Oh my, have the Murphys been busy the last several months. Aside from my post regarding the difficult loss of our dear Mullie, I have not posted since October. So, in an effort to catch up from a long absence before we head off to Phoenix for Spring Break next week, I am going to "rapid post," and make my best effort to do so in chronological order.
First, we need to catch you all up on Brighton's Fifth Birthday Party. She had an amazing time rough-housing with her friends at the Kids' Klubhouse for the second year in a row. All of her pre-school friends attended, and her Tangled theme was well received by all, as demonstrated by the amount of Tangled dolls, accessories, coloring books, etc. she received as gifts.
Here is the lovely cake, and, below, Brighton getting ready to place her candles.
Who wants ice cream???!!!!
And the crew of kiddos that helped Brighton celebrate. She had a great birthday party!
Next, I want to post a bit about Thankgiving. While I was remise in documenting the holiday with photos (either that or my photos are on another camera, I can't really believe I didn't take ANY), we had a great trip to the ranch filled with adventure. Additionally, photos were taken by a photographer of the family, which was a wonderful treat. It was Mullie's last trip to the Ranch, and she proved to be as gentle and loving as ever, allowing Tenley, Gage and Brody to crawl all over her as she played with neigh a growl in their direction. Fortuitiously, Gavin and I decided to ask the photographer to take a picture of our little fivesome with Mullie, so we were able to get a family shot that is now prominently displayed in our home and reminds us of our wonderful friend.
Now, onto Christmas!
Right after New Year's, Brighton lost her very first tooth! Two days later, she lost her second!!! Wow, the tooth fairy was busy that wee
We celebrating New Year's by doing absolutely nothing. Our little family hung out all by ourselves and enjoyed the Holiday playing "Pop the Pig" and other games. Everyone (even Brighton) made it til midnight. It was a wonderful way to welcome 2012!
My Bella Rooskie ringing in the New Year. And Brighton (below) - she is TIRED!
Christmas dinner with the West Family, Grandma Barbi, and Grandma and Grandpa Bradley. We pulled every chair we could find because we were still waiting for chairs to go with our lovely new dining room table (you can see the foam under the chair legs so as not to scratch our flour). I had not unpacked all of the kitchen yet, either, but it was perfect and relaxing celebrating with our wonderful family.
We had our first dinner party with the Beers and the Waldrons on December 23 - Santa even stopped by for a visit!!
Before Papa Jery and Pam took off to AZ for Christmas, we celebrated with them. Max and Bella were thrilled with their new lava lamps. They still turn them on every night before bed.
Brighton made Papa Jerry and Pam each a paper necklace, which they are sporting in this lovely photo.
Santa's lap proved to be comfortable, and kids had an opportunity to share with Santa their Christmas wishes at the Santa Brunch. We joined Papa Jerry and Pam for this yearly event.
Brighton received some special attention from the Jolly soul.
And this lovely picture of Papa Jerry, Pam and the kids was taken at the Santa Brunch as well. What a great Christmas! 
The kiddos show off their presents from Grandma Barbi .... big hits!
Well, telling you all about our pre-Christmas move, would not be complete without sharing pictures of the kids' first nights in their new rooms. They LOVE having their own space. Bella especially has amazed me, since she settled in she keeps her room organized and clean. She makes her bed everymorning. She is thrilled that her little sister doesn't always "mess everything up." Max and Brighton like their rooms as well, but their organizational skills are not quite what they could be.
Max "Tebowing" in his new room.
And giving a bigs thumbs up. Happy kiddo.
Brighton loves her new room as well, although she sleeps every night with Bella. She has tried to sleep in her own room a few times, but Bella actually asks her to sleep with her. Bella has not slept a night by herself in her lifetime, so we are cutting her a bit of slack on this issue.
And the crew of kiddos that helped Brighton celebrate. She had a great birthday party!
