We were all excited for the race (except for Presley, who screamed and cried in the stroller), and stood in anticipation as the start time grew closer.
It seemed to take forever to complete the 3 mile race. Cari and I were gassed, but found small bursts of energy thanks to Mom and her cheers. I don't know how Mom managed to keep her calm throughout the 40 minute race, because Presley screamed and cried the whole way.
Nixon, who wasn't amused by Presley's hysterics, fell asleep 5 minutes into the race and slept the whole way!
Mom was ecstatic that she could finally get Presley out of the stroller and onto the pool deck where Lifetime was hosting a huge after race party. Mom and Dad couldn't stop laughing at the sour puss face that remained on Presley's face as she got out of the stroller and put on her medal.
Dad kept poking fun by pointing out that Presley looks just like a little Mommy- attitude and all...
The rest of us were thrilled to be finished with the race.
Presley perked up once the food was served!
We spent the entire morning eating, dancing, playing, and having a good time with family and friends! When Nixon finally woke up from his stroller nap, he was ready to join the party!
Nixon inherited his Dad's love for music, and couldn't stop boppin to the beat.
The morning was full of fun, but taking pictures was at the top of our list.
We were all grateful to kick the New Year off together as a family in such a fun and healthy way!
At home that night we enjoyed some family fun thanks to the balloons that the staff sent home with us. Poor Presley learned that her parents can sure be stinkers. Check them out as they laugh at Presley's attempt to grab a balloon just out of her reach...
Mom says that we need to learn how to take a joke now or life will be very difficult growing up in this house.
The "healthy" part of our start to the New Year only included staying active. Unfortunately, none of us have the desire to give up some of the good things in life.
And by that I mean food. Junk food to be exact.
Check out Macie's choice of breakfast- cereal with marshmallows. Mom had allowed her to choose anything she wanted for breakfast, but laughed that she chose to put marshmallows on top of already sugar laden Star Wars Lucky Charm puffs (that's right, Star Wars. Macie, Dad, and I, are obsessed with all things Star Wars at the moment). In Macie's defense, Mom had eaten the Marshmallow shapes out of the cereal box, so there weren't many to begin with - BUSTED MOM!!!
Mom and Dad decided to kick the first weekend of the New Year off with some gold old fashion Rock N Roll. They went down to the strip and watched Motely Crue's final show in Las Vegas. They raved about it the next day and all of us had to endure them reliving the 80's through music for the next few days (to be honest, we all enjoy the music, but hate when Mom and Dad strut around like they are cool).
Before Christmas break was over, Mom made sure we took trips to all of our favorite locations around town. From the Springs Preserve to the library, and the Children's Museum, we had all sorts of fun!
A few days before school began, poor Nixon got the flu and had an extremely high fever for 3 days. His little body was exhausted, and he was not a happy guy.
Macie tried her best to help him smile, but he didn't seem to have the energy.
Mom tried everything to make him comfortable: baths, movies, nothing seemed to work.
He moved around the house crying. Mom felt horrible that there was no consoling him...
To keep us occupied during our downtime at home, Mom suggested we do an art project. Macie and I got an idea to make a 3D design for Dad, so we spent HOURS working on our "farm."
We made all sorts of interesting animals for the farm. From pigs and pandas, to cows and penguins. The finished product included an array of animals across the world.
We even included a 3D image of Dad mowing the lawn!!!
Dad loved the finished project!
Presley spent most of her "down time" playing Paw Patrol (her current obsession. And by obsession, I mean OBSESSION)!
Right before Christmas break ended Nixon's fever finally went down and his spirits bounced back up. He was happy to be feeling well, and his hearty appetite came right back! He was overly enthusiastic as his interest in using utensils is currently high.
I will admit, I do find it pretty cute to watch his excitement over something so rudimentary.
Before we knew it, school was starting again. Some of us were more excited than others...
Presley was excited to be the "big kid" in the house once again.
Unfortunately for Nixon, she takes full advantage of her big sister status. She is a BULLY...
Even when she is caught red handed, she delights in her suspect behaviors.
