The Happy Hollister's

Family Day!

2010-09-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

So I just found out that today is Family Day, A Day to Eat Dinner with your Kids! Did you not know about it either, well whew, I thought I was the only one. Well apparently it is recognized as a National Day of Observance the last Monday of every September. I found a great website called e-mealz that is taking it to a full week and they are providing a "Family Week" menu, so you can just go shopping and poof have a great dinner on the table. I'm going to try it out on my two little picky eaters to see how they like the food, then that will determine if I subscribe to their pre-planned menu. I generally put my own menu together, but if I can pay a small fee to have someone else do that for me, then by all means I will do it.

So more to come....

Wedding Cupcakes

2010-09-19T13:51:00.001-07:00

I offered to make 125 cupcakes and a 9" cake for a friends wedding. They decided to go with a Red Velvet cake and a cream cheese frosting. I ended up finding a fantastic Red Velvet ckae recipe on the New York Time recipes that was adapted from "The Confetti Cakes Cookbook" by Elisa Strauss. The Cream Cheese frosting was pretty much your typical Cream Cheese recipe, but I did use the one from Paula Deen. I also add a little something extra in the middle a Cream Cheese Mousse filling, which I adapted from the JELL-O/Kraft Foods website for their Firecracker Bites. I also went with a finishing touch, the chocolate double hearts, which I think turned out great.

Cupcakes complete with dollop of cream cheese frosting a double heart on top.

The finished product, presented at the wedding along with the 9" four layer cake.

S'Mores Cupcakes

2010-09-19T13:34:00.001-07:00

I decided the other day that I wanted to attempt the S'mores Cupcakes from the Martha Stewart Cupcakes book. I'm not sure why but my cupcakes were more of a blonde color then a dark chocolate as shown in her book. I wasn't a complete fan of the cupcake and maybe it was because I used the only Graham flour that I could find which was Bob's Red Mill Graham Flour, which was a whole wheat variety. Well after all is said and done, the teenagers that I made them for ate them all, so overall I think they were a success.

Creaming the butter and sugar together

Yummy, I think this is always my favorite part of baking.

See in the picture, they appear to have cocoa in them, but no where in the directions does it call for cocoa. I'm using the pampered chef big scoop, which I love for cupcakes.

All pretty and ready for the oven.

Making the chocolate ganache for the filling.

So sily smooth, yum...yum.

Now making the marshmallow topping. This was real marshmallows after it setup, I think I'm more of a marshmallow cream fan for S'Mores Cupcakes.

Filling with the fabulous Chocolate filling.

I let them set up for a little bit before adding the marshmallow topping.

Done! I couldn't find my husbands torch so I couldn't make them with the brown edges.

Pretty Flowers

2010-09-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine brought Kennedy over a little treat last night, these darling flower head bands and clips. Kennedy was so excited that she was trying to wear two at a time. My friends says they are so simple to make and I can't wait to try making them myself.

We got 4 different headbands and 1 clip

Kennedy in her favorite.

She loves pink!

First Day of School

2010-09-01T15:31:00.001-07:00

Well Kennedy and Colin were off today on their first day of school. Actually in about 10 mins I need to go meet Colin at the bus to see how his first day of 1st grade went. The kids had their clothes all picked out the night before and Colin was so excited that he wanted to wait for the bus almost an hour early.

Finally

2010-08-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

Finally made a decision on which fabrics I'm going to use. Decided on two Robert Kauffman items.

Monaluna Metro Cafe

Caleb Gray Groove Dot - Licorice Fabric

Apron Ideas

2010-08-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

So I think I may have found the fabric for my Apron for the Back to the Future Apron Swap. I'm excited as my selected partner wants a 50's style full bib apron. Looking at her blog I can see that she herself has a hip 50's style, just laid back and really cool looking, so with that I fell upon this new line called Metro Cafe from Robert Kaufman. I LOVE IT!!! I really have fallen in love with the Mixers in Creme, but since her favorite color is Red and this apron is for her, I guess I better go with the Red, or maybe I'll go with the creme and do Red Polka Dots as she says she also loves Polka Dots...Hmmm, the decisions.

Toasters in Creme

Blenders in Red

Mixers in Red

Mixers in Creme

I'm back!

2010-08-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

Yep, you heard me right, I am back to blogging. I know that I have been missing for over a year, but figure why wait any longer and what a perfect time to start blogging again as I've joined another Flirty Apron Swap. This time the theme is Back to the Future, how fun will that be.

Oreo Truffles

2008-12-22T19:46:00.000-08:00

While I was looking at my long list of favorite blogs I came upon this recipe for Oreo Truffles by Becky Higgins. I have been a fan of Becky ever since I got into scrapbooking, so I thought I would give her family recipe a try. The recipe is so simple, but with a little chocolate and a few sprinkles this can become a lovely holiday treat.

Becky Higgins Oreo Truffles topped with Mint Chocolate and Christmas sprinkles

You can't catch me I'm the Gingerbread House??

2008-12-17T20:55:00.000-08:00

Almost 2 years ago I purchased a Gingerbread house that had everthing included and for one reason or another we never got around to doing it until tonight. Colin had so much fun and as you can see from below Kennedy did as well.

Colin getting ready to decorate the house.

Kennedy decided to take this time to play with Daddy.

But would take a quick candy break...

over and....

over again.

Colin was so into every part of it. So careful to put just the right piece of candy.

The finished master piece.

O Christmas Tree

2008-12-17T20:44:00.000-08:00

So weekend before last we decided to head to our favorite tree farm in Damcus and pick out our Christmas tree. We all climbed into old blue and off we went.

Here is Colin all excited to get the Christmas tree.

Daddy and Kennedy

Kennedy leading the way

Oops, watch out for that stump.

Colin helping out Kennedy

Playing around while Mom looks for that perfect tree.

Daddy showing Colin how to cut down the tree

The boys and their tree.

The finished tree.

It's already December 17th....

2008-12-17T20:08:00.000-08:00

So it appears that I have missed a lot going on in December. Firsts things first I forgot to post a picture of an apron that I made for my friends birthday, which was in November. This apron is called a Twirl apron and I really fell in love with the fabric colors and the pattern.

Alright, next in line was the news about Colin's first official black eye. He got a good switch in the face by a tree branch while playing in the woods when Mom and Dad said not too. There is always a reason why you should listen to Mom & Dad. His black eye lastest for about 2 weeks. It was pretty knarly, which these photos don't do justice.

Let's see we had to redo Colin's 5th birthday party since he got sick on his actualy party date in November. I think I took the news worse then he did. One thing is that I wasn't really ready this year. I spent way to much time thinking about his invitation and then when that didn't work out I spent even longer trying to figure another option. Either way we ended up having his party the first weekend in December and he loved it.

First lego man that you saw when entering the house

Another lego guy in the family room

Little chocolate lego men for the kids.

2nd and final invitation for his party.

First attempt. This was made using the Lego Digitizer program.

Then of course I had to create a redo party invite, which I came up with this one.

Last Apron of the year!

2008-12-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

Last apron swap for the year and just in the nick of time. This latest apron swap was a Holiday swap, where the apron was to be either a cookie/winter/holiday theme. As you can see I chose the Holiday theme since my partner left it up to me. I was all excited about this swap, but found that the recent holiday left me making the apron at the very last minute. After all said and done, I think it turned out pretty cute. Enclosed with the apron, which was wrapped in a darling Christmas polka dot take-out box, I also put in a Christmas tree cookie cutter and a really good sugar cookie recipe. I hope my partner enjoys her apron and treats. Now off to the post office....

Apron pattern from "A is for Apron", style is The Waldorf

The apron with ties

Our Fall so far...

2008-11-08T23:08:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Halloween 2008

2008-11-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

We started out our Halloween evening over at the Neighbor's house for some dinner and good fun. Then we left for an almost 2 hour walk around the neighborhood. The evening was perfect, I didn't even have to wear a coat and the kids just kept walking and walking.

Colin as a Power Ranger

Our little ladybug, well the backside of her.

Mr. Muscles

Power Ranger ready to go and Ladybug just wanting to go somewhere.

She wasn't liking the costume and wanted it off.

Apron #2

2008-10-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

For the latest Apron Swap "Hot Drinks for Hot Mama's", my partner's favorite drink is Mulling Spices. So this is what I came up with for her. The shape of the pockets on this apron made me think of picking apples as they open wide. In the package that I sent to her I added a few goodies of Mulling Spices as well as Votives in the scent of Mulling Spice. I sure hope she likes it.

Today

2008-10-14T23:04:00.000-07:00

Today during lunch I was able to stop by my friend Sharma's house for a quick little playdate. Since Colin is at school, Kennedy and I went over. We enjoyed everyone's company and Kennedy loved Astrid's necklace. :-)

First Apron

2008-09-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

I joined an Apron Swap last month and for those of you that are saying, "What is an Apron Swap"? An Apron Swap is when you are given a partner to make or purchase an apron for. The swap usually has a theme for you to follow. For this particular swap was the theme was "What I wish I did over Summer vacation". So my partner wanted to go to Mexico and when I saw this fabric I instantly thought of Mexico. So I have to say that for being my first Apron, I think I did pretty good. I certainly hope she enjoys it as I can't wait to make another one.

My Little Girl

2008-09-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

A couple weekends ago my Parents and Grandparents watched Kennedy for the weekend while the rest of the Hollister's went camping. During her visit she got her first pedicure and still loves it (as I haven't taken it off yet).

Little toes

My little girl continues to show her true colors. Kennedy has started out young with a purse and shoe addiction. I'm not sure where she got that from....hmm....:-)

Mom's Purse, has to take everything out

Yes, she is not even two years old yet and has more shoes then the average adult.

Trying to decide on which shoes to wear for the moment.

2008-08-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

Beach Bunco Party
I decided to have a bunco party with the Moms from my moms group and I had to go with a theme, which I decided on a Beach party. We had so much fun.

The Entrance to the Cabana!

Decorations

Party Favors (Little suitcases filled with Salt Water Taffy)

The inside of the Cabana

The joys of summer

2008-08-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

While the sun was shining the other day Kennedy and I went outside to enjoy the weather. She soon found Colin's toys and thought what a perfect time to play with them since brother wasn't around.

What do you have Mom?

A cold otter pop (popsicle) just for you.

Hot Wheels

2008-07-31T15:53:00.000-07:00

I came downstairs to feed the kids this morning and this is what I saw on the table. Colin had lined up his Hot Wheels in a half circle with each of the cars two wheels hanging off the edge of the table. I tried to capture this as good as I could, but I couldn't pass up the photo.

Jolly Willz

2008-07-30T15:29:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest and greatest in my embroidery applique world. I created this for a friend of mine. I think my favorite part of the pirate shirt is the Parrot.

4th of July/1st Soccer Game

2008-07-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

Oops, I guess I'm a little late in posting. I wanted to show a couple of updates as we have had a Holiday along with Colin's first soccer game.
The 4th was a lot of fun, as we walked the 3rd annual Hiddenbrook 4th of July Parade. The parade starts at the Fisher's Landing school parking lot and ends at the park where there is a small BBQ lunch for everyone to enjoy. Each year we decorate Colin's bike and for some reason I couldn't find the decorations I bought, so luckily his bike was red and we through on some white balloons and he wore blue, so it all worked out.

Colin's bike half done.

Chad and Kennedy watching Colin get ready.

So on July 8th we had Colin's first soccer game. He had so much fun, but wasn't quite sure what to do with the ball, so he would just stand and watch the game. At least he wasn't picky the grass like some other kids were. :-) He also got to choose his number and so he is 16 and he loves how his shirt has his name and number on the back.

Making notes on what to do, while the other team makes a goal.

Colin got to kick the ball into the game

It was a very hot day.

Reversible Purse

2008-06-27T23:45:00.001-07:00

Well I finally made the reversible purse that was seen on Martha. It was so easy, until the very end when I had to turn in the sides of each of the handles 1/4" and sew a seam. For some reason I couldn't get the darn things to turn in. Anyway, I finally got it done and like the outcome, but there has to be an easier way of doing the final part. I was planning on giving it to a friend for her birthday, but I'm not sure I give the "Kellie, seal of approval" for the stitching. We will see. I will certainly make more.

And a Star is Born...

2008-06-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

...well almost. We went to our first Soccer practice last night for Colin. He immediately came home after school and started putting on his soccer gear. Of course, I had to explain that he had a couple hours before we were to leave. He is playing for the Vancouver Parks and Recs team for 4 1/2 - 5 year olds. The kids got to pick the name last night for the team and guess what the name I suggested won. So we are now the Yellowjackets (shirt color is yellow, so hence the name). Our first game is Tuesday (July 8th) at 5:40pm at Fisher Basin Park.

Getting Ready

Passing the ball

Here we go...

Hood River, OR

2008-06-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

For a little Anniversary surprise, I scheduled some time away from the kids and took Chad to near by Hood River, OR. This small little town was just what we needed. My parents took care of the kids, or was that the other around? Allowing Chad and I to have some fun out on our own. We spent 3 days and 2 nights in Hood River and on the way home stopped by the 2nd largest year round waterfall in the nation, Multnomah Falls. We decided that we were to climb to the top of the falls and enjoy the view. Well the climb itself was a sure surprise to me! I think I about passed out, but I did make it. Honestly I think the marker of just 1.0 miles up to the top was wrong as it felt more like it was 10.0 miles and straight up. We certainly enjoyed our little trip, thanks again Mom and Papa!

