An Update

Things are going well. The girls have enjoyed their two weeks out of school, playing outside anytime it's not raining and attending Vacation Bible School last week. They had a great time with their friends Hannah and Rachel at their church. I love the excitement in their voices as they tell me all about their day and sing the songs they learned. I love that they are learning even more about Jesus and how He is our friend, and how they are sharing His love with others.

I finished up some deadlines last week too, which is always a good feeling. It's fun to see the finished printed product in hand and how all the hard work has paid off. The new executive vp I work with has brought some great enthusiasm to the job and I'm enjoying seeing the direction my work could go now.

It's crazy to think it's the middle of June already-we're six months into 2010! Wow! I am booked full with photo sessions this month, and will finish all of those up before we head to Kansas in July. Looking forward to seeing my family again.

We enjoyed some wonderful moisture this spring and even into summer, but I think the warm days are here to stay. The kids have loved being outside. We've cleaned out the playhouse so it's all ready for fun. The girls have been putting on dance recitals in the basement and pretending to do cooking shows. The Next Food Network Star started a new season and MJ loves that show. And Jayten loves to be right in the middle of the mix.

I think that's it for now-have a great weekend!

Memorial Weekend

We had such a nice Memorial Weekend. That Friday, the girls and I did home manicures and pedicures to get them ready for their big dance recital. It was so fun doing girly stuff that afternoon. That night, I took the kids out to dinner at Winger's for a little end-of-the-school year celebration. Then, the girls performed at their dance recital. There was a great turnout for the event, especially from our family. Joe, Jared, Stephanie, Mya, Nana, Barth, G'pa Tom, G'ma Peggy, Aunt Lollie, G'ma Susie, G'pa Gayle, Austin and Isabella, Mark, Carla, Mich, Matt and us five were there. Thanks to everyone who came to support the girls! Afterwards, we stopped by M&C's house to drop off the girls so they could stay the night with the kids. We ended up staying for pizza and visiting. I don't think we got home until 11:30, but it was fun just hanging out. Saturday night, Josh and I went out to dinner for a Boise Valley Angus Club meeting. We went to a really great steakhouse in Eagle. The girls stayed with Uncle Matt since Austin and Isabella were still over. They had all sorts of fun making a race car out of a cardboard box and playing games. Matt's more like a big kid himself, so he makes a very fun babysitter. Jayten went to Nana's for the evening and she enjoyed the one-on-one time with him. Josh and I needed a date. We enjoyed doing something for just the two of us. After church on Sunday, we all worked in the yard. We had a beautiful weekend after lots of rain. I had had two busy weeks of deadlines, getting the Line Rider finished then also working on the directory for the Idaho Angus Directory. I love the times when I can set the work aside, and just be a wife and mom. We spent Monday outside brushing and riding Zani, hanging out and being a family, feeling very blessed.

Dance recital ~ May 28

The girls have had such a fun year taking ballet. They performed at several games, Mackenzie went to a dance competition, and ended the year with a recital. Both girls made a lot of improvement throughout the year, learning all the French ballet terms. Emma is pretty cute when she shows what she knows. And I think it was extra special for them that their teacher was Grandma Carla. She is an excellent dancer still and a great teacher.



Posing with Grandma Carla and Aunt Michelle after the performance.



Uncle Jared, Aunt Stephanie and cousin Mya came over to watch and brought all the girls beautiful pink roses. They were really excited.



She would not look at the camera for anything!



I love this picture!!!



Telling her uncles and Grandpa thanks for coming.



Nana and Barth came over too.







Our attempts at a family photo.

Mackenzie's Last Day of Kindergarten

Oh, even typing that title makes me a little sad. I think it was probably harder on me. This has been such a great year for her; she really loves school. She even received an attendance award for only missing five days. She was always upset when she had to miss a day. Her class was full of really great kids; she made so many new friends, plus had her best two girlfriends with her. Her teacher was excellent. Her reading has improved so much throughout the year and she loves math too.



We took a photo by the rock outside the school her last day.



Miss S giving MJ her certificate. Each student got to tell what they wanted to be when they grew up. She said, "I want to be a teacher just like Miss S and live somewhere in Kansas in a nice area." That's my girl!



Mackenzie with her besties, Madison and Hannah.



The last day of school, May 27, was Fun in the Sun Day for the Kindergarten. However, it was raining that day so they moved to the gym and had lots of fun activities and stations for the kids to do. I really enjoyed volunteering in her room. It was great to meet all the kids and see them progress. Again we are so proud of her and all she accomplished this year in school. Wow, can't believe she'll be in 1st grade next year!

Emma's Last Day of Preschool

Emma with her wonderful preschool teachers. They each care so much about the kids and do a great job. I enjoyed volunteering in her class this year a few times. I know that their job isn't all fun and games with the little ones-they work hard and we really appreciate their devotion.



Enjoying a celebratory cupcake at the park.



Whee!





We attended her end-of-the-year program on Tuesday, May 25. Her class sang songs and showed off what they had learned doing the year. Each child was presented with a certificate and Mrs. G said a little something about each one. Emma was the class songbird and loved to belt out all the tunes they sang each morning. A typical preschool day started with free play time, then circle time where they sat quietly, listened to stories and sang songs, then they went to their centers to work on speech, colors, numbers, letters, etc. After that was snack time then out to a little recess. Emma went to her speech session during recess. Then, back for more playtime before it time to get ready to go home. At the end of April, we had her IEP meeting (maybe I already blogged this), and Emma reached all the goals we set this year. Next year she will go to preschool two days a week again, but in the afternoon. She had a great year and we are so proud of her!

What Mackenzie's been up to

MJ, Michelle and Carla headed out at 7 a.m., Friday, May 14, for Lagoon and the American Nationals Dance competition. This was Mackenzie's first overnight trip away from Mom and Dad. She did awesome. Carla got some fun pics for the weekend and I hope to have copies soon. MJ had so much fun. She said her favorite part was watching the other dancers and seeing their costumes. Her group placed 2nd in their division for their ballet dance to Once Upon a Dream (from Sleeping Beauty). There are teams from all over the country and a huge crowd. MJ's excited to go back next year and we hope to make it a family trip that time.



A self portrait.



Meet Harriet.





Harriet is getting a haircut. :0)

"What, Mom, that's what you're supposed to do. Her hair is growing too long," MJ says. to me when I look at her with a puzzled look.

Spring Fair photos

I finally got all my photos loaded from the little camera. Here are some from spring fair.



MJ enjoyed a popsicle after walking in the parade.



The theme for the parade was "Famous Americans." The Kindergarteners dressed as runners, with medals and handmade torches too.



It was so bright that day and she ended up being on the other side of the road. I just pointed the little camera and aimed. I was excited and a little surprised when I uploaded these and found this pic. I wasn't sure if she'd seen us when they walked by, but she did was smiling and waving!



Emma loved running out to get the candy.







Yes, this kid dresses herself. She has her own sense of style and I love how confident she is in her choices.


Getting ready to sing-she's on the top row. 4th from the right. She's got her pink sunglasses and a big smile!