An evening with...

An evening with the Francis girls. Playing out back in the miniscule amount of snow we have. Naked races around the house. And then hot dogs in front of the big screen. (I think its pretty fun to be them.) That TV was my Xmas present. And the whole family has been really enjoying it. Notice the beads in Billi's hair. I got her a hair beading kit for Xmas. And lucky for me she likes it because I think it looks adorable.

Silly String

Santa left silly string in all of our stockings. Joshi, Elwood and i had a great time having a silly string fight in the front yard. But for some reason the silly string completely freaked out Billi. As you can see from the photos.

Christmas Morning

The girls actually slept in to 7am on Xmas morning. I guess going to 7pm church service worked out for us all. Billi finally got the hang of ripping the wrapping paper off towards the end. It took 3 hours to finish opening everything. Joshi could have had it done in 20 minutes. Billi got a couple different drums from her MiMi and Pap pap that she can go to town on. She also can work Joshi's microphone. Elwood is very excited about how musical she is.

Jingle Bells

Here's Billi's jingles.

Snow man pretzels

These are the only snowmen we've made so far this year. We were snowed in at this time last year. I'd like a little snow for Xmas but I know once it starts it won't stop.

Christmas Spirit

Just thought I'd highlight Billi's Christmas spirit today. She tries to sing along with Jingle Bells. All made up words but she chimes in whenever she hears the song. Including when we were watching Joshi's preschool performance.

We wish you a Merry Christmas

This is one of the songs that Joshi's pre-school performed for the parents Friday. You'll have to turn the volumn way up because they are all pretty timid.

Shoes!!!!!! errrrrr

Ok, I just purchased a Third pair of shoes for Joshi for Xmas. Ridiculous. But, over a month ago when we wrote to Santa, The only thing she asked for was gold glitter shoes. I really didn't expect it to be a problem. Soon after I went Xmas shopping and found these adorable sneaker/shoes with sequins in pastels I know she'll love. But she kept bringing up gold glitter shoes. So, while I was online shopping I kept looking. At least 5-6 different brands available at amazon.com but everyone sold out in her size. Finally, I had to place my order and decided to buy her a copy of Dorothys ruby red shoes- red glitter. Well, she just mentioned those shoes and I got all excited, "oh you'd like those for Xmas?" Joshi says, " No I want gold glitter shoes, the elves can make those, right?"- Shaking her hand like an elf applying glitter. errr! I went back online just to see if any were re-stocked. No, unless I want to buy some designers brands over $60. So, I found gold shoes (NOT glittery) from Sear.com and paid expedited shipping to get them here. Surely if Santa leaves them on the seat of the Princess Throne he's bringing her they will be magical enough. I mean even Santa could run out of gold glitter, right?.....ahhhhh! This really shouldn't matter there are children starving all over the world. But Its the only thing she asked for. I really need to get a grip.

Little Roadies

This photos were from when we visited Elwood a couple months ago. They were on his camera and I just saw them. Both girls are obviously pretty comfortable around the tour scene. I miss the days when it was me eating brownies in Elwoods bunk. But the girls love getting to be with Daddy at work. Joshi looks pretty adapt at the sound boards =-)

Play Date

Barb and Elizabeth came over yesterday while Joshi and her dad went Christmas shopping. Billi and Elizabeth played together really well. They were in hysterics at times, laughing at one another. As much as Billi idolizes Joshi, she seems to thrive when Boss Girl isn't around.

Christmas Party

Fun was had by all! I hope to get a few more pics from the other moms that were there. Actually photo taking could have been Elwoods job but he was taking an nap! The kids were really well behaved. They loved doing all the crafts. I think they were especially excited about the snow globes. They also decorated lots of cookies to take home. So much fun, but I'm glad its over. I have nothing left to do but enjoy the holidays. My Christmas shopping is finished too!

preparing for the big party

Billi helped my make sugar cookies while Joshi was at school. I'll post pics of todays party later. Everyone had a good time and decorated quite a few cookies. Plus made ornaments. necklaces, and snow globes. Lots of work but totally worth it.

Decorating the Tree

Christmas is coming up fast and I'm trying to get ready for the girls Christmas party on Tuesday. Elwood came home 3 days ago and gets to be here to witness a pre-school age party. Chaos. But I'm really glad to have someone here to help.

TURKEY LEG !!

Turkey good, left overs better!!

My digital friend- ready with the back up pics

Here were are arriving at the bizarre(1st thing we did) . And riding the carousel(last thing we did) Much LOve Mikell, can't wait to hang with you again. I hope my driving didn't scare you too much

World's largest Christmas Bizarre..

so here the girls with their surprise tree

early morning - where the heck is that Mikell?
We're not sure we understand this tradition, so take the pic of the creepy bearded guy quick

ready and waiting on Mikel- let the joyousness begin!

in Portland anyway. This was the second time Mikell and I went, so I think I can now call it a tradition. The kids were really good in the truck both ways. Our directions were screwy but we got their with no arrests or citations. I Did help Joshi pick out an appropriate xmas gift for her daddy. There was a carosel that I don't remember being the last year. We took a few spins and I hope Mikell will send us pics. But the biggest surprise of all was running into our neighbor Ken. He had a Xmas tree in the back of his truck and asked us if we need one. SCORE! Beautiful trees are easy to find around here but right at you door step when you in the need of a little extra Xmas spirit. Thanks Ken Cook and family

Giving Thanks with the Sheehans

We just got back from a very Happy Thanksgiving with our good friends the Sheehans. I made my very first pie (Chocolate Chess).

Which definitely brings me to want to venture farther into pie land. But the main crutch of the holiday meal-Turkey, gravy, stuffing,

squash. mac and cheese , bread, etc was all done by MiIkell and Keith. As usual the kids had fun playing with each other, they did

a beaded craft necklaces, we took an after dinner walk. And now were really ready to head into the Christmas holidays with GUSTO

Back from The Road

I drove the girls to Everett, WA on Sunday night to see Daddy. The next day ZZtop was playing there. The ride went very smooth especially since there was a 2yr old and 5 yr old in the back seat for 4 hours. Todays ride back was a bit more painful. Elwood arrived in the hotel room at 4am Monday morning. So there wasn't much sleep for anyone. Then next we went in with him, Joshi stayed and helped him "work" while Billi and I hit the outlets. The when we came back Billy finally got to meet Billi. Of course everyone was so impressed with how well behaved they were and how polite. Billi wanted to run up the stairs to the stage constantly and dance. We didn't stay for the show. The girls really don't like the super loud music and the had a full day of sound check, catering , dressing rooms and tour buses. Elwood took a lot of pics on his camera for their Dadday/daughter work day. I'll post those too.