Snake!

 

Yesterday, Anna came running inside crying and really upset. "Mom, I saw a snaaaaake, and it was a reeeeeal one, not pretend". Then she said I needed to come see it. We walked outside and sure enough a little blow snake was slithering in our front yard. I explained that it would not hurt her, but it was good she told me. I said we could look at the snake, but not get to close and not to touch it. She was able to calm down and then she was just excited about it. "We have to take a picture and put it on the blog, Mom." That's my girl. She really wanted her Dad to see it, but I explained it probablly wouldn't be in our yard for long, she was satisfied with a phone call to tell him all about it. Megan was a little braver, she also enjoyed watching it.

Dance Recital

Anna and Megan had their dance recital on Friday. It was cute, and we really enjoyed watching our little 'stars'. The year has been a lot of fun for them and they have learned a lot. We love Miss Heather, thanks for your dedication and paitence! It was also really fun for the girls to have their two cousins in the same dance program. We are looking forward to next year!

Our Trip to Kentucky

We were blessed to be able to visit our family in Kentucky for the first week of May. We had a wonderful time! My new little nephew, Tyler was blessed, and Logan was baptized. It was a special day and it was wonderful to share it with Lonnie and Angel and their family. While we were there we visited Cinncinati and enjoyed the Aquarium and Children's Museum. We also had a fun day on the river in Loiusville at a little park. And we visited the famous Church Hill Downs where the Kentucky Derby is held. It was thrilling to watch some horse races. We are glad to be home and even more glad that we were able to make these special memories with our little family.

The Newport Aquarium in Cinncinati. They had the coolest tunnels to walk through with fish, sharks, manta rays and more swimming all around and over.


Museum in Cinncinati. It was quite impressive, there were several museums, we just had fun at the Children's Museum. Anna and Megan loved it! Similar to the Gateway.

Park in Louisville, Kentucky on the bank of the Ohio River. The splash park was so much Fun!

Looking down the racetrack at the finish line at Church Hill Downs.

No TV week pictures

Yummy fruit pizza! Anna and Megan only ate the fruit, silly girls.

 

Look who's 5 months old!

 

We had fun playing with friends and 5 new baby kittens.

 

Lazy time in the hammock.

 

Adventures of No TV Week

Last week was no tv week. We turned ours off for Mon - Fri. Wayne said "I think you're crazy", but I wanted to try it. Typically we watch 2-4 hours a day! I was all ready for big battles from my girls. The first day was a little hard, but not as bad as I expected. Anna said "Let's just start no tv tommarow Mom" and Megan had a couple of begging moments. But I just stuck with it and helped them find other things to do. The nice weather outside really helped. We made treats, rode bikes, played with friends, had picnics, read stories in the hammock, climed trees, visited Grandma (thanks mom) and played with our new baby kittens. Sometimes I was wishing we could just turn it on for a little bit,(when Megan was napping and Anna was bored, when I was folding laundry, and late at night trying to put kids to bed) but I really wanted to stick with it. On wednesday I was amazed that they didn't even ask to watch tv! I didn't think it was possible.
All in all it was a good experience and I think we'll do it every year. It really is possible to live just one week without it. Here are some of the things I learned:
1. I can say no, my kids will eventually accept it.
2. We play and imagine a lot more without it (we have to!)
3. A lot of times it is just background noise and it can be alot more peaceful with it off.
4. We get more done. Wayne finished his deck and stairs for the shed and some electrical work, thanks honey!
5. We have a lot of fun together: On Friday we drove up to Uinta Canyon and saw: deer, elk, a moose and beaver!

Happy Bday Anna

Well it finally happened. My baby girl turned 5. The past week has been pretty busy, but it has felt like Anna really has done some growing up. She is so sweet and helpful. She is full of questions about the world around her and is learning so much every day. I can really tell that this is such a vital age for learning. We celebrated her big day on Monday April 6 her bday. I attempted a Barbie doll cake, she was pretty happy and the Barbie has become a favorite toy.

 

She had a "Beauty Parlor" party and invited a few friends and her sister and cousin. We couldn't handle too much with the 'real' makeup, fingernail painting and bracelet making. A big thanks to Erin and Mom for helping out!

 

All of her little friends brought such nice gifts. Anna was thrilled! She really had a special day and we are grateful for such good friends and family in her life.

 

Lastly, when Daddy got home from work we had another surprise for her. She was very excited. It was the most excited I've ever seen her act about a present. She keeps telling me "Mom my Barbie bike is my favorite!" What a cute bike, it even has a little Barbie Bike for the Barbie to ride on.

 

Our little cowgirls and lots of updates

 

 

Wayne and I went away for a nice weekend in Midway/Salt Lake and my parents were kind enough to take care of our children, THANKS gma and gpa! Anna and Megan had a nice time, the weather was lovely. Grandpa was working with his horses, and he caught our good old Cookie. She is named after a peanut butter cookie and was the horse that I rode for 4H, a good ol gal. Well of course I was pretty surprised that Anna was brave enough to ride her on her own. Megan had to also, of course. They both said they need cowgirl hats and boots. Anna said "She trotted, and it was fun, and I have to pull back and tell her whoa!" Megan tells me "You have to hold on one hand on the horn and one hand on the reins" Wow, my little cowgirls! I posted a lot today so bear with me...