Preschool

Literally ran and would never look back . . .
Unless I asked them too.

First Grade

1st grade

5 missing teeth!

and a brother who loves her

First day of school

What 4th grade looks like around here:

(pretty handsome, if I do say so myself!)

Asleep

Just another afternoon nap

I scream, you scream

My twins turned 4 on Sunday. We had not one, but two ice cream parties for them. There was a friend party for their girlfriends and then a family party. Happy birthday girlies!!

Cute ice cream garland, compliments of my crafty sister in law, Alissa.

Ice cream crafts (ice cream sunday foam craft magnents from Oriental trading), pin the cherry on the ice cream cone and ice cream cone balloon races.

Tip for ice cream parties: scoop ice cream into balls, freeze on cookie sheet then put in bowl when ready to serve. Saves time and messes as they go through the sundae bar.

Decorations:

Pinata!

Party favors, ice cream bubbles, lip gloss, shooters, stickers, ring and chocolate suckers.

Our Family Reunion

My whole family got to go to my sister and her husband's family cabin a few weeks ago. As always, we had the most wonderful time. I wish I could somehow have captured the fun the adults had playing games at night and sitting around the fire after the kids went to bed. Too much laughing is definitely good for the soul! I also can't believe I don't have a photo of the boys shooting their new guns. Here is our trip, in a nutshell and in no particular order.

My favorite view, my nephew Calvin's chubby little hand. Asking me for more. More treats, more bubbles, more glow sticks. Whatever he wants from his Aunti Jane, he gets! This hand is so cute, I want to eat it up, dirt and all. He had to go and move to DC on me, darn it.

My main girl Debbie (Dawn's cute sister). I love her, everyone does. I love how she makes
everyone around her happy and smile. I love how she has a great memory and I love her use of words. She has such a big vocabulary. We are going to miss her when she goes back to Kansas.
Lots of kids! (15 to be exact) Notice tiny baby at the top.
Clueless baby, he had no idea he was sitting on the top step as part of a photo.

Our strong and handsome men. Lucky ladies are we!

4 wheeler action

Rides, sidewalk chalk, outdoor fun.
Big cousins comforting little cousins.

Water slide!

Forest scavenger hunt

Impromtu glow dance by me and Aaron. We had a million glowsticks around the fire so we copied an idea we saw and taped them to ourselves. First and probably last time I ever saw my husband dance.

Living on the swings, hours of fun everyday.
Bubble makers and finger knitting lesson by Aunt Katie.

Fishing, everyone caught some! The boys ate them for dinner.

Thanks Bracken family, we had too much fun and we love your cabin!

I may have a problem

I discovered Yogurtland. It opened near my home just two weeks ago.
I save our spoons . . .It is not uncommon for me to eat this as my lunch and/or dinner and I have been known a time or two to make an appearance there twice in one day. Maybe I should get a job there? It is so good! Go discover it, you won't be disappointed.

Feet

What is wrong with this picture?

I love it when this happens. Which is all too often, especially considering someone has two very different sized feet and needs two very different sized shoes.

My favorite pair of feet in the entire world:

Shhhh, twins sleeping

They always start out in their own bed.

I love to go check in them at night and see what has happened.

Random stuff

Just wanting to post a few random things.

Aaron had to be out of town on my birthday last week (oh, woe is me - no, not really - it was a great day!). My kids gave me this when I woke up. I treasure it. (thanks mom)

While doing the dishes Monday evening I got to enjoy this beautiful view. I don't know what I enjoyed more, the rainbow or the cutest attached vases my sister sent me for my birthday (thanks Kate!!) I am obsessed with them.

When Aaron got back in town I mentioned to him that my car was a mess. The next thing I knew, he took all the kids Mother's Day shopping and when they got home I opened the garage door and this is what I saw. All five of them, busy at work. Made me so happy.

And last, Antrhopologie sends me a coupon for my b-day every year. They are always packaged to die for. This year was a little card with a candle, the candle is part of a necklace. How fun is that?

Proud new Aunt

This is my brand new nephew, Clark. I took these photos of him this week and am so proud of them. I am head over heels in love with this handsome little guy and the only thing I want to do all day long is hold him! I make no apologies for the number of photos I am about to share, I am only sorry I am not sharing more. But hey, we have to keep his announcement photos a surprise!