lions, tigers, and bears... oh my

chaya turned six. here are some pictures from her birthday celebrations.

it has become a tradition that the birthday girl gets their chair decorated for the whole day. here chaya is bright and early with her new turtle pillow pet (which of course butterscotch got a hold of a few days later - arg!).

the birthday girl zonked out on the ride home after daycare - they went swimming all afternoon. can you say tired!

after a nice bath, all refreshed for a little cake.

two of her favorites, cake and cookie dough ice cream.

two days later she celebrated with a few school friends, safari style. i made these cute cupcake animals to go with the theme.

set for a safari adventure!

all smiles!

accomplished...

first ever duathalon. 5k run, 28k bike, 4k run = crazy hard work in the mud and hills. what a fun memory.

here is wave 6, which is women 35 and older (i'm towards the front- hehe)

me running to the finish line. drew actually finished before me and came back to run in with me, how sweet.

afterwards

proof of how muddy and sloppy our runs were. yuck.

graduation from the minneapolis police reserves.

drew has been taking more training with the minneapolis police reserves and here is the spring 2011 graduating class. he is in the top row far right.

here are some of the evening presenters, including senator amy klobuchar, just left of the mic stand

drew reciting his oath.

our family with the senator

looking all official

makeovers

the first makeover - kenya's bedroom. we redid kenya's bedroom for her 11th birthday. now instead of cutsie girlie, it is a bit more tween-like. we think it turned out pretty fabulous.

before, a soft pale pink with cute wallpaper flowers. kenya worked hard at getting the flowers off.

now, black and magenta (which took 4 coats)

love this

of course there are a few more things we would like to add, but in due time. thanks to grandma for sewing curtains and making some pillows.

now, the second makeover involves gibson.

notice the corner of her front tooth is missing. what could have possibly done that?

rollerblading?

climbing a tree?

nope, it was a magnetic ball. a gift from grandma and grandpa t - who knew it would end in a tooth makeover.

no worries, a trip to the dentist and it is as good as new.