{Birthday Party}

E had his 6th Birthday party yesterday at a wonderful little, local jumping joint. It was a GREAT time!! Many of his friends showed up to help him celebrate, which made the day very special. There is something magical about fifteen little, sweaty boys running around filling the room with laughter and roars, and then the cute, little girls letting out little screams and giggles as they slid down the slides. I hope I can keep those sounds in my memory forever. I only saw tears once. It was Jensen when he was leaving...only because he didn't get to eat his cupcake (I would have cried too). I can't have anyone leaving in tears, so I piled his plate with cupcakes and cookies for the road. (I hope some of that actually made it home Mimi, and he didn't eat it all before dinner.) On our way home from the party, E kept talking about what a great time he had with all his friends. Thanks to everyone who helped make E's day a special one! When I took this picture, he was shouting "Disco Parker!"

I LOVE this picture of L(I'm glad she had shorts on under her skirt)

Even the babies had fun! Aren't they cute?

Lots of fun presents
Happy Birthday, Bubby! May all your wishes come true!

{Lions, Tigers & Bears}

For the last 35 years, E's school has hosted a circus presented by the Kindergarten class. We were all excited to participate this year. E was chosen to be the Ring Master, so he was able to announce all the circus acts. It was very cute. They had costumes for all the kids and everyone did a great job. I wish my pictures turned out, but it's too dark in the auditorium for my little point-and-shoot camera to get good pictures.

Ring Master E back in his classroom after the circus. Check out his mustache.

{Out of the Mouths of My Babes}

My kids have been saying some really interesting, funny and cute things lately. I thought I'd share a few with you.

Whistles
L: "Mom, when I was a boy I could whistle. Now that I am a girl, I can't do it."

Where is Jesus?
L: "Mom, I know where Jesus is."
Me: "Really? Where?"
L: "Right here in my heart, " as she points to her chest.

Are you a dog?
The other day we were feeding the dog some treats and when we finished the dog thought L still had treats so she was sniffing her and consequently, right in L's face. This made L nervous so I told the dog to go lay down. I had to say it a few times which prompted E to also tell the dog to go lay down. I said, "E it's too confusing for Mitsy (the dog) when we are all telling her what to do. Just let Mama tell her what to do, please." Without skipping a beat, E said, "How do you know? Are you a dog?"

{9 months}

I can't believe how fast Kate is growing. She is such a joy to have in our home and she has a special gift to make us smile. She is enjoying discovering new foods and absolutely loves to eat anything on her own, like Cheerios. She is setting records with how fast she can crawl. If I lose sight of her, I check the bathroom first.....she loves the toilet paper, unrolling it and eating it. She is very vocal. When the kids get loud, she tries to get even louder. She is doing really well standing against the furniture. A few times she has cruised along and even let go. But, for the most part, she plays it safe. She is working on cutting her top teeth. I can't wait to see that toothy smile.

{waking up with Kate}

Every time I go into Kate's room to get her after a nap, this is how I am greeted. She is such a happy baby and always full of smiles to happily share.

{Easter + Eggs}

I got really sick, the week before Easter, with the flu and pneumonia. Needless to say, I was not in the spirit of things this holiday. Jason took time off work to stay home and take care of the kids and myself. He did an awesome job and the kids & I loved having him home. However, planning Easter fun was last on his mind too. Thankfully, Aunt Sunny saved Easter. She brought hard boiled eggs over for the kids to decorate; She stuffed plastic eggs so the kids could have an egg hunt, and she bought tons of cool stuff for their Easter baskets. Thanks Aunt Sunny!!

{Easter Bunny}

My mom enjoys dressing up like the Easter Bunny every year to deliver the kids' Easter Baskets. It has turned into a fun tradition now that the kids are not afraid of this massive bunny. This was Katie's first time seeing the bunny costume and she did amazingly well...no tears.