Drake Ave Block Party

I've been very late in getting a post together about our fab-u-lous block party. Seriously, it was amazing. What a great place to live.

There were games (volleyball, egg toss, bounce house), there was music (and dancing, at least by me and the girls) and there was food and drinks for all.
Jacqueline insisted on playing the egg toss so Shannon and Jani were there for her (which was a good thing). She [they] didn't win but they made an excellent showing.
Even ex-neighbors came by to join the fun.

A spectacular save by Jani (and a cringe by Jon?) in the egg toss.
And last but not least our own Drake Avenue band concert playing an outstanding version of "Mary had a little lamb". What party is complete without that I ask you?

Awesome job Jani (and party planning committee), I can't wait to see this tradition grow in years to come.

Happy Birthday Jacqueline

3 Years old, now that is an accomplishment.  As you can see 3 is an age of "independent style".  She is wearing her "rose dress" which is the same dress you will remember from the girls 2006 christmas card. 
The theme for the party was "TJ Bear".  I think this was as much Ashton's idea as Jacqueline's but Judy did an excellent job coming through on this request making the cake version (on the left) look even cuter then the original.
Auntie Suzie and Judy discussing the particulars of the birthday celebration.  Again I did a poor job getting photos of all those at the party.  Attendees included Jani, Grandpa Bob, Tasha, Jordyn, Suzie, Judy, Jennifer (Sophie's mom) and our family.  
Neighbor Sophie joined the party.  Honorary guest who was also celebrating her birthday on the same day.  Jacqueline went to her party in the morning.
Ashton was a big help, she was in charge of picking out the balloons and helping me decorate while Jacqueline and Bob went to Sophie's party.

New Haircuts

Decided to cut off some length from the girls hair.  Ashton's is getting really long and Jacqueline has been reluctant (the nicest way to put it) to have her hair brushed these days.  

As a result we took a good 2 inches off Ashton's and got Jaq a bob.  I'm looking forward to having a lot less hair to deal with in the mornings and I have to say that I'm surprised at how great Jacqueline looks with her haircut.  I talked her into it calling it a "Dora" haircut but realistically it's much more of a "Madeline" look to me.  

After the haircuts we went to see Wall-E which everyone liked but Ashton was not super enthusiastic about.  Given that it was in the high 90's today it certainly beat out the alternatives.