Friday, April 30, 2010

Haley Turns SEVEN!

Pure, crazy JOY is what you see on Haley's face. Instead of a big "friends" party, she opted to celebrate by having us stay overnight at a local hotel with a water park. They are always begging to stay over when we go there and this seemed like a fun birthday treat. We went with an "American Girl Doll" birthday and she was thrilled as can be to open accessories and play sets for her and Samantha. But she was truly surprised to find a Lanie doll under the wrapping paper of her last present. Her shriek of excitement must have startled the whole hotel.


Haley is trying to match Samantha's pose.

This is the design we came up with for the cake.


Opening her present from Jake, with help from Jake.

"Thank you!" It was a Mermaidia Barbie...

Haley and her new B.F.F.

Ready for bed after we closed down the water park.

I can't believe my baby girl is 7 years old. She is still as sweet as ever, quick to help me with Alex or fix a Transformer for Jake. She loves to play school, be a "chef" in the play kitchen, climb trees (or anything, for that matter), ride her bike, do any kind of arts and crafts project, sing and dance, write and illustrate stories, read, and play with friends. She has enjoyed gymnastics this year and is looking forward to swimming lessons and possibly softball this summer. It is exciting - and a little bittersweet - to watch her branch out and grow up. I try to remind myself everyday to enjoy these sweet children while they're little because it is flying by so quickly. I can't help but get a little choked up when I think of the tiny, 5-pound 14-ounce little bundle we took home from the hospital seven years ago. She has become such a beautiful girl and we love her to the stars and back. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Haley-Bear!

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Official Soccer Mom

Jake started soccer this Spring, which I guess makes me an official Soccer Mom. We have the minivan and 3 kids, so I guess we are a bona fide stereotype. Jake likes going to practice, and likes wearing his jersey and practicing at home, but the games so far have been rough on their team. It's just not their year. But while they won't be going to any playoffs, I hope he's learning a much-needed lesson about sportsmanship and practice, practice, practice. He looks so cute in his huge uniform; I hope he'll play again next year!

He was all tuckered out after his game. Still my sweet little boy!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Haley's Music Program

Haley loves to sing and has been eagerly waiting for her chance to perform at the First Grade Music Program. The boys and I were lucky enough to get to attend both the morning and evening performances. Haley wasn't nervous at all and all the kids did a great job!



I have to sit through it AGAIN?!


Enjoying ice cream afterwards.

Sunday, April 04, 2010

Hippity Hoppity

It seems like we've had snow on the ground for Easter about half the time we've lived here. This year was mild and beautiful and we were all excited to get to hunt eggs outside. Happy Easter!

Haley's Easter dress; Jake got a pink tie to match.


Alex's first time in the grass. He wasn't really a fan.


Dyeing eggs with our friend, D.

Jake found his basket under the sink in the guest bathroom. He couldn't believe the Easter bunny put Transformers in his basket!

Haley's was in the dryer...

Alex liked the wrappers. Sorry, buddy, no chocolate for you.

The hunt begins...