One afternoon during break Macie had made Nixon a label that said "I love Nixon" and placed it on his jacket where it stayed for a few days. While on the trampoline with the kids, Mom discovered the sticker that had been on Nixon's back suddenly appeared on the leg of Presley's pants. It was no mystery how it got there.
When asked about it, she sheepishly smiled and said that she kicked him. Too bad she had NO remorse what so ever...
We are all lucky that Nixon bounces back from her tyrannous ways quickly!
It seems that no matter what she does, her little brother still loves her to pieces!
Then the rains came...
Macie was so THRILLED that she took every chance she had to run, jump, lay- you name it- in the rain.
For 3 straight days it rained, and Mom actually welcomed the excuse to keep a low profile and stay in snugly clothes all day. During one of their trips to Costco Mom caught a picture of Presley being nice to Nixon. It wasn't until they were back at home that Mom learned of the intent behind those deceptive eyes...Presley told her that she wanted to "watch some Paw Patrol since she was nice to Nixon."
Mom couldn't help but admire her clever powers of trickery, and let her watch an episode before nap time. When they woke up the sun had come out and dried up most of the moisture outdoors. Nixon was super excited to play outside- mostly because that meant that he got to wear his cowboy boots! He is proud of them.
Nixon thoroughly enjoys jumping- especially when Presley isn't around to bully him, and takes every chance he can get to bounce.
The weather warmed up over the following days, and Presley and Nixon spent lots of time playing in the backyard.
Mom tells me that she loves her days spent with her little buddies.
Sometimes they are just too cute for words...
A few weeks into the New Year Macie started complaining about a pain in her mouth. Mom ignored her, and said that her teeth were most likely coming loose (she hadn't lost any teeth yet). Little did Mom know, that was not the case. Macie was actually growing her adult teeth behind her front teeth- she was turning into a shark!!!
Mom had never seen anything like it before, and immediately called the dentist. She reassured her that it was common in kids, and wasn't anything to worry about. That being said, she did suggest that Macie come in to have her two front teeth pulled.
Two days later Macie was in the chair...
She was a champ, and earned herself a huge Oreo cookie shake on the way home.
Her poor mouth remained swollen for hours, but she was in great spirits, and couldn't wait to put her teeth under her pillow for the Tooth Fairy!
That night, before bed, she could hardly sit still. The anticipation of the Tooth Fairy (whom was still a mystery in our house since I have refused to get rid of any teeth. Mom remains concerned, but feels better now that I no longer want to make a necklace of my teeth and wear them around town. She'd rather have a pack rat or a hoarder than a serial killer).
We all should have known. Macie is not one to sleep when her anticipation is high...
Not only did she get up 3 different times to check under her pillow, but at 4 am, when she did discover that the Tooth Fairy had come, she turned on all the lights (including the ones in the upstairs hall, walkway, and family room), and woke up EVERYONE in the house to share her excitement!
Not only did the Tooth Fairy leave a MESS of glitter trailing from outside her door to ALL OVER her bed, she left 10 one dollar bills!!!!! According to Macie, it was well worth getting rid of her teeth.
That morning, Mom made some "I lost my two front teeth" pancakes for breakfast and Macie couldn't stop grinning. She felt really special.
Despite being exhausted, she couldn't wait to show her friends the glitter mess that the Tooth Fairy had made on her head...
When the week ended, Mom and Dad took us on an impromptu trip to the Children's museum where they were hosting "Star Wars Day"! It was fantastic. There were characters everywhere. In between playing, and doing Star Wars inspired arts and crafts, we made sure to stop and take pictures with all of them...
Nixon loved all the characters except for the one pictured below (whom, I have to admit, is a little creepy looking). He made sure to keep his distance, getting only close enough to give the guy a fist bump before running away.
It was a great way to spend a Saturday, and even Mom (who is NOT a Star Wars fan) enjoyed herself.
Our family is grateful that our New Year, despite some bouts with sickness, is off to a good start. We can only hope that the rest of the year will bring as many laughs and smiles.
