and that's a wrap

This school year went so fast for me.

 These two are so excited to move on, There was a lot of happy screaming when that last bell rang.  Mrs. Weaver and Mrs. Young were great to work with and the girls sure loved them.  4th grade and Kindergarten were a success!

Hayli was invited to a end of school party and so Elle came over for our...end of school day, I have to admit it was not a party put we love to have her here.

Schools out!

dear universe

I surrender..
time out..
the gloves are off..
I struck out...

I will be late,
my girls are sassy.
they went to school with wet braids and late.
my brownies wont be the best ones.

But I do promise not to serve the ones off the floor...

and now I have to mop.
I give up for today.  Yes it's only 9:30 in the morning, but there is no fight left.
YOU WIN!
(I think I'll pour a coke and start over...but no promises)

memorial weekend

Because of the dance concert our weekend was cut a little short.  We had a quick 24  hours to spend at Grandpa's cabin.
When the weather looks this inviting who could say no...

 Clyde did accuse me of being bad luck, :) During spring break the weather didn't pan out to well either.
But even with the short time we were able to learn new skills. Grandpa found the only nail on the mountain and ran over it with his brand new rhino.  Hayli  helped change the tire.

 We had the first hot dog roast of the season.
 and got a few hugs from ones that we love.  A little Kole sandwich!

Ella, Kole and Genny were a little like the 3 musketeers.  Kole doesn't let Gen out of his sight and Ella didn't want anyone to have any fun without her.
 Lorraine wins mother of the year in my book she ended up with 4 kids under 8 while their parents got a break for a couple of days. Not to mention my 3 and Corey had a friend who had kids too.  Grand total--9 kids running, screaming and wanting Grandmas attention.  (Hayli being the only one over 8) Fortunately, she seems to have enough to go around! Truly her patience is amazing.

Family fun...but fast.  Not enough hours in this weekend,  We never made it to the cemetery hopefully they know we love them too.  

the empty pot

it's dance concert time!
The girls sure love being on the stage.

 This time we went with fuchsia lips.  again...the girls LOVE this part!

 Kate loved the hula-hoop dance.

 the little ones always make me smile.

 This flower pot dance was my favorite of the night, the flower girls were so cute. Of course I am partial to the butterfly flitting around too!

 Hayli loves this and has had so much fun this year with all her friends.

finally, they put her on the front row and turned on the lights...

We love TDC and can't wait for summer fun.  Bring on the parade...

Thank you!

monkey

Last weekend Kate and Hayli got to spend time with their beloved cousins.  Sunday we all met up for dinner and the kid exchange.  We spent time at the park for a little Frisbee and some racing about.
Now can you see why Kate adores Kamryn?

Who else would do the monkey with her and let it be captured on camera?   Kate is thinking about taking up gymnastics OK Kate has decided to take up gymnastics but I am holding on to dance but anyone who can stand on her head that long might just need to be moved to gymnastics.
I should have known anyhow...Kamryn is amazing at gymnastics and we know if Kam does it Kate does too.
ps thanks for the picture Claine, man I need a phone with a camera.

it's time...

We couldn't be more thrilled,

 Casey worked hard one Saturday and replaced the bark with rubber stamp mulch.  Such a fun new activity to find treasures, and maybe even spell a word!

Welcome to the backyard, can't wait to spend some lazy afternoons with you.

delight

To my absolute delight my lilacs have exploded this year!

I love their smell,  I love their color,  I adore their delicate buds.

I might even learn to appreciate their over grown guest,
Maybe he is who helped them bloom so well.

Happy Spring Grandma Atkin, they will always remind me of you.

spring

has sprung,

Seems like plant a seed was the traditional spring activity we ended up with a sunflower, beans, and squash plants growing in my kitchen window.  I know lots just toss them but there is something about a seed and dirt that makes me want to "tend" it.   Now to find a place for our treasures in the outside world.  Ok my treasures the girls haven't even asked about them since they didn't grow over night.  :)

cousins

We spent this weekend running from place to place.  I think weekends are busier than weekdays around here. But we had the chance to spend some time eating cake with some of our favorites!

Kate adores her cousin Kamryn.  She tries to be just like her!  Doesn't leave her side when our families are together.  Kam doesn't eat green pistachio salad... neither will Kate.  Have to admit I couldn't have hand picked a better role model for Kate,  I hope Kate IS just like her favorite cousin.
A BIG thanks to Kamryn for her amazing patience with her adoring fan.