Debbie

Life is so fragile and at times seems so unfair. Today, I learned that a friend and sorority sister passed away from her struggle with breast cancer. Debbie was a believer and is rejoicing with the angels tonight. I have not seen Debbie in about 10 years, but I remember her vividly. She was beautiful both inside and out. Debbie was an angel here on earth. I do not remember Debbie without a smile on her face....always encouraging.... always cheering on. Debbie you will be missed. Thank you for being an example while you were here. Mizpah.

Not so little anymore!

Ok so it is not his first haircut, but it was so cute today! I am not sure if you can tell, but the girl put gel in his hair and spiked the front. I know the paci is in his mouth, but without it- he looks like a little boy- not a baby boy! His hair was too cute and he was SO PROUD! I had to catch a picture! Who knows if I will ever get it like this again! He is growing up too fast--

Burger's Lake

Last Saturday, our Sunday School class went to Burger's Lake. It was about 30 minutes away. How have I lived here since 1998 and never heard of this place? It is a man made lake that is fed by spring water. There are things for kids of all ages--diving boards of all heights, a huge slide, a trapeze swing, a fountain and several sandy beaches to play in! Here are a few pictures of the kids and Eric. The kids had a great time--and Eric and I did as well!




Daddy duck with his ducklings.. Dylan, Kadyn and a good friend Lauren.









Daddy taking Dylan through the water that is bubbling! Dylan loved it!



Kadyn was a bit timid on the diving board at first. The water was no more than a foot or so below the board and you can touch the bottom and stand in the water. This is a picture of the first time she went. After a few times of having us stand right there, she was off and running and loved it. She never went on the slide you see in the background. It was just a bit to high she said--maybe next time!



Dylan had a great time as well. He loved being spun around in his float. He would have run everywhere had we let him. However, he has no fear!! Maybe next year he can come out of the float!

Kadyn's Family Party

We decided to have a separate party for the family. We did not think the men would enjoy the tea party, and to be honest two one year old boys could have wreaked havoc in there! So here are some pictures from her family party.
Here she is playing with some of her new art sets that her friends gave her. The rest of us are beginning to eat!










Here are the Branch boys--all eating together.













Now- it is time for presents. Kadyn chose to open her presents before having cake! Imagine that! She is definitely my child!












Pictures from Camp Thurman! She was so excited.










NEW CLOTHES!! Thank you Aunt Kaci, Uncle Clay and Jonathan!













Here is the birthday bear that was the beginning of her present from Granny Leen, Uncle Mikey, Uncle David, and Bob. There was lots more where the bear came from! Clothes, mermaid, and a ballet jewlery box!







How special that Mrs. Maryanne got the be here! She knew just what Kadyn would want! Her very own purse!!!













The last gift was too big to wrap. So it was sitting outside the front door. While Granny Lou and Pop brought it inside, Kadyn had to close her eyes! I was so proud of her! She did it! Here she is waiting.









Here it is-- her very own desk! She has been asking for her own desk since she is starting school. The desk even matches her room! The base and chair are painted purple. Thanks Granny Lou and Pop! Now it is time for cake!







Of course- we had to have the cake sitting on the new desk. This was quite interesting since the top of the desk slants! The last picture will show the cake. Kadyn decorated her cake with a little help. However, she decided what she wanted and what went where! It was definitely a one of a kind original! She was so proud!







Another year gone by..... Kadyn immediately began playing with all her new luit and well changing clothes numerous times over the next few days! I believe it was not even 24 hours later that she was already planning next year's birthday!

Tea Party Time

What fun we had today at Kadyn's birthday party. We had a tea party with 9 of her friends. The girls got to jump in a bounce house at first. This was hysterical! There was a dead bug inside and the girls were screaming to "bounce the bug!" When the party helper came and got the bug, they chanted "the bug is gone!"















The girls had a great time bouncing, but were very ready to get to the "girly" stuff! From the bounce house, they each got to pick out a party dress. They got their nails painted, makeup put on and got to pick out which beads they would wear! The girls had a blast picking out their clothes and getting pampered!

Kadyn loved the special attention she got today!
Check out the tongue as she is focusing!
The final look!


Next, Kadyn was crowned Queen Kadyn. The royal tiara was placed on her head and she was given the royal sceptor. It was with this sceptor that she "dubbed" each girl princess. Kadyn at first was saying I double you princess.... quite cute! Kadyn is thinking how cool everything is so far! Yet the fun was just beginning! We are dressed and ready, officially princesses and a Queen, the tea party can begin. There are instructions first about how to be a true princess at a tea party. The queen always goes first, you sip your tea with your pinky raised, and the Queen must give the royal nod before you may begin to eat. One other thing, princesses drink special tea called Giggle Juice and you must take you special tea sceptor and say the magic words!














The royal nod.


























The royal cake above and pouring the giggle juice to the left. Each princess had their own teapot. The royal party is shown below. Aren't they just beautiful!






Bottom left: Kaitlyn, Lindsey, Abby, Bailey, Jillian
Top Left: Lauren, Kadyn, Adyson, and Meagan. Kylee is not here and we missed her!



Next- it is parade time! First- proper princess
parade instructions!

















The royal parade is over. One last picture with the Queen Mother! haha! Now it is time to open the royal presents. The Queen has a royal throne to sit upon and the princesses must line up and present their gift to her.

As the queen was finishing up opening her presents, she had a slight mishap. She lost her balance on the throne and scraped her royal leg. So, the Queen Mother took a moment to comfort her and more than anything try to help her work through her embarrassment!

The time has now come for the royal court to depart. The Queen has one last duty before her princesses leave. To each one , she gives a royal sceptor. One to be a reminder of this special day......

Queen Kadyn is quite pleased with her tea party. She loves the princesses and promises to see them soon. Queen Kadyn now must gather her belongings and head to her palace. There her family is waiting for her..for they too want to celebrate her birthday! Queen Kadyn will share pictures from the celebration with her family at in the near future.

Happy 5th Birthday Kadyn

Kadyn, today you turned 5 years old. My how the days have flown by. You are my angel. 5 years ago, you arrived and changed my world--for the better. You have been a guiding light. I have loved every minute-yes- even the rough ones! I cannot wait to see what the years ahead hold. God spoke to your heart this year and I know He will continue to speak to you and work through you. I love you dearly and thank God for you.
With all my heart-Mommy

Happy Birthday Jonathan

Jonathan- yesterday we celebrated your first birthday! I cannot tell you how proud I am to be your Aunt! It took years for you to get here- but what a miracle you are. I thank God for His blessing of you, for the joy that you bring to your mom and dad. You have such a sweet temperment and a tender heart. I know that God has many blessings ahead for you! I love you dearly my precious nephew-- Love Aunt Kristi

Bubble Fireworks

So- 4th of July was wet and soggy here. In order to not let the day go by completely unrecognized, I took the kids out to the garage and we had a celebration of our own-- with bubbles! Dylan got a bubble machine for his birthday and we have not had a chance to play yet. So today was the day.







Dylan was fascincated with the bubbles- for about 5 minutes!

Dylan can't just let the bubble machine do its job! He must help it out but sticking his fingers in! If I had only had the taken the picture a few seconds later you would have seen Kadyn's mouth wide open as she yelled "Dylan NO!"

The next few pictures show Dylan--while Kadyn is enjoying the bubbles!

All in all we had a fun time. The rain then started coming again- and out in the rain they went!!!

Dylan had to go everywhere Kadyn did!

Dylan had to check it all out- even the drain!




Kadyn was right there-- helping her brother. She was so worried he might fall!











I am thankful for moments like these-- simple.