iMeet a TV Star

For parents of the younger set, you'll recognize the title as a reference to Nickelodeon's iCarly show. Emily loves loves loves the kids on iCarly and has also fallen in love with their counterparts, Big Time Rush. Sam Puckett (Jennette McCurdy in real life) was at the World of Wheels show at the World Congress Center this weekend and we all loaded up to take Emily to meet her. Cici, Granddaddy, and David came along, as well and were all instrumental in navigating the THREE HOUR LINE to the stage where Jennette held court. That's right - three hours. I felt like Gilligan on his three hour tour except there was no beach in sight, only cars! The look on Emily's face when she met Sam was absolutely priceless and I have to admit that I would wait three hours again just to see her rapt face as Sam/Jennette signed a poster for her. It also helps out that Emily is one of the most patient kids I've ever met. Thanks to everyone who traveled along with us. By the way, if you're looking for a present for me for Christmas, I really love a 65 Mustang!

A little something for Uncle David

Emily and Sam

She told Emily that she liked her outfit! Glittery skulls rule!

So excited

Killing some time in line

Killing some more time playing with the camera. Come on - after three hours, what did you expect?

Snow! Or should I say ICE?

As ice blanketed the area and kept us out of school for a week, the White House hunkered down with a good supply of snacks, movies, games, and books in order to weather the...well, weather. On a side note, I don't know how Laura Ingalls managed to withstand all those blizzards without eventually weighing 400 pounds. Even the dolls got in on the snacking action, as you'll see below. At any rate, we had a great time snuggling by the fire and playing a new game - Jumbling Towers! That's the knockoff version of Jenga, in case you were wondering. Emily had a great time and the cats were scared witless by the second or third game. The snowy days were fun while they lasted but it was awfully nice to get back out into the world after everything thawed!

Ready to take a peek at the driveway!

Emily and Emily having some fun

Jenga! Wait, I forgot! Jumbling Towers!

Emily even hooked the dollies up with some snacks!

Emily has kung fu grip like GI Joe!

Reading with John, Emily, and Star

American Girl!

After several delays, Abby and Emily FINALLY made it to the American Girl store to pick out their new friends. Abby chose Molly; Emily chose....Emily. Emily is Molly's best friend, they share a name, and so she seemed the perfect choice. Em (as well as the rest of us!) were a bit overwhelmed by the crowd at the AG store. Silly adults - we didn't figure that every girl in metro area would be out shopping on a weekend close after Christmas. We'll know better next time! Papa plotted world domination of the AG furniture market by having us take surreptitious pictures of all the dollies' habitats. Be on the lookout for furniture postings in the future! Emily has fallen in love with Emily and takes her everywhere she goes. She compulsively brushes her hair, changes her into PJs each night, and then carefully tucks her into her tiny bed with a sweet kiss at bedtime. I never would have thought she would have become so enamored with a doll - she's always been a stuffed animal girl! Glad that she's so delighted with Santa's gift!

Ladybug Luncheon

All the ladybugs and ladyboys got together this week and had a great time acting like we were back in high school. Surely we burned off enough calories laughing to offset all the calories we took in from that cheeseball! Love to you and yours - Let's get together again soon!

Happy New Year!

2010 was great. Let's hope that 2011 will be just as wonderful!

A little picnic at the Andersons.

Loving the bunk beds

Cocktails before bedtime

And again for breakfast!

White Christmas 2010

When does it ever snow on Christmas? So exciting. We bundled up and headed out for some snowy fun.

Even Star got to put on her new coat and boots to go out and play!

Merry Christmas 2010!

What a wonderful day! I think we all agreed that this was a pretty spectacular Christmas. And to top it all off - snow on Christmas Day! Emily slept in on Christmas and didn't get up until nearly 9:00. Why doesn't this happen any other day? I had time to get in a cup of coffee and some quiet time before the Christmas madness began and Donald had time to get the ham into the oven, plus bake the breakfast sausage balls. Notice that I am conspicuously absent from any kitchen preparations. I think I'll let the pictures speak for themselves! Merry Christmas!

Santa knows about the popularity of peace signs.

I love how nosy the cats are.

Gotta have candy money on Christmas!

Her stuffed turtle!

iCarly books!

Love the cool look that she's giving the camera

The cats loved their new mice from Emily - courtesy of the Secret Santa Shop.

I've posted a picture of myself with no makeup. Can you believe it?

Yum!

Hard at work decorating her new purse. Yep, that's a pomegranate by her foot. Santa knows what she likes.

Trying out the new WiiDraw.

Christmas at the White House! I love brown paper.

Playing the Wii with all her new friends around her.

Favorite new Christmas ornaments

I love the ornaments that she made at school this year!

A gift from a parent - Emily loves it!

Helping Cici open her present. She was very excited about all the gifts she picked out for everyone!

New Twinkletoe boots!

What could Papa's surprise be?

Beds for the babies that match the beds he made for them! Too bad he had to sacrifice the end of one of his fingers to make them!

Loving their special gift.

Emily and Star are tucked in for the night.