Party like a Rock Star!

Ella celebrated her 7th birthday a few weeks ago.  She couldn't decide what kind of party to have.  She thought about it for days she said.  Then she said "I want a Rock Star party."  Not sure what that was but I did my best to figure it out.  When the girls first arrived they were able to get their Rock Star look on.  We did hair and makeup.  They LOVED it!  Then we made some feather head bands that turned out really cute.  Also, Aunt Annie and sweet Amanda helped me with painting the girls nails.  Thanks girls.  After gifts and the cake we took some "Rock Star" pics.  We had a few props and all the girls gave their best rockin pose.  It was pretty cute.  They all seemed to have a good time and Ella loved it.  I did hear a couple of the girls say they wish this was a sleep over.  EEK, I was glad it wasn't. :)  Those Rock Stars can get loud.  It was sure fun though!

Zoo Day!

I got to spend the other morning taking Ryder to the zoo for his class field trip.  He was so excited.  I'll be honest I don't love the zoo.  The last few times I have gone it's been HOT and I was dragging 3 cranky kids around.  It just wears me out.  Anyway, my sweet sister watched my other two so I was able to enjoy some mommy and Ryder time.  It was such a nice morning.  Not too hot and Ryder just loved seeing all the animals.  Ryder is such a great kid.  He is just so easy going and laid back.  Since he's my second oldest I sometimes forget that he's only four.  We had such a nice time.  Now my little Ryder loves to look at the animals but only look. When we got to the petting zoo he was so cute.  He wanted to be brave and go in but not so much in the petting.  I told him to go by this one goat and he set as far as he could from it and then said "Ok, take my picture."  He finally decided to sneak up on one and give it a quick little pet and then he was done!  Once we got through the zoo I told him it was time to go.  He really didn't want to but then said, "Alright, Mom, let's go.  Let's bring Ella, Brock and Mia back next time."  What a sweetie!

Easter - Part 2

The kids were really excited about Easter this year. They really loved looking for the eggs in the morning. Mia even made her way through the Easter baskets trying to eat the candy with or without the wrapping on it. After a little morning of egg hunting fun it was off to church. It was a quick service. Mia and I spent the service in a room because they didn't have child care. But Jason said it was a good service. Next, we headed back to his parents for lunch. This is when I attempted to get the kids picture in their Easter gear. They were tired, I was tired, so the pics are what they are. After lunch, we headed home. The weekend went by fast but it was nice to get to see all the family.

Easter - Part 1 - The Eggs

Another year of a gazillion kids with a gazillion eggs and parents (well, mothers) trying to help the kids not make too big of a mess. The kids are all really excited when it comes to dying the eggs. More of my kids participate each year. I was surprised with Brock but he loved it. I have to give props to Mom for getting everything ready and boiling TWELVE dozen eggs! One might say it's a little chaotic and it is, but we love the chaos!

School Program

A few days ago Ella had her 1st grade school program. She was so excited. Anything that gets that girl up on a stage excites her. She did great of course and she was so cute. She kept making sure she was always looking my way when I would take a pic of her. We always love watching our girl perform.

Her good friend Natalie.

and sweet friend Mia.

Brock is 3!

Today is Brock's birthday! Three, yep, three. Still can't believe it. He is looking more and more like a little boy and less and less like my chubby faced baby boy. On his last birthday I was a little concerned about his speech. The boy just wasn't talking. He was jabbering but not actual words. Well, he hit 2 1/2 and he finally started talking and hasn't stopped. He as the cutest voice, when he's not throwing a fit, and a little bit of a lisp. So cute but hope he grows out of that. :) He is very into dinosaurs. He LOVES them. He goes to bed talking about them and wakes up talking about them. He has the best laugh and very ticklish so getting those laughs is real easy. He now shares a room with Ryder. Good thing Ryder is a heavy sleeper and falls asleep fast because Brock sings himself to bed every night. And knocks his head on the bed over and over, while falling asleep. It's weird, we know. He is still not completely potty trained. UGH! We don't have to change dirty diapers so that's good, but I can't seem to get him to want to go pee pee on the potty. He goes sometimes when I take him but doesn't come and tell me when he needs to go. Hoping to get completely trained before too long. He is strong willed and stubborn so times can be challenging but when he's in a good mood he's funny and great. Can't believe he's three and will go to pre-school next year. That should be some fun new experiences. :) I am exciting about what this next year holds for my little big guy. Happy birthday Brockie!

Father Daughter Dance

A few weeks ago Jason and Ella went to the Father Daughter Dance. Ella was very excited about this and made sure Jason knew they were going weeks prior. They got all dressed up. Ella was grinning from ear to ear. I snapped a few pics before the left. I was told they had a great time. Ella kept Jason on the dance floor the entire time. They showed me some of their moves when they got home that night. They had such a good time and ended up staying the whole two hours. They shut that dance floor down. It is so sweet to see my sweetie with his little princess. Melts my heart.