Alyssa's Long Hair - Gone

Tonight Alyssa's hair was reduced to shoulder length. She originally was going to donate her hair but it would have needed to be a few more inches longer than it was. It was becoming unbearable and she wanted it shortened. Cynthia took Alyssa to the hairdresser with Bradley, Isabella and their cousin McKenna in tow. I happened to leave work and get to the hair salon the same time they did. It was quite an ordeal for one person. It is the first time any significant length had been removed from her hair. First she was placed in a chair for the initial trim. Even from that trim there was a good 4 inches of hair on the floor. I was shocked. She then had it washed and went back to the original chair for further work. The lady that was cutting her hair, Brooke, is in our Ward. Brooke then continued to trim and style until Alyssa was beaming with glee at the sight of her shorter hair. When it was all said and done she left there as one happy, a little older looking, beautiful young lady.
It was funny to see her grab the back of her hair and run her fingers through the end...only to have no hair in her hand after just a short stroke. She had to run over to McKenzie's house, her friend, and then show granny and grandpa Hatch.
Now she wants Cynthia to use the straightener on her hair. The fun begins.
Bring on the teenage years.

Long hair before she got it cut - front view

Long hair before she got it cut - view from back

After cut - front view

After cut - view from back

Need your Opinion - Alyssa v's Cell Phone

Alyssa turns 11 February 23rd. Those who have talked with her knows she is a bright and smart person. We have a bit of a dilemma. We are thinking of getting her a cell phone for her birthday. I am still on the fence. Obviously she says yes but Cynthia is unsure although i think she would say yes quite easily. Before you pass your judgement or opinion let me point out a few things.
The cost is minimal. To add a line is only $10 a month. We are able to restrict her phone use based on who she can call and text. So there might be only 10 people she could communicate with. Cynthia has been working more at the school and there are times she needs to be away from the home.
I have talked to a few people that have given their a phone when they were 9 because both parents worked and it was for emergencies. Some have waited until they are 13 or 14 or older.
So, add some comments and let me know what you think. Should we or shouldn't we?
Remember Alyssa and Cynthia read this so be nice. ha ha ha just kidding.

Two Months later and a New Year

Us at Build a Bear

Alyssa's bear Pixie

Bradley's bear Dexx

Choosing Outfits

Bella's bear Ginger

Bella and her cake

Well i guess i could not keep this going as well as i thought. Maybe, just maybe I should teach Cynthia and turn it over to her. Nah!!!

Yesterday was Isabella's 6th birthday. She has been excited everyday since new years day. She counted down every day until it got here.

We took her to build a bear. Of course that included Alyssa and Bradley getting their own bear too. We had alot of fun. I had always walked past the store but never ventured in. Some of the stuff they have was just crazy. If we had more time and money I am sure Isabella would have come home with 20 outfits for her bear. By the time we left she had changed outfits twice and gone home with the third choice.

We had a party in the afternoon which included 15 kids not including ours. I did the honors of entertaining the troops for the first 15 minutes and then they party went on from there. We had a great time and before we knew it the 1 1/2 hours had passed and the kids were being picked up. A little bit of clean up later and the house was back to normal except for a few lingering friends...you know who you are. lol