streaked face who got to meet Cinderella first. Rubie's BFF certainly is not very sympathetic at the moment. By the end of the day, Leilani definitely had mastered the Princess Pose!

I didn't think the girls would risk their princess ensembles in the obstacle course, but they couldn't wait to jump on the rope and swing across the crocodile filled swamp.

These two had the time of their lives.

Thanks Grandy. We love you!

Audrey's first Disneyland Trip

We thought it was only fitting for Leilani to take Baby Audrey on her first trip to Disneyland since it's Lani's favorite place in the world (and Mommy's too!). The day after Thanksgiving was a gorgeous day at the park, and not very crowded at all.

Audrey's first ride was the Pooh ride which is totally appropriate since her nursery is totally decorated in Winnie the Pooh.

Look at this sweet little mouseketeer!

Baby Audrey

After almost 2 months of waiting, Baby Audrey arrived for her first visit. Leilani was so excited she couldn't sleep the night before. She was happy to see Aunt Callie and Aunt Jennifer, but the real showstopper was Cousin Audrey.

She couldn't wait to hold her.

And feed her.

She was even willing to share her Grandy with Baby Audrey (but only for a little while!)

Judging by the smile on Audrey's face, the feeling of love is mutual.