Jolly Happy Soul Girl

The other day we were at my mom and dad's and Anneliese says, "Omi - I'm a jolly, happy SOUL girl!" Yes. Yes you are Anneliese. Merry Christmas from my jolly, happy soul girls!

Sweet, Sweet May

From New Album 12/17/09 7:52 PM

From New Album 12/17/09 7:52 PM

From New Album 12/17/09 7:52 PM

From New Album 12/17/09 7:52 PM

From New Album 12/17/09 7:52 PM

We lost our sweet, sweet May a couple of weeks ago. Blake and I got her the first Christmas we were married, so she stuck around for a great 9 years. We could not have asked for a better dog, especially with the girls. She was the sweetest and most patient dog model you've ever seen and is so missed. OK, if I'm really being honest here - Blake and I (and especially Fletch) are the ones missing her. Anneliese and Kate just see an opening for a new dog. But I CAN say that other dogs may come and go - but there will never be another Maybelle. And even though Fletch put on a good show, like May was merely an annoyance, he's taking it the hardest. That last picture was taken right before I had to take her to the vet. We love you May!

50's Day

50's day at Meadowlark - what a fine excuse to make a poodle skirt and insist Kate wear her hair in a ponytail! Fun times!

Coffee Break

Here's the scene. My mom (Omi) is having some coffee. Anneliese says, "I want some coffee." Mom thinks, "suuuuure, have your sip, see that you don't like it and that's that." Anneliese takes a big swig and says, "Yum! I'll get my cup."

Since no one in the Shotwell family drinks coffee, Anneliese now has to get her fix at Omi and Pappa's. Mom and Dad will get their coffee ready, Anneliese gets her cup, requests a snack, pulls her stool up to the table and they all have a coffee break. How civilized indeed.

Happy Halloween!

OK. Seriously? More rain? We have had the most beautiful weeks followed by the rainiest weekends. Fortunately even the rain couldn't dampen the spirits of a grass fairy and a pink fairy. And I got to do fancy makeup and hair, which was all I needed! (well, that and some "borrowed" halloween candy!) Oh, and puppy pumpkin. Trick-or-treat!

Do you want a makeover?

Because Kate and Anneliese will give you one in a skinny minute! And if you're not interested, there's a line of animals just waiting to get in to the Kate and Anneliese Makeover Hot Seat. Check out those "after" shots!

Happy Birthday Anneliese!

Anneliese finally hit the big 3! To celebrate, we had a great afternoon of pin-the-tail-on-the-dry-erase-easel-donkey, swinging (on the spankin' new swingset), cake and PRESENTS! Everything was a huge hit, and the Princess Vanity (scored for $8 at a clothing exchange - WOO HOO!) has definitely earned its keep! Oh yeah - and the swords. Definitely the swords. Styrofoam is a much more pleasant way to be hit in the face than cedar branch. All for one and one for ALL!