Christmas Eve Letter

Irina wanted to write a letter to Santa this year to leave with his cookies and milk. For weeks she's been going on and on with the things she wanted him to bring. Thankfully, she didn't change her mind much which made shopping for her easy! I think the funniest part is she dictated the entire letter. She knew exactly what she wanted to say.

Dear Santa,
I have been a VERY good girl this year.
Things that I have done that are good

• No screaming
• No yelling
• No biting
• No scratching
• Sharing
• Help Mommy
• Show Respect
• Manners
• Use my listening ears

Things I want for Christmas

• Makeup
• Barbies
• A card I can read
• Princess movies
• Princess dresses
• Big girl bike

Love,
Irina (she signed her name)

Christmas Eve

Making cookies for Santa











Christmas Eve dinner at the McMahon's.













Irina and Mommy with the milk and cookies for Santa.

Irina and the Pups

Rommel and Irina

Luci, not exactly thrilled with her Santa hat, and Irina, in Daddy's uniform top.

Just an Afternoon...

Rommel and Luci hanging out.

Irina eating yogurt, cracking herself up.

Baking Cookies

Irina and Daddy spent Sunday afternoon baking cookies she then passed out to the neighbors.
There's just something about Father-Daughter time :-)







She was excited to bake cookies.











Somebody loves her Daddy....

Courtney Holiday Festival

Each of the bases has a festival to celebrate the holidays. We went to the festival on Courtney this year with Lissie, Gonzo and their son, Axel.





Irina with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.







Irina and Axel on the airplane ride. She, of course, had to be in control of the handle that made them go up and down. Thankfully, Axel is very laid back and realizes that Grass women just need to have their way. :-)







Irina being silly and Axel on the train.













Irina riding the pony. She's already asking to do it again.











Looking a little tired.....with her Santa hat.









Irina and Axel 'beating eachother up' with the BIG pink panthers they won.

Christmas Party

Last Friday night was Robert's work's Christmas Party. It was a catered event which was nice....I didn't have to cook anything for it!





They called each child up to give them with their gift from Santa. She kept complaining..."Mommy it's taking too long".
She couldn't wait for her turn.







Happy to finally be in his lap...










Smile :-)









Barbie Ariel who goes in the bath....Oh my...Somebody must have been a VERY good girl this year!











Looking out from the bouncy house...

Tengan Castle

The restaurant on base, Tengan Castle, has a Family Dinner night every Thursday. We went last week with some of our friends. She had a great time!




Working on her craft...









She worked very hard....












All done!











Daddy is very proud of her!












Robert and Axel being silly...









Look at what she won.....a Barbie Collectible!!!










Ella and Irina with their prizes....

Gymnastics

Irina has finally transferred over to the "Big Girl" Preschool Gymnastics Class. They had wanted to move her up after her Mommy and Me Classes began but we had to wait until there was an opening that worked with our already busy schedule.




All ready and excited for her class to start....













Doing her Kangaroo Jump...









Waiting in line for her next turn...










Doing her flip.....










Balance Beam....












Coach Holly helping her out.....

Dance Class...Saying Goodbye

We had to say goodbye to Ms. Tara recently. Irina took ballet/tap with her on McT and then down on Kadena. She's now out on maternity leave and will be PCSing this summer. Ms. Tara's patience with young children is amazing. Irina has loved her classes!

The Marine Corps Ball 2008

Yes, I realize it's a month or so after the Ball. But, I had to wait until others sent me pictures.




Pic of Us












Pic of me with some of my Stroller Strides Moms....Stephanie, Tracy and Joy.









Robert with 2 of his Marines...

Thanksgiving 2008

Together with some of our neighbors, we had a BIG Thanksgiving feast.
We were all having a great time, up to when Irina got sick. Poor thing spent the next 8+ hours not feeling well.





Axel and Irina










View from our front door...









Jackie, Aubrey, Kennedy and Irina










The kids getting ready to enjoy the bounce house.









Getting her juice ready...

Some November Pics

Irina ready for her FIRST sleepover...ever!
Mommy was nervous...she did great!












She had her bag packed, her blanket and her stuffed Luci.











The double-decker dog bus....Luci and Rommel asleep on their favorite chair.