Dance Recital

This year we have had the girls in ballet, per their request. We were introduced to the AVO School of Ballet by some friends, and have been really pleased with it. The instructors are knowledgeable and kind, and are patient with the young girls that they teach. This year, the recital theme was "Tales of Beatrix Potter". It was simply delightful. There were several different dances including mischievous kittens, playful bunnies, silly squirrels, and country and city mice. Morgan and Rachael's dance was the dance about the country mice and the city mice. It was absolutely adorable. Morgan was a city mouse along with two other girls. Rachael was a country mouse along with two other girls. (One of those girls was Jeana Simpson, a close family friend.) The dance showed the a group of city mice and a group of country mice picnicking in the same location. They met, decided to eat together, overcame their differences, and parted as friends. So fun.

City Mouse:

Country Mouse:

Baby Mouse:
You can't see it in this picture, but Kate is actually wearing a pink tutu that matches Morgan and Rachael. We have our friends at Target to thank for the little swim suit that looks like a ballerina costume. The mouse ears came from our dress-up box. Stay tuned for a picture that shows the whole costume...

Happy Birthday Dear Rachael

Rachael turned 7 today. Wow. Where did the time go? It was a pretty great day for her. For starters, she had a field trip to the zoo. For those of you that know Rachael well, you know that this is pretty much the coolest thing that could have happened to her first-grade self. She loves animals and says that she wants to be a zookeeper when she grows up. Months ago, she said that she would like to go to the zoo for her birthday. When she came home from school with her permission slip for this one, she said, "MOM. GUESS WHAT?!?!?! We have a field trip to the zoo and IT IS ON MAY 18th!" To sweeten the deal, Kate and I were able to go on the trip as well. We had a wonderful time. After school some good friends came over and stayed for pizza and cake and ice cream. (Thanks for joining us Jeana and Abby. Oh, you too Dave!) Here are some fun pics from the big day:

Rachael at the zoo on a crocodile statue outside the manatee exhibit. This guy also doubles as a fancy mister on really hot days.

Behold, the Bakugan cake. Rachael decided that she wanted Bakugans for her birthday this year. So fun. Along with that, she decided she wanted a Bakugan cake. In her mind, she pictured a cake with a giant Bakugan in the middle. Okay, that makes my job easy. Thanks Rachael for being easy to please.

Rachael modeling one of her favorite gifts; a tutu from Aunt Alyssa and Uncle Vincent. Thanks guys for such a fun gift!

Let's Go Fly A Kite...

May, ahh, May. This May has been quite blissful. Why, do you ask? Because Chris has been home EVERY weekend. Ortho-Hand Service, I love you for being light on the hours. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Wow. To think that some people live like this normally. What would that be like...too much of a good thing? Not a chance!!!

Last weekend was quite windy. Chris took the opportunity to take the girls to the park and teach them how to fly a kite. He is usually so busy that he misses out on simple pleasures like this with the girls. They all had a blast.

Rachael flying her kite.

Morgan's turn.

Let's go fly a kite, up to the highest height, let's go fly a kite, and send it soaring...(In case you are wondering, I did in fact sing this song off and on the entire time they were gone. Thank you Mary Poppins.)

Polka Dots

I love polka dots. I love light summer rompers for little babies when it is hot outside. Combine the two, and this is what you get. Completely cute, squishable, and kissable. (Thanks Rebecca for the super cute outfit.)

6 Month Stats

Well, Kate had her six month well check up yesterday, and the stats are in. Drum roll please...She is 27 in long and 17 lbs 12 oz! In 6 months she has grown 6 inches and gained 11 lbs, 4 oz. Phew Kate, way to grow girl! In case you are wondering, she does in fact have the pinchiest thighs EVER. Her cheeks are utterly kissable and I can't go a day without pinching her button nose.

Easter Walks and Conference Talks

We spent a lovely Conference Weekend with both sets of grandparents in Indiana this year. It was so nice! The kids had plenty of grandparent time, we got to listen to our church leaders teach, and we got to celebrate Easter all in the same weekend. With three grandmothers under one roof (two grandmothers and one great-grandmother), you can be sure that there were toys, baskets and candy to be had. It was really wonderful to have conference streaming from the internet directly to two different televisions on two different floors in the house. It was impossible not to feel the spirit of the Lord and reflect on the glorious event that took place on that first Easter morning. How grateful I am for that great event, and all that it means for all of us as children of a loving Heavenly Father!

On Sunday between General Conference sessions, we went for a walk and drank in the lovely springtime weather. Chris carried Kate in the Snuggli and she promptly fell asleep. We paused for a rest and took advantage of a photo opp.

Morgan and Rachael with Nana and Grandma.

Kate distracting Nana from conference with her new favorite game: Peek-a-boo. She loves the little teething blanket she is holding. It serves many purposes. Snuggle thingy, peek-a-boo cover, teether, etc.

Too Cute To Not Post

I took this picture of Kate when we were outside helping Chris assemble the play set one day. (See next post...) It was beautiful out and Kate was really enjoying being outside. She really is so much fun.