a winter's break birthday.

Christmas break has started out a bit rough in our house. Immediately after Lucy's birthday party Carter started complaining of a sore throat. And the illness just went up from there. Coughing, runny nose, headache, lethargy and fever that lasted 5 days. Ugh. Poor guy. Not the way any kid wants to spend his Christmas break (or his mom and younger siblings who are home with him). We cuddled up, sanitized everything, turned on Christmas movies and made the best of it. 

 It's so strange to see Carter so sick. We really just don't have sick kids too often. Add in an awful Seahawks loss and last Sunday was basically the worst day ever for him. But...we are FINALLY turning a corner and I think the rest of us will (fingers crossed!) stay healthy too!

 Lucy spent her time playing with new toys from her birthday party. Like this weird stuffed animal dog thing. I really don't know what it is or what she's supposed to do with it and honestly, it's a bit creepy but she loves it so I guess that's all that matters. Ha!

 And we baked. I think we have about 11 different cookie varieties this year to enjoy over the next few days. Thank goodness we have some willing co-workers, neighbors and friends to pass some off to also because there is no way we need to consume this much sugar!

 And yesterday Lucy turned 6! We have a tradition to open presents right when the kids wake up. They are so excited it's sort of pointless to make them wait any longer.

 I just love her facial expressions. She gets so excited over every gift. Her favorite gift this year (besides already finding out we get to go to NYC over mid-winter break!) was her first American Girl (target knock off) doll. I just can't justify spending over $100 on a doll and thank goodness she fell in love with this one for a much more affordable price. She just loves her and spent any free time yesterday playing with this cute doll. So fun!

 And then her special birthday breakfast! I let the kids choose anything they want and usually expect some sugar filled treat. But not Lucy! She chose steel cut oats with berries and almonds and a green smoothie on the side. So healthy and nutritious...I must be doing something right! Let's be honest though, it just balanced out all the sweets she ate later in the day.

 playing with her new doll.

 And then we were off for a girls day adventure! We had planned for a family day in Seattle to visit all the Christmas displays and go ice skating but Carter spiked at temp of 103 in the middle of the night which quickly changed our plans. A well deserved date day was so needed though and it turned out to be perfect for Lucy. (plus I had SO much fun too!)

 We went to Seattle Center, rode the monorail over to Westlake, visited candy shops and jewelry stores, rode the carousel, ate scones, drank hot chocolate and just wandered around.

 Lucy told everyone she saw it was her birthday. Lucky girl - it worked in her favor. She got free candy at the candy shop and a free cake pop at Starbucks!

 Then we headed back to Seattle Center, watched a magic show and then went ice skating! It was a bit crowded with kids falling all over the place but we both did pretty good considering the circumstances. I am always so proud of her for trying new things even when it seems a little scary or hard.

 Such a beautiful day in the city!

 We came home, told the boys all about our adventure and let her eat her mini ice cream cake for an afternoon treat. She chose a brownie, mint chocolate chip fudge cake and I gotta say, it was delicious!

 Later we went out to dinner to celebrate. Her choice...Red Robin! The entire meal she just kept asking when she would get her birthday song. The server sang extra loud and she was in heaven the entire time.

 When I tucked her into bed last night she said she had the best day ever. And, I had to agree. Happy 6th Birthday Lucy!!!