So, Alaska officially turns 50 this year! The fireworks celebration was held last night and was wonderful! That had intended to have it last weekend, but put it off because it was -40. Yesterday was a balmy 30 degrees ABOVE zero! We viewed the fireworks with some of Lucas's friends and their parents. Alejo's mom, Ellen, brought popcorn, which Lucas spent half the time eating. Alana loved the fireworks and wasn't scared...she oohed and aaaahhhed with Daddy. Katie enjoyed them as well!

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Katie is currently selling Girl Scout Cookies. This is the first year we are not reminding her or being involved in any way except for when she asks us to be and so far she has sold 119 boxes!!! Her goal this year is 130 boxes, which is more than she has sold any other year and she is doing it all on her own! It has been very cool to watch her grow with this and take the initiative! Here is a little video of Lucas and Alejo...it's pretty cute.


Here's a cute video of Alana and Daddy singing the itsy bitsy spider...she wasn't as into it as she usually is, but at least I got something on video! And for some reason I couldn't get the video to load up normal (although I saved it right-side up), so please just tilt your head to the left for best effect. Until next time...adios!

Our newest addition to the family....

Blond, blue-eyed and cute as a button! He's extremely curious, adventurous, and loves his water bowl! We welcome him with open arms into the Castleberry family! (technical difficulties finally subsided!)

Lucas and his colorforms Silly Face that he made...he was SO proud! Alana, the moviestar...

Lesson learned...

So, Christmas presents were late for the parents...my parents, that is, and I try my hardest to find a box they will all fit in. Not too big, not too small, something nice and cozy. The box I wanted was the one sent with presents from my parents to us, the one we used to put all the torn-off wrapping paper into on Christmas day, the one hubby promptly took to the dump the day after Christmas. The post office doesn't have a box the size I want. Neither does Fred Meyer, but I get this bright idea to put everything into a large tote container, one I believe my parents will get a use out of instead of something to be trashed once they've unpacked it. And I think to myself that in the log run I am saving money...why it should cost less to send one box then a bunch of little ones.

I proudly take my tote home, meticulously load up everything into my tote while my hubby laughs at me and how particular I can be. I carefully wrap it in brown paper only to find out a much easier and better way to do it at the post office...just wrap tape around it and send it as is...only I'm apparently too smart and make things so incredibly difficult that I can't think of something as simple, quick, and easy as just putting tape around it. Not only that, but the size of it ended up costing me $10 extra to ship it. Instead of waste more time and have the presents arrive even later than they already are, I decided to send it as it was worth the money not to have to take another 2 hours going home, repacking everything in smaller boxes, driving back to the post office in minus 40 degree weather, standing in line for 40 minutes all over again just to save $10.

So, lesson learned. Smaller and more is better in the eyes of the post office. Hopefully, you'll learn from my lesson instead of having to learn it the harder, but more fun, way!

Lucas ~ 3 years old December 7th

Finally, pics from Lucas's 3rd birthday party. Lucas has gotten WAY too many presents this month. I think we are going to instill a new rule...ok, we ARE INSTILLING a new rule right now. One present per person is allowed and no more! From his friends, he got moon sand (VERY cool, by the way!), Percy train, fish puzzle, Thomas toolbox, and dinosaurs. From his extended family, he got a medium sized monster truck, clothes, more train stuff, a dance pad, puzzles, etc. I can't seem to go on, which is the reason for the new found rule. Enjoy the "scrapbook" I've put together for you. On the last page, there is a little "happy b-day video"...very cute! A note on the cake...it was completely allergy-free (well, not completely...the black frosting for decor was not Lucas-friendly, as we would call it, but the majority was!) and tasted VERY good! I would even go back for seconds if I didn't have to set an example for the little ones! Unfortunately, Lucas couldn't have part of the face like he wanted due to the black frosting :( HAPPY BIRTHDAY,LUCAS! WE LOVE YOU!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook