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.

Washing Machine Woes

Just when you think things are going well--of course that is when something breaks! Eric was trying to be so helpful. I was keeping 3 other kids on Sunday along with my own. All together there were 2 five year olds, a 21 month old, a 13 month old and and 8 month old. We were at my mom's house helping some friend's out as they moved. Eric wanted to help get some things done around the house and well I am so grateful for this--however-- it did cost us. He tried to wash some things that should not have been put in the machine. I smelled something burning from the laundry room. I called him quickly and after only a moment- he pulled the seat cushion out and there were burn marks along the edge. Yes, it was stuck. It burned the motor up and well we do not know what else! Yes- I panicked. This is the week I have to wash Kadyn's camp clothes each night. Well, David, Eric's brother used to work at an appliance company. I called him- after about 30 minutes. I had to calm down and think rationally in order to think about calling him! He came over at about 10 p.m. He and Eric were up for a bit draining the washing machine and letting David look at it and assess the damage. Needless to say- we have another machine today. In order to fix the old one- well it was the same as getting another-- was there really a choice? Thank you David for helping us out! Here are a few pictures from last night that we will laugh at one day!

Inexpensive Toys

I often wonder why we buy toys for our kids. There seem to be so many things they find on their own that entertain them-that are free! Here is Dylan's latest favorite spot! The one cabinet he is allowed in--the one with the tupperware--I am learning so much about boys and how they will go anywhere- and think they can fit anywhere and will do anything to make it happen! Enjoy!















But wait---- there is more--- the day he decided to crawl in Kadyn's laundry bag! What a riot watching him try to get out! Is it bad that I laughed as he cried in frustration? Yes, I did help him get out--after I made sure I had some pictures!

Father's Day 2006

Ok- I am a little late in getting this on here- but better late than never. Somehow- Eric managed to escape the camera all day! He is pretty good at that. After church, we went to Granny Lou and Pop's house to celebrate with them. Below are the pics of Pop and the grandkids! Several are action shots- the story of our lives these days!













I am so thankful for my father-no life has not been perfect for us. There have been struggles throughout the years- but his love never stopped! I am so grateful for this example from him. I am so glad that my kids get time with him! He loves them and is a great Pop! He learned this from his dad!

Eric- you love our kids and I am so thankful for this. They adore you. This is evident in how they come running to you when you walk through the door!

Happy Father's Day to you both!

Vacation Bible School 2006

Vacation Bible School was fun this year. I worked with Kindergarten so I could be in the worship time with Kadyn. What fun to get to watch her worship! Truly, to be in there with 3, 4, and 5 year olds as they sing to God- what a blessing!

Kadyn would have sheer delight on her face during the worship time--one reason...... look below!

Pop played the roll of Klondike Keith. He mainly spent his time in the grade school worship time, however he did make an appearance on the last day with the preschooler's. He was in a tent-- and would snore-- LOUDLY! The kids would yell loudly to wake him up and he would come out making a big fuss! What fun this was! The huge smile on Kadyn's face is the moment she realized it was Pop!

The theme for the week was Artic Edge. Kadyn is doing the motions and here she is doing the motion for Edge--trying not to fall off!

This is Mrs. Pauline- she was great at leading the preschooler's each day. Mrs. Karin said she was better than Ms. Pattycake! How true this is-especially when getting the wiggles out!

Mrs. Karin would lead the kids each day in the motto for the week as well as their Bible verse for the day. She also came to different classes and spent time with the kids. Kadyn loves Mrs. Karin and Mrs. Karin loves her! She has a wonderful heart!!

The next few are shots from the worship.

The picture below shows the time of the offering. There was a competition between the boys and the girls to see which group could raise more money. The boys beat the girls by a few hundred dollars- but overall, $5000 was raised to help others--all of this by children! Kadyn is in the middle of the group below taking the girl's offering for her class.

Kadyn and Dylan spent each morning with me before the other kids arrived. Dylan loved to crawl in and out of the tent. Kadyn- such a good big sister played with him, laughed with him and loved on him! I happened to catch a still moment with Dylan!

We can't wait for VBS next year!

Official Recital Pictures

cHere it is- the first official recital pictures. I can't believe how tall Kadyn is! She truly loves ballet and had a great time at their camp at the beginning of the summer. Kadyn cannot wait for ballet to start back in August.

Here the photographer asked if she could have fun with Kadyn! Of course, Kadyn loves to dress up and be in front of a camera-so she had not objections!

This next one is my favorite- look at those eyes! We are in trouble!

OK- oops somehow this one got on here twice-- oh well-- she is cute enough to look at twice!

ACE

Ok so it has been awhile since I have updated. There are several things to share- I will divide them up-- but the first is ACE. Ace is Uncle David's dog. David came and helped us last night-- more on that in another session. Anyway- Ace came with him. Ace is no little Dog. Ace is 8 months and not full grown. He is a German Shepard and a sweet dog. He loved the kids and the kids loved him. Ace was so gentle with them and Dylan would just squeal! Ace would push Kadyn down--gently--and then lick all over her face! Anyway- here are some pics of Ace and the kids!