The Falls

The very top of the Falls

Watch out...

Yes, that is me all red faced, but I made it to the top.

The Happy couple!

Our little sunshine

2008-05-19T15:55:00.000-07:00

Kennedy has figured out the stairs and loves going up and then waits for Mom to come and get her. She also loves Colin's hats, doesn't like the cute ones I put on her, but will wear Colin's all day.

Here she is showing off her new shades!

Dozer Day 2008!

2008-05-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 17th was Dozer Day. This is wear kids get to drive a bulldozer, excavator or tractor. This year Chad wasn't able to join us, so it was just myself with the two kids. The 95 degree weather was a little bit more then I could take, but overall it was a great day.

This is what we rode to get to the top of the hill for Dozer day!

Colin loved every moment.
He was so excited he was skipping.
Climbing the small excavator
Look at the dirt on his face... Just a wee bit hot (see sweat)
What we waited in line for. He was concentrating so hard that he didn't even smile.

Digging in the big sand pile, just like at Grandpa and Grandma's

Running through the tunnels

One final picture before we had to leave.

A few scratches, but all was well.
Kennedy was so happy to finally be in an air conditioned car.

Mother's Day Tea

2008-05-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

Today, Colin's school had a special Mother's Day tea. We arrived at the school at 9:30am where tables were dressed in pink table covers and flowers in the center. Colin was so excited to see me that he almost knocked me over. We proceeded to sit down and the kids served the Moms a wonderful Blueberry Crumb Cake that they all helped make, fresh Strawberries and grapes. Of course a tea party isn't a tea party with tea so the option of having iced tea or hot tea was also available. Colin truly enjoyed bringing me my food and wanted to make sure that I ate every last bit. I do have to say that the crumb cake was pretty tasty. After everyone enjoyed their cake and tea the kids all lined up and sang to songs. During the lining up our little Col got a little sad as he wanted to be next to his good friend Zachary. Well all was good once he was able to stand next to him, but on the top riser. After finishing the songs they gave out the flowers and a shadow picture of themselves with a darling poem.

The kids getting lined up to sing.

Colin sad because he couldn't stand next to Zachary
Happy again, with Mom's flower
Sad because he loved the flower too much that it broke.
What a wonderful Mother's Day gift!

Our little photographer

2008-04-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

So Colin asked to use the camera tonight and so I gave him our older Kodak to use. I showed him how to use it and allowed him to go around the house while I stayed in the computer room. When he came back we downloaded the pictures. I was pretty impressed with what he had captured on camera. I loved his point of view and here are some of those photos. Enjoy!

Firetruck!

Photo of Colin!

Dinner!

Kennedy's Dinner!

Self Portrait!

The Easter Bunny came late...

2008-04-06T11:07:00.001-07:00

Well we found these little Bunnies hoping through the house and just knew that we had to capture the moment.

Our littlest Bunny

"Get this off of me"...
"I want to wear it too!"

Camas Fire Department Open House

2008-04-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

Today, April 5th, I (Chad stayed home to work on the truck) took Colin and Kennedy to the local fire house for their open house. They had a little bit of everything for the entire family. They had local businesses their with booths giving away free stuff about safety, I even got 3 reams of Georgia Pacific Copy Paper for the printer. Clowns were there for the kids (which Colin was not a fan of). Plus they had demonstrations of their K9 unit. Colin's favorite was getting the Fire Badge Tattoo and using the hose to put out the "fire", the ladder truck and eating his hot dog. It was a great morning.

His Fire Badge Tattoo

The Ladder Truck
The back of the ladder truck
Taking Aim...
getting the fire out.

There even was a train engineer their talking about safety of trains. Colin on the way says, "Mom, how am I going to be a train conductor and a fireman when I grow up?" Pretty much, I told him that he could do one in the morning and then in the afternoon do the other. :-)

Happy Birthday to Kennedy!!

2008-03-24T09:43:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to You... Kennedy turned the big 0-1 Sunday, March 23rd. Since of course this was Easter we celebrated her birthday on Saturday with friends and family. We certainly had a house full of people, but we had a great time. I went with a cupcake theme this year and it seemed to be a big hit. I even made a game for the older kids, "Pin-the-candle on the Cupcake". I think it was a winner.

The Giant Cupcake and little cupcakes.

The Favors (Peppermint Patties)
Pin the Candle on the Cupcake Game
the Birthday girl
Having a taste of Sugar for the first time

Easter is coming...

2008-03-24T09:13:00.001-07:00

Between all the party planning and swimming lessons, we had to make sure to dye Easter eggs this year. So on Thursday (3/20), I promised Colin that we would make Easter eggs. He was so excited. His favorite color was blue, and you could certainly tell from his hands.

The Setup...

Colin looking for the best egg to use...

Daddy gets into the action as well...

Look it's blue...Picking the right Transformer Sticker to use...
The perfect egg!

Our little Fish

2008-03-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

Well the Happy Hollister's have become the Busy Hollister's. We started Colin in swimming at the local community center. We go every Tuesday and Thursday through the month of March. This is his first time back in the pool since we took him when he was around 9 months old. He certainly loves the water and has a lot of fun. The class is a beginning class that gets the kids use to water. The next class after this is to teach him to actually swim independently without anyone. Normally it takes kids a few turns in that class before they pass.

Here is Colin walking into the pool on his first day. More pictures to come when I bring the Nikon.

Snowman Soup

2008-02-10T20:48:00.001-08:00

So I decided to make some darling little boxes for some of my friends. I found this on one of the craft websites that I go to often and thought it was perfect. I wish I would have made them a few weeks ago when it was snowing, but still think they are so cute. They have the makings for a cup of cocoa, including a peppermint stick.

The finished boxes

Close up of the boxes The Poem "Snowman Soup"

Just Kennedy!

2008-02-09T21:37:00.001-08:00

Today while Chad and Colin went and got their haircut, Kennedy and I played around together. Kennedy just loves her blocks that Nana made for her. As you can see she tries to hold all of them at once. She also has a favorite book and screams and snorts (her new thing) when I get it out to read to her. You can see how she wrinkles up her nose to make her snorting sound. I will have to capture it someday on video, it is very cute.

Her teeth are finally in...

2008-02-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

So it has taken almost 11 months for Kennedy to get her first two teeth, but they are finally in. Rather then just one tooth at a time, both of them came in at the same time.

Just playing around

2008-02-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

So for Christmas I received Adobe Creative Suite CS3 and I haven't had a chance to play around with it yet. Today I sat down just see what I could do without getting out the book. Here is the picture that I changed and it was so fun. I can't wait to really learn what I can do with it.

Pottery Barn Decorating Class

2008-01-20T20:39:00.000-08:00

Today Sharma and I got up early and went to Pottery Barn to check out their decorating class. It was only an hour long, but was really neat. Of course I love anything that Pottery Barn does, so it was neat to see some ideas. Most of the tips I already knew, but the ideas were what I was there for.

Make a photobook - it's easy!

Playdate at the Knepper's

2008-01-14T07:55:00.001-08:00

This Sunday Colin, Kennedy and I were invited to a playdate over at the Knepper's house. Carrie Knepper is one of the Mom's in my Mom's group and has become a great friend. Unfortunately Colin is at school during the day so he doesn't get to play during the week like the rest of the kids. Having the playdate on the weekend was so much fun for us all. Astrid came over as well so it was 4 kids just running around having a blast.

Colin serving up some food.

Everyone playing together.
Colin having fun.
Kennedy with Sharma

Gotcha!

Miss K

2008-01-04T09:29:00.000-08:00

So the other day, I just had to get out the camera to capture some moments with Kennedy. She is getting so fast at crawling, that I fear walking is just around the corner.

Hello!

I'm coming...
Hello Again!

Colin's Classroom January Newsletter

2008-01-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! From the Butterfly Room,
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. It’s always so nice to spend time with family.
December was an incredibly busy month. The children spent a lot of time decorating our tree. They also enjoyed the coffee grinding work. I hope you all liked the Christmas presents you received from your child. They were all very excited to make something special for Mom and Dad.
Thanks for helping your child with the gift exchange. The children enjoyed presenting their friends with a gift. They were all very excited with the gift they received too! Thanks again!
Our adopted family came to meet the children and collect all the generous gifts that were donated. We all went downstairs and the children sang several songs for the family. Thank you for all the support.
We have a new little girl in our class. Madison Wick started on December, 3rd. She is very eager to learn and has adjusted very quickly to our environment. The children have all been very helpful to her and they all like her.
This month I will be adding food preparation. Banana slicing is always very popular. I ordered two new BINGO type games from Scholastic. One is the five senses the other is puzzle or sight words. I think the children will enjoy them.
December was a short month but still full of a variety of work

Colin has been working on counting and numbers with the spindle boxes. He also enjoys letter tracing and number tracing sheets.

Here is what Colin's friends are up to at school:
Ana Maria enjoys the doll house. She has been working on letter sound cards and sounding out words with the moveable alphabet
Bryson had two lessons on the snake game addition. He has also been introduced to multiplication using the bead bars.
Hayden enjoyed a new lesson on the snake game addition. He worked on parts of the Reindeer cards and made many ornaments for our tree.
Jackson does a lot of expression. He cuts, colors, and paints regularly. He also enjoys memory games using different Sensorial Materials.

Happy New Years 2008!

2008-01-01T19:50:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! Well the whole family rang in the new year over at The Johnson's house. I had caviar for the first time, but it was pretty darn good. Sharma made these things called Billini that were Buckwheat pancakes, with melted butter over the top, chopped onions a dolp of creme frache and caviar. I find that I prefer the "White Fish" caviar to the other kind. Colin and Astrid get a long so well, so while the adults were ringing in the New Year downstairs the kids were upstairs watching movies.

Sharma and Kellie

The kids!
The Caviar.

The Quilt

2007-12-29T17:26:00.000-08:00

So I took on a task of helping a friend who had lost her 6 year old boy last year to a tragic ATV accident. I made a quilt using all of his old clothes and then I had it put together and wrapped it up for her for an early Christmas present. Here is the finished result.

The finished quilt was 55"x68"

Some of the detail...
"In Loving Memory of Bryce Michael Baldwin"

Christmas Day

2007-12-29T17:12:00.000-08:00

Well, I think Christmas this year was fun for all. Colin received so many (I think a little too many) presents, Chad got what he wanted and I made out as Santa was very good to me (Thank you honey). This year it was certainly all about Colin has he had so much fun opening the gifts. I think a little bit too much fun as once he was all done he asked "I want to open more, where are more presents?"

Presents and the tree.

Colin's stocking overflowing onto the couch. More popups.
The Lego Dump Truck from Santa The police semi truck from Mom and Dad

Santa left one more present in the Kitchen

It's an Excavator
"I can't wait to use it at Nana and Baba's"

Christmas Time

2007-12-29T16:50:00.000-08:00

Well, Saturday, December 22nd we all went up to Erin's house for a Family Christmas party. We enjoyed so much wonderful food and the company was equally as wonderful. The kids played so well together and so did the adults. :-) Erin and Mark were the best hosts, they had the hot tub already, which in Colin's word "We need to get one of these big tubs". Then Erin even put together individual S'mores bags, just perfect for the campfire. Unfortunately the rain kind of sizzled the fire, but the microwave became the "temp" campfire for the kids. Seth brought up his Wii, which we ended up playing that into the night as it was so much fun. Even Colin had a blast at it.

Jane, Rorie, Kim (Rorie's Girlfriend)

Kiera (Ian's little one) being silly

I gotcha Rhiena (Ian's littlest)

Kiera and Colin playing house

Chad, Ian, Rhiena and Shalon

Lynsey, Erin and Brandon (Erin's Stepson)

Chad playing bowling on the Wii

Colin winding up...

and makes the strike.

This is what we see on the Wii.

Erin's beautiful tree.

Christmas Tree

2007-12-19T19:38:00.000-08:00

Make a free ecard - it's easy!

The house all decorated

2007-12-13T10:46:00.001-08:00

So the house is all ready for Christmas and the stockings are hung by the "sink" with care in hopes that Saint Hollister will soon be here. Hee! Hee!

Our little City... Living Room Decorations...

My snowman collection...
Our Stockings...
Coming down from the stairs...
The Tree...

The Perfect Tree

2007-12-11T11:13:00.000-08:00

Sunday we went out to our favorite tree farm in Boring, OR to get the family tree. We were so excited as it started to snow right when we got to the tree farm. Of course while we tried our hardest to get Colin to wear a coat he just wouldn't. Luckily we had a pullover on him to keep him some what warm.

We started at the back of the farm like we normally do as we find the best trees there. There are just acres of nobles for around $4 a foot. Colin spotted a tree and it was perfect, the trunk was straight as an arrow and almost 8 feet tall, so we grabbed it as we just knew that we would never be able to find it again if we left it behind. It took us all around 30 mins to get the tree.

Looking for the perfect tree.

Found it!

The very proud Colin and Daddy.

Trying to get a family picture.

Making sure Daddy cuts the tree down right.

Carrying out the tree.

Cutting down trees is hard work.

The tree up and decorated

Playing Together?

2007-12-05T15:40:00.001-08:00

After I picked up Colin from school today, he wanted to go play in his room. He asked if Kennedy could play as well, well of course that didn't go over very well once Kennedy started crawling (or attempting to crawl) towards his trains.

I see Trains....

"No Kennedy, you can't touch them"
"What did I do?"

Writing Letters to Santa

2007-12-02T20:03:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, December 1st we went to Goodnight Room off of Broadway for Storytime, writing letters to Santa, Cookies and Hot Cocoa. Colin was a little shy at first, but when it was time to write his letter he was all ready.

Reindeer Colin

Reading (listening) to the Christmas Mouse

Writing our letter to Santa

While we were sipping hot cocoa it began to snow. It didn't stick, but it made the Christmas feeling pretty strong.

Colin's Class Room Newsletter - December

2007-11-28T21:43:00.000-08:00

Hello from the Butterfly room,

Thanks for all the food donations and for attending our Thanksgiving luncheon
The children were so proud and excited to have their parents come and be their guests.

We celebrated two Birthdays this month. Kate Stallbaumer turned 3 years old on the 14th and Colin Hollister turned 4 years old on the 18th.
Happy Birthday to both of you!!!

Our classroom is very busy. The children spent a lot of time making placemats and crafts for our luncheon. We also made the jello one morning.

Now we will begin preparing for Christmas. Our class will do a small gift exchange between the children. We will have the children draw names. We will send home a paper with the name and age of the child your child drew along with some interests and ideas. The limit is $10.00. We will have a Christmas party on Dec 19th. Please send in the gift by Monday Dec., 17th.

The children have been working on a variety of activities.
Colin had lessons on the spindle boxes. He enjoys our letter tracing sheets and the puzzle maps.

Cavity Free Club - Again!

2007-11-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

Today we went to the dentist for the second time and again, we got to put up our picture on the Cavity Free wall. It appears Colin has Mom's teeth. :-)

Colin turning the big 0-4!

2007-11-19T10:25:00.000-08:00

Saturday was Colin's 4th birthday party (even thought he actually turned 4 on Sunday, the 18th). We decided to go with a Disney Cars theme and of course I had a lot of fun creating a fun time for Colin and his friends. Colin invited many of his new friends from School and of course we had some old friends come as well.

The Table Decorations (I made fries, mini hamburgers, popcorn and nachos all food that you see at the race tracks)

Ramone's Tattoo Shop (Where the kids got temporary tattoo's)

Cookie decorating station (Everyone got to decorate a car shaped cookie)

The Cake (I was very proud of myself as this was my first time decorating)

Playing Guido's Tire Toss Game

Having some Birthday fun!

Celebrating Colin's Birthday at School

2007-11-18T19:31:00.000-08:00

Friday Colin celebrated his 4th birthday at school. We brought cupcakes (had to bring store bought ones) to share with everyone. Colin was given a crown for his special day and I got to come to school with him for the first part of the Morning.

In Colin's classroom when it is your birthday you get to have your Mom and/or Dad come for the first part of the morning and celebrate with you. We bring a picture for each year of Colin's life which we get to share during the birthday celebration. During the celebration Colin got to pick a friend that would sit in the middle and hold the candle which represents the son. Then Colin holds the world and while the class sings a song about the earth going around the son (which makes one year) Colin walks around the circle. He does this 4 times since he is 4 years old.

This was taken with my small camera so it didn't turn out as well as with a real video camera.

Then it was time to pass out cupcakes. Colin got the honors of passing out napkins to all of his friends. He even was able to pick some friends to eat his cupcake with. He was very happy.

November Calendar

2007-11-06T12:51:00.000-08:00

Well it is going to be a busy month for the Hollister's.

Saturday (Nov. 3rd) was very busy as we sold the Yukon in the morning, A friend of mine and I hosted a baby shower and then later that afternoon I attended a Surprise 30th Birthday party for a friend of mine. Here are some pictures of the baby shower pictures. Not sure it was my best work, but my friend loved it. The theme was Sugar & Spice (since she is having a girl).

Table Decorations and Food

Carrot Cake (to play off the spice theme)

Candy Favors and Candy Bar Bouquet

Sunday we decided to head down to Toyota Gresham to take a look at a car that was in their ad and after an hour and a half we were driving away with it. It was the best experience we have ever had. We test drove, discussed pricing and signed all the needed paper work within that time frame. We will be back and if you decided to go there tell them Chad and I sent you. You are probably wondering, what did we get this time, well we went for the Toyota Sienna, so the minivan once again. Actually I really enjoy it this time. It has almost everything the Yukon did except for a sun/moon roof, backup camera and Navigation. I am very happy with it.

Sitting Pretty

2007-11-06T12:44:00.003-08:00

Kennedy is now 7 months and is almost sitting on her own. She is getting stronger everyday. Here she is playing with her blocks.

Bubbles, Bubbles everywhere!

2007-11-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

Here is our little Colin covered in bubbles. He got some new Spiderman bubbles and just had to have a bath. As you can see the bubbles took over.

Enjoying the bubbles

Being a scary monster...

Decorating Pumpkins

2007-10-31T10:15:00.000-07:00

So this year we decided to decorate our pumpkins rather then carve them. Not sure what made me think of doing that (time I guess), but we won't be doing it again as it just didn't feel like Halloween. Colin certainly enjoyed himself, but again, it wasn't the best idea.

We did have a fun dinner as I cooked a meal inside a pumpkin and Colin got a real kick out of it. He thought it was so "cool" that he ate his entire dinner.

Colin getting ready to decorate his pumpkin.

He loved using the permanent markers.

The masterpiece is almost complete.

Stopping to show off his true colors.

Daddy gets into the fun.

Daddy's pumpkin!

Colin's Pumpkin!

Mom's Pumpkin!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

So we went to the local Pumpkin Patch Farm on Sunday. I have to say I was a little disappointed in old Joe's Farm. The field looked old and the pumpkins well let's just say we didn't find much. As you can see we didn't find much. (Click on Pumpkin Patch 2007)
http://photoshow.comcast.net/maxnbelle

Halloween Party Weekend

2007-10-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

Some of you know that I have been part of a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) Group for little over a year now and even though I work full time, they have been so sweet to let me join. Well this year we had a Halloween party for the kids and it was so much fun. We rented out the local community college and there was Pumpkin Decorating, a Tattoo parlor, Spider Weaving (which I couldn't figure out), and making Bat Puppets. Colin dressed up as Spider Man and Kennedy was a Flower Fairy. Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy.

Sick Bug

2007-10-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

Well, last week our little Col had some type of bug. I had to pick him up on Wednesday as he had a temperature of 103. By the time I picked him up and got him home it was 105 degrees. I immediately gave him Tylenol and put some cool compresses on him. He didn't break his fever until late Saturday night, but then ended up with a horrible cough. We kept him out of school for 4 days which was a little bit longer then I would have liked, but he needed to stay home and get well. Luckily that Thursday and Friday I already had off, so it worked out pretty good.

Colin's November Classroom Newletter

2007-10-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

For many of you, you may not be aware but Colin has started school at the local Montessori school, Camas Montessori. I went to Montessori when I was little and really believe strongly that they have a great philsophy on teaching and I just knew that Colin would love it. We started in September of this year and he has truly enjoyed every day.

We are still learning the ropes, especially Mom. I have to make his lunch every day which is different since the past daycare center provided lunches. I also have to sign him in and out and for the life of me, I can never seem to locate his name on the form. Colin is also learning that he doesn't get his way all the time, and finds himself sitting in the "chair". I know that he is learning quickly that he doesn't like the "chair", so I am hoping to hear from the teacher this month that things are going well.

Colin has met many new friends at school, Hayden which just turned 5 and Evan who I believe is 4.

We receive a newsletter each month from the teacher explaining some of the activities that the entire classroom has done as well as a little comment on each child. Here is a little portion of that.

Happy October!
It’s been a beautiful fall month. Our classroom has a wonderful view of some bright colorful trees. We carved our pumpkin on the 26th. We will celebrate with a party on Halloween day. The children have been doing some special crafts and they’ve also made masks.
I enjoyed the parent teacher conferences. It is wonderful to spend time with parents and get to know you. It helps me gain more insight about each child.
Colin enjoys tracing letters and stringing. He also enjoys working with the magnets.
Hayden has almost mastered the tying frame! He is also working on his letter sounds and he has now started pin-pricking the Europe map.
Evan has been working on writing his name. He’s also been working on the parts of books.

I've done it!

2007-10-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I have finally got up the family web page. This will allow me to share all the family news with everyone and keep you all up to date without sending hundreds of emails. So let the updating begin...