The Fairfax County Fair...

Paige's Graduation

Happy Belated Birthday, Paige!

Yes, I know her birthday was two months ago! But here are some pictures from her fabulous 5th ice-skating birthday party. I don't have any on-hand of the actual skating, but here are some from the pizza/cake part of the festivities.

Only one kid went home with stitches...pretty good for 12 5-year-olds who had never skated before!

My Mom iced the spectacular Little Mermaid cake!

The Cowan/Racich saga continues...

Most of you know Paige's little "boyfriend", Conard. They have been in preschool together for three years and have pretty much been inseparable. Well, his younger brother, Joseph (2), and Sloane have begun to play together very well. This week we had a playdate with all four...and here are some pics! So cute.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Thank you, grandpa, for making a fabulous homemade pasta/shrimp dish for dinner last week! The kids and I love shrimp - and he even got Doug some meatballs to substitute :) Very, very yummy.

And it's Fresca - we haven't introduced wine to Paige yet. She loves being a "big girl", though.

I have the cutest kids ever, by the way.

First 2008 Snow

Disney and Homecomings

I'm tired, so this is going to be brief. We had a wonderful trip to Disneyworld. Paige was thoroughly surprised and ecstatic to be there. I was just as enthralled with the princesses as she was... I included a couple of pictures.

Also, I'm happy to say that my brother is home from Iraq. I know he's happy to be home and catching up on lots of hugs and kisses. Thanks to everyone who has kept him in their prayers and thoughts.

Love to all!

Turkey, Croup and Santa

Well, we had quite an eventful four days. My parents came up for Thanksgiving and we had a great time. However, Paige started running a 104 degree fever Thanksgiving night. She didn't eat dinner and asked to go to bed at 6:15pm. I was up with her pretty much all night. I felt so bad for the kid. She couldn't stop coughing and her fever just would NOT break. Finally, things seemed to get better around 5:30am. So Friday my mom and dad laid around with her watching movies. They also took both girls so Doug and I could have some time alone. We were going to see a movie, but couldn't even get into the mall - so we went shopping instead. It was fun to walk leisurely around without children! Mom and I also took advantage of some sales on Friday...shopped for about four hours and I'm done with the girls Christmas shopping! yippee!! All in all, it was a nice family weekend and I'm sad they had to leave this afternoon! Paige is doing better...I'm hoping we have a smooth night and no fever in the morning!!

Oh, I almost forgot the Santa trip. Paige was excited to visit Santa with Grammy and Poppy. We went to Tysons Galleria (only a 10 minute wait!) because I love how authentic their Santa looks. Anyway. I think the picture speaks for itself. Paige didn't talk to Santa, but he kept her on his lap chatting about things for awhile. Sloane couldn't get away fast enough. Oh well, maybe next year! It reminded me so much of Paige's Santa picture in December 2004, that I attached that one, as well!

Hope everyone had a great turkey day. Love to all.

Trick or Treat!

Here are some pics of our Minnie Mouse and panda bear. Sloane didn't quite make it to the trick-or-treating, but she attended Paige's preschool party. Paige was bouncing off the walls all day and had a great time tonight. She's now in a sugar coma :) Hope everyone had a great day! The other pictures are from our trip to Cox Farm and some other random ones from the month.

Weekend weddings and picnics

Doug's mom got married on Saturday. All four grand-daughters wore matching dresses...it was ADORABLE.

In the Cowan household the last two Sundays we've had picnics for dinner. This entails laying out the "Neat Sheet" and everyone eating on the family room floor while watching football. It's fun! Although, I think I'll steer clear of orzo next time...what a mess.

Belated First Day of School...

Yes, this is what my child picked out to wear to school. I'm trying not to quelch her creativity at the moment. Sloane was very excited to drive her to school :)

A picture with Mommy in it... *gasp*

Denise was kind enough to take a picture of me with the girls. I'll post more pictures of her visit, but couldn't pass up posting this picture. I just cut off 4 inches of my hair, so it was an especially traumatic day :) Hope everyone is well.