Braces!

Tristan has been wearing a retainer-like appliance called a bionator since January 2007. The next step to correct his open bite was braces. The day finally arrived. Here he is before . . . And after!

So far he had to forgo the chips and salsa at Azteca, and we had a little popcorn party last night. Wish him luck as he endures 2 years without beef jerky, popcorn and skittles!

Birthday Festivities

Check out this party crowd!! Karina and 6 friends ate, played and partied at Karina's first sleepover birthday party! This is Korin, Brianna, Julia, Kassidy, Emma, Madison & the birthday girl.The happy guest of honor.

Juggling balloons on their noses . . .

The theme of the party was dogs. Tristan made up a fun obstacle course to complete while walking on all fours.

Each girl got a dog dish with her name on it. They also ate dessert out of it and took it home filled with goodies the next day.

Part of the obstacle course (boys will be boys!) . . .

Karina with Julia & Brianna

Here she is after opening her family gifts on the night of her birthday.

Another cake!

Lots of great cards and gifts from family near and far. . .

Obviously she had a pretty great birthday. Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate! What a fun age 9 is!

My Little Girl is Growing up!

I love the blog entries of friends showing how their kids have grown over the years. I wanted to do this to celebrate my beautiful daughter's 9th birthday! She is so full of energy and always has a smile on her face. I love to see her skip down the sidewalk, laugh with friends, hug the dog, and play with her stuffed animals. It's those sweet moments I cherish as she gradually grows out of being a little girl.

Here is Karina at 5 days old: And at 3 years old:

At four:

Five: Six

Seven

Eight

And my next post will be all about her 9th birthday! I love you, Karina!