Happy Birthday Daddy!

Yes, for Daddy's Birthday, the kiddo's do not disappoint. Ava had been talking about making a special Birthday Dinner all week (I think she ripped the idea off of an Olivia episode, but super sweet none the less). Of course, both Ava and Zac had to bake a cake and frost themselves. Food coloring is being added to more and more things at the Hotter house these days. It used to be just the frosting, but this time the actual cake too. They decided on Blue, which turned the yellow cake green. So we had our art color lesson along with baking. Anyhow, much to Daddy's delight, Zac's cake when frosted his favorite color, yellow, was all Packers. Happy Birthday!

Sliding with Santa

Who could possibly pass up an opportunity to slide down the enormous blowup slide with Santa? Went to Navy Pier's Winter Wonderland with a mission to have nothing but slap happy

fun and did not walk out disappointed.

Christmas Concert

Our Rock Star worked her magic at the Christmas Program and did so with such style. I'm pretty sure she was the only one in a full pink tulle skirt and Santa Tee.

Christmas Gifts

This was a fun project. We went to the paint your own pottery place and made these special reindeer platters (complete with a foot print and two hand prints each) for Grandma & Grandpa Hotter. Please note that Ava's reindeer has pink antlers.

This is the way we roll the Nasonex bottle?

Now no Hotter sleep over is complete until we break out the massive blowup Nasonex bottle and we all roll over it!

Thanksgiving with the Hotter Kids

Spiderman vs. Hello Kitty

Went to the store the other day with the two kiddos in tow. Of course they insist on getting these silly little fruit drinks that are packaged in sport cups with cartoon characters. Okay, no surprise that Ava grabs the Spider man instantly. Zac, after much deliberation selects Hello Kitty. (Of course, he wants an animal). Never in my life did I think I'd see the day I was buying Spider man for my daughter and Hello Kitty for my son! Anyhow, here are a few shots of Zac (age two) in Daddy's shirt and tie.

Another Snow Storm

We are getting another round of snow as I type - but here are a few shots from the first of the month. No better way to bring in December but with some snow. Zac does not enjoy getting all bundled up and going out, but Ava still loves it. Jon went out and build a "Hannah Montana" Snowman while I mostly stayed in playing farm animals take on safari animals with Zac.

Orange Belt Testing

She's earned her orange belt. Had to break a board once again - she is great and improving so much.

Fox River Park

Went collecting acorns and smiles last month. Love warm fall days and peaceful afternoons. I could get them both sitting and smiling by playing questions. I would ask something like "Who likes ice cream" and they'd both yell back "ME" with big smiles. We play this a lot on the way to school in the morning to get them both pumped about the day, came in handy for pictures too!

Getting Along

Can't help but love these! More to come.