Snowcoming

Kailey waiting for the girls to arrive. She was appropriately dressed in her favorite princess dress with matching shoes.

She's here! She's here!

Explaining to Owen that he can't go with her. K taking pictures in the back.All the princesses ready for a great evening.


The three sweet ones of the Smith House

No, it's not the weather forecast, but West's winter semi-formal. Sofie was dolled up to the nines and went with a lovely group of girls. They were heading over to another friend's house for pizza, or out to dinner, or somewhere before the dance. (They still weren't sure...planning girls!). Anyhow, Kailey was again, thrilled to see the princesses. But, I think we have a little Casanova in the making, as Owen was ready to trade in his football gear and be the girls' escort. Enjoy the photos, Sofie was, of course, absolutely beautiful!

Missing Daddy

Here's a little something for Daddy. They like this song because it's got a good beat and while most of the lyrics don't work, "I want you back" certainly does work!

Enjoy!

Missing Daddy

Daddy's on a long deployment. It stinks. A lot. We all miss him tons and it's hard. Since it will be a while before he's home, I decided that the kids still needed to snuggle with him every night. I found these great pillows from Snapfish (thanks, Tiffany!) and they are a hit! Kailey gives Daddy kisses and hugs multiple times per day and drags her pillow around with her. Owen doesn't like to have the pillow case on his pillow, rather, he likes it in various places around the room...as a blanket, hanging on his chair, etc. Every night, after I close his door, I can hear him say, "Goodnight Daddy, I love you, be careful!" Wow, if that doesn't make your heart hurt, I don't know what will!

We do have communication with him for a few more days, so Daddy, these pictures and videos are for you!

Tiny Tapper

Kailey's big gift for her 4th birthday was tap dancing classes. We started class this Wednesday and let me just say, she was more excited for those 30 minutes than I think I have ever seen her. I think we hit the jackpot! Our sweet K smiled from ear-to-ear as she twirled and stomped and even made some new little friends. I'm not sure, however, what was truly her favorite part: The tap shoes from Bubbie, the classes from us or the gorgeous, sparkling skirt from Sofie.

Owen was not pleased because he had to sit outside and wanted to join the fun. I didn't get any great pictures because she was just too fast with her taps, but enjoy the ones that I did get!

Sofie makes the news (sorta)

Yesterday, as most would agree, was an amazing day for our beloved country. Like him or not, (but anyone who reads this knows, I not only like him, I dig him!) the unity that so many felt was undeniable. Having lived in DC for a year, I could only imagine the overwhelming feeling to stand in the national mall with so many who care about patriotism. I was at school during the swearing in and wasn't able to watch 'the moment' live, but knew it had happened because I literally heard cheers and screams from all of the classrooms around the building. It was amazing and I hope our country is on her way back.

As luck would have it, Sofie's civics class was also watching the Inaugural festivities and were recorded for the local news. Sofie was asked by her classmates to be interviewed, for which she declined. I think she later regretted her decision because how cool would it have been for the news to score and interview with the Norwegian exchange student on her feelings about the day? Oh well. Attached is a link to the local news clip. You have to look fast, but she is there at 1:05 and again at 1:32. She's sitting toward the front of the classroom, to the left when they show the screen. She's looking down the second time. Go Sofie! TC TV star!!!

http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/video.aspx?id=249202

Happy Birthday Princess Kailey!

Today was a crazy day. Sofie started back at school, I started my internship, Paul was off-coming duty, of course, it's the Buckeye game and the biggest part of all...

Our sweet Kailey turned FOUR!

Kailey celebrated with a new Dora Snow Princess, Pegasus and all the necessary accessories for her new tap dancing classes to begin in a few weeks. Oh, just can't wait to see that!

I can't believe my little girl is four years old already! Each year, I always think back to the day I delivered her. It was long, painful and tiring, but SO worth it! Kailey is our sweet princess who always has smile on her face or a song to sing. Kailey's presence in our lives makes the sparkle in our eyes and the swing in our steps. She is our special-K and I hope that every day will be a princess day!

Happy birthday, Kailey-cakes! We love you with all of our hearts!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all! We are hopeful, happy and know that 2009 will be the best year ever!