Scrunchy Noses

Are scrunchy-nosed smiles genetic?

Meleah

Savanna

Me and Steve 1982

Just Curious.

The Finale! (I think)

Our Family will be growing by "two feet" next February!

Baby In Red

I LOVE this dress!

Or maybe it's just the adorable baby girls that are wearing it! :)

CRAZY Busy End of School

I'm SO excited that summer is finally here!  We've been so busy the last couple of months, and I  haven't had time to blog about it.  This is what we've been up to -

I went with Carter on his field trip to Thanksgiving Point to watch a 3D dinosaur movie, and explore their Discovery Gardens. 

Carter does NOT like to wear jeans anymore.  All he wants to wear are his "comfy pants."  I totally understand, but I usually force him into something else when we go somewhere.  Then he can come home and immediately switch into his comfy pants like I do.  It wouldn't be fair if he got to wear his all day, every day.  ;)  He got away with it this day because I knew they'd probably be getting wet in the Discovery Gardens.

 My awesome group -

 It was really fun trying to keep track of them in a HEDGE MAZE and "BEAR CAVES."  ;)

He also had his 3rd grade program.  They sang a bunch of patriotic songs and I LOVED it!

 Unfortunately, these are the best pictures I have.  In my defense, I WAS videotaping at the same time...

Lydia participated in the 1st grade Jump-a-thon.  Thirty-three jumps! Go Lydia!

She also had another "mismatched" day.

Carter's class earned a field trip to the park.  It was rainy, cold, and one of the windiest days of the year and I was in charge of the parachute.  My arms hurt for a week after that, but the kids had a great time so it was worth it. 

 Carter and his friend Warren on "Park Day."

Carter was also Student of the Month in April.  Good job Buddy!

He completed and presented his project on Mali, Africa.  I especially loved his snake drawing.  Is it sad that I actually enjoyed researching Mali with him?  I kept telling him facts that he didn't even need to know for his project.  I think my brain must be bored.

I also went with Lydia on her field trip to the zoo.  Honestly, I think the 1st graders were A LITTLE bit easier to keep track of than the 3rd graders.  What's up with that?

My cute little group -

Carter also had his pinewood derby.  His car wasn't as successful as last year, and it broke my heart to see his disappointed face after the race.  I know these kind of events are important to teach them good sportsmanship whether they win or lose, but couldn't my kid just win all the time?  ;)

I also helped on Field Day and unfortunately, I was too busy to take pictures.  I did take a picture later on though -

BLISTERS!  I haven't had blisters on my hands in 20 YEARS!  I volunteered to be in charge of the tug-of-war during Carter's field day and my competitive nature came out and I just had to join in with the kids.  Especially when we did girls vs. boys and the boys thought they were all tough.  Then I was assigned the parachute for Lydia's round.  It was slightly less windy than Park Day but it was still pretty strenuous.  Let me just say, I am apparently TOO OLD and OUT OF SHAPE to be participating in tug-of-wars and Field Days.  Along with my poor hands, my back and shoulders were sore for DAYS!  It was ridiculous.  Next year if I don't get assigned to pass out popcicles I'm walkin'.  ;) 

It was an extremely busy and exciting end to the school year, and we all had lots of fun.  I really appreciate Bob and Jill for taking care of my young ones during all the HOURS that I was gone volunteering.  I'm SO grateful that I have the opportunity to see my kids having fun at all their various activities.  I think our crazy schedule these last few weeks make me appreciate these wonderful relaxed summer days EVEN MORE.  Happy summer everyone!

Birthday Girl!

My little Meleah Susannie is 5!  She's SO excited, and keeps asking me when she can go to Kindergarten.  She thought that she would immediately start going once she turned 5. 

I manipulated suggested to her that cupcakes are much more fun (and more portable) than a Barbie cake. She decorated all of these herself. 

She chose to have a family party at Chuck E. Cheese instead of a friend party at our house. (HOORAY!)

 Don't let her signature serious face fool you.  She had a blast, and LOVED all of her gifts. 

We also went to Texas Roadhouse and the whole restaurant gave her a texas-sized "YEE-HAW" while she sat on the saddle. I swear I did her hair that day.  Unfortunately it "was bugging" her, so it didn't last until evening.

(Don't you LOVE it when your kids turn around and STARE at the poor people that had the misfortune of being seated next to you?  I guess I should be grateful he wasn't under the table searching for ABC gum.)

AND we had MORE cupcakes and ice cream and presents with the Stewarts on Sunday.

Meleah received a scooter, a dance outfit, some sparkly jewelry, Littlest Pet shops, a baby doll and some new clothes for her special day.

We pretty much have Birthday weekends around here. We all had SO MUCH FUN, but I'm really happy that all the Birthdays are OVER! (Except for mine, which doesn't count because I don't have to do ANYTHING for that!)

FAVORITES:

Food:  "Tomatoes" (Seriously, this really IS her favorite food.)

Movie:  "Megamind"

TV Show:  "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse"

Book:  "My pony comic book"

Song:  "Megamind songs"

Toy:  "Dolly Rapunzel"

FUNNY PHRASES:

"I want to go to the dentist for my Birthday!"

"Carter, you made me disappointed when you put your drink in front of mine."

"I love Anakin. He's really handsome."

"You hurted my feelings!"

"When you say no, I get mad at you."

Meleah: Mom, you know that boy that I like? He died.

Mom: Who?!

Meleah: Jesus. He's THE ONLY boy that I like.

Meleah is such a funny little thing. She is VERY responsible and helpful, especially when it comes to taking care of Savanna and fetching things for me. Because of her mature nature she can be a bit bossy direct at times. She is very smart (like her mother) ;) and can already read and add/subtract. She has an excellent memory (UNLIKE her mother) and is the first one I go to when I can't find something. She LOVES her tumbling class and is always showing off her moves. Her cartwheel and alligater chomp are improving greatly, and she's getting really close to doing the splits both ways.

Even though she can be a bit sassy at times, she is very tender-hearted. A few weeks ago, she was giving my sister Jana a hug before she had to go back to Vegas and Meleah started crying a little. She tried to hold the tears back and rub them away. Then, like the little grown up that she is, she started chuckling while she said: "My eyes just keep watering!" I love to stand back and observe my little Elly Jelly. Whether she's brillitantly manipulating the other kids into playing what she wants, or getting Savanna down from her high chair, washing her hands, changing her wet shirt, then giving her a toy...she ALWAYS makes me smile.  

New Table!

Oh, KSL!  I almost lost faith in you!  After hours and hours of filtering through crap, and missing deals by a couple of hours, I nearly gave up.  But once again, you were there for me. 
Our new table for the lovely price of $300.00 -

Now we can all fit at the table together!  The kids absolutely LOVE our new table.  Lydia asked if they could have a sleepover on the benches! :)  Now if I could just find a bedroom set...

Cameron and Woody

Cameron was running around the house the other day, and I just HAD to stop him for a picture.