Halloween 2013

We had a mellow Halloween this year. Compared to years past, it seemed very calm. Having all the big kids in one school, makes for a less hectic holiday.

They had 1 Halloween parade, and the kids were so cute. If my flash weren't broken, my picture would've turned out better and I could post them. Darn! We met up with friends, and the kids trick-or-treated their feet off. Since that wasn't enough, we split up and went around our neighborhood too. They have been eating that candy since and we still have a huge bowl full!

Kennedy- Little Red Riding Hood (with wolf ears/tail)

Reagan - Cutest Tinkerbell EVER

Lincoln - "white ninja" from GI Joe

McKinley - Cutest poodle skirt, sock hop loving kid

Ava - Gypsy

Max - Eagle

Samuel - Fireman

Lia - Princess

Cute kids. I was so excited that they LOVED their costumes. Loved them enough, that Tyler even complimented me for doing a good job. WHAT? I know, pretty impressive indeed. I got their costumes on super clearance the end of last year, praying they would fit and that the kids would still like them. Since I put them away until this year, they were all really excited and they turned out perfect. Guess what I did again this year? Bought costumes for next year on clearance again. Except for Kennedy. Her and Ava loved the costumes they each wore so much they are switching next year. So cute, and awesomely free for next year!

Look for Gypsy, Rapunzel, Iron Man and a ladybug Halloween 2014!

And since costumes were so cheap, look for Snow White and Spiderman 2015!!

 

 

Kennedy turned 9!!

I can't believe she's getting so old. It really does seem like yesterday she was learning to walk.

This girl is one amazing kid. I am proud of her every single day. I get to brag, it's her birthday post. She is so smart. She excels at math and reading and is quick to pick up on every thing they learn in her 3rd grade class. She is learning cursive and math is starting to get crazy, but she breezes right through. She just applied to be on the lost & found team to help others get their things back. That group will be perfect for her, that describes my Kennedy well. She is always helping people, always the example and is first to help and make people feel comfortable. Everyone says this about their kids, but really, she is the sweetest kid. She is naturally well behaved and wants to do well at everything. Speaking of doing well, she is pretty dang good at everything she tries. A few I have to mention ... her tumbling. Really? How is she that awesome? Ask her to tumble for you, she's shy but will back flip across the yard. She has perfected her tuck and ariel this year and I can't even imagine what's next. She is a runner! She has already run two 5K's. She kicked butt at both, and I couldn't be more proud of her motivation. This is what I mean about her example. She makes everyone around her want to do better, to be better. I love this girl so much, and count my blessings every single day that she made me a mama. Happy Birthday sweet Kennedy.

Above is her with all her Birthday loot. Thank you to my family for coming down to share in her special day. Also, thanks to her grandparents for the sweet cards. And on last thank you, to her best friend in the whole world Ava. Their family came for dinner and presents too. I'd say it was the perfect birthday.

Back to School

So, school started...quite awhile ago actually. Better late then never right?

They all started on different days, but are now in full swing. We are finally into a good routine and they are all doing great. Lincoln is even in full day kindergarten and kicking booty. Having just 1 little at home is nice, she is crazy, but it's still nice to only chase 1 around.

Kennedy - 3rd Grade

 Reagan - 1st Grade

Lincoln - Kindergarten

 

 McKinley - bored as can be without her buddies

                                     

5K Foam Fest

Kennedy ran her first 5K! She and Tyler rocked it at the Foam Fest @ Heritage Park. She was hesitant about the face paint, but was on board when she saw how dressed up everyone else was. From what I hear, there were some crazies! She ran the whole time and did every obstacle. That girl amazes me! Tyler is a great Dad, he ran with her, encouraged her and was so proud of her. They are signed up for their next 5K, a spooky run that is next week. Go Tyler and Kennedy!!

Foam Action

 Mid Flip

 Champions!

Lincoln turns 5!!

Lincoln had a water party for his 5th birthday, and it was fun! We had tons of friends there, and he even had his friend Jacob from preschool come. When Jacob got there Lincoln ran over to say hi and then gave him a hug. It was the cutest thing ever, poor boy needs a brother.

Yeah, we sprang for the water guns with a scope. We're cool like that. Funny boy.

Ready to fight! They mean business.

 Mustache face painting station

 Party Rockers in the House Tonight

 I mustache you a question ... aren't his kids hilarious?

 And one cute baby. Totes adorbs

 (ha ha ha ha ha, funniest saying ever. By funny, I mean super annoying.)

