Kicking Off the Birthday Season

Today was the official start of the holidays for Laura and Karl, as we celebrated birthdays today with Aly (November 3rd) and Emily (November 26th). Laura (December 6th) and Karl (November 24th) had a great time with the Schneider half of their Meissner cousins (confused yet?).

Laura(8), Aly(7), Karl(6), Emily(5). Since everyone has a different cake preference, Tanya and Jeff wisely brought an assortment of cupcakes.

Laura's candle was stubborn, and wouldn't go out!

Finally, time for presents! These poor kids had to pose for pictures with the first ones, since they were from Steve and Megan (in South Dakota) and we had to get pictures.

Yay! Jammies and slippers!

Karl had been waiting to perform for this party, because he knew Aunt Tanya plays guitar too, so the party guests got the full run-down of Karl's repertoire: "Hot Cross Buns," "Mary Had a Little Lamb," and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."

Laura played "O Christmas Tree" and "How Much Wood Can a Woodchuck Chuck."

The rapt audience.

The kids sneaked in a quick game of freeze tag before the girls had to go home.

And here are Laura and Karl after their baths tonight. Thank you for the cute pajamas, Steve and Megan!