Tattle-tale

Yesterday afternoon Addison and Karissa were playing in the kitchen when Addison suddenly started to cry. I walked in and Addi was laying on the ground. I picked her up and asked what happened. Karissa was standing close-by with a mischievous smirk on her face. Addi pointed right at her and said, "Sissi hit Addison!"

I looked at Karissa and said, "You can't get away with being naughty anymore! Addison just told on you. Now off to time-out!"

Karissa did her usual cry of apology during her entire duration on time-out. I high fived Addi and begged her to keep tabs on her big sis. And so it begins.

Suckers!

I'd like to introduce you to our new family member, Sarafina. Karissa has been begging for another pet for months. Matt and I were doing everything in our power to avoid an addition to the family. Just call us suckers, we finally gave in!

Not sure why I don't have a picture with Karissa holding her pet. I'm sure I do, I just haven't uploaded it to my computer. Stay tuned more pictures to follow.

I love my Daddy!

Karissa drew this lovely family photo as Matt's Father's Day gift.

(I think she's got Matt pegged!)

Cafe Rio in the Nard

All I can say is there is a God.

Five

It hardly seems possible that Karissa is 5! Personally, I am having a very hard time with the fact that not only did she turn 5, but that she is also starting Kindergarten.

Where does the time go?

Karissa is my social butterfly. She has no problem making new friends. Her favorite thing to do is hang out with her cousins, especially when sleepovers are involved. (I'm not sure how she got so brave, I had a hard time ever being away from my family growing up.) Preschool has taught Karissa a lot of new things. She is more self-confident and is able to try new things with little complaint. We are still working on Singing time at Primary.

Karissa told Matt last night that she loves her Daddy all the time,

and she loves Mommy most of the time.

(As you can see, K-has Daddy wrapped around her finger)

Karissa's favorite things are;

Bananas

Trader Joe's kids yogurt

Mini Blueberry Muffins

Vanilla Ice Cream

Sushi

Hot Dogs

Swimming

Playing at the Park

Ballet & Tap Dancing (most of the time)
Gymnastics

Kids Zumba

Cousins & Friends

Playdates

Addison (when she is not stealing her toys)

Disneyland

Her new Hamster, Sarafina

(17 months)
2 years old

3 years old with Addi

4 years old

The Big #5!

Busy

Addi turned 2!
Karissa, Kayley and Travis turned into little fishies at Miss Dee Dee's swimming lessons.

Karissa turned 5! (sniff, sniff, more to follow)

We took a family trip to Yosemite for Becky Kinnon and Jeffrey Beiter's wedding!

We had a blast in Yosemite and can't wait to go back.

Deux

Today Addison is 2 years old. I'm still wondering where the time went. Addison, you are energetic and full of love. You and Mr. Pickles share a special bond. (It's mostly over food, but I think deep down he really loves when you try and ride him like a horse.) You are a loving sister to Karissa. You are brave, courageous and love to laugh. From what I can tell, you don't let people stand in your way. My favorite thing is when you grab my cheeks and say, "Hi, Mom!". This usually happens when you are in trouble.

Here are a few of your favorite things -

Bite (your favorite blankie)

Daddy

Annie, the movie

Wan-cakes (Pancakes)

Ellie

(Sometimes when Ellie holds you, you just hug her and don't let go.)

Ice-team (Ice-cream)

The Park

Ballet

(You always have to wear your "Rina", leotard, to Karissa's Ballet class. You love dancing in the hallway.)

Elmo

Way-Town (Lazy Town)

Gwampaw (Grandpa)

Music (every kind)

Dancing

Dogs

Swimming (Although it's a bit challenging with your ear tubes.)

Shoes & wearing dresses

Yelling, "Hi Baby!" to all children under 4.

Daddy, Karissa and I love you very much and couldn't imagine life without your sweet spirit. Addison, you have about 50 cousins, 2 dozen Aunts and Uncles, Godparents, Grandparents in heaven looking after you, and a very special Great-Grandpa who loves you very much.

We can't wait to see what's in-store this next year. Lots of love. Mommy, Daddy and Sissy

P.S. Here are your nicknames, just in case you were wondering; G-Bo, Seamus, G-Bus, Stinky and Cutey.