Happy Birthday to Us!

Sixteen years ago I became an Aunt, got my drivers license and started dating. Ten years later I am an aunt to ten, I got my Oregon drivers license a couple days ago and I have been married 4 1/2 years. Crazy! This weekend we celebrated Kelsey's (My 10 year old niece. I can't believe she is 10!) birthday and my birthday. Don't we look fabulous blowing out the candles on our cakes?












My sister had a crazy week AND we had Kelsey's birthday part earlier in the day AND we went to Forgotten Carols in the afternoon, but we still had a little bit of energy to have a little party for me. I got some fantastic gifts and the best part was being with my family.














I LOVE juvenile literature and one of my favorite authors is Mo Willems. He has written Knuffle Bunny, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Knuffle Bunny Too, Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late, Leonardo the Terrible Monster and several others. So, this picture is of me opening Knuffle Bunny. That reaction is completely genuine. I LOVE Knuffle Bunny and I have been wanting a plush Knuffle Bunny to show the kids at school! She also gave me a plush Pigeon and he says "Let me drive the Bus!". They are so cute and I LOVE LOVE LOVE them.














Holly, Knuffle Bunny and The Pigeon














Dawson was a very good present helper. He is going to LOVE Christmas!
















It is becoming a very nice tradition that Jenna likes to get me cute socks! I love socks with designs or holiday themes so I look forward to the socks that Jenna gets me.













Here is the other birthday girl! Did I mention I can't believe how old she is? I had the privilege of being there when she was born and it was truly the most miraculous event I have ever witnessed. She was the first niece and she is so special to me. She is so smart and she just got a part in her school play.














We also have a newish tradition of doing Christmas Crackers on my birthday! If you don't know what a Christmas Cracker is then you must not be watching enough British television. A cracker is a cardboard tube that has a small prize, a crown and a joke inside. Two people hold on to each end and then you pull. There is a loud crack and then you get to see the prizes inside. People in the UK have them at Christmas and other special occasions (I'm pretty sure! Like I know what I'm about!) They sell them at costco and I love them!



























The Dans checking out their super cool prizes. They ranged from corkscrew, pocket mirror, yo-yo and lipstick case!













Me and my honey in our cracker crowns!! We were going to make Marzipan fruits and vegetables, but we were all really tired so we watched The Polar Express. It was a great day and I love my family so so much! Thanks everyone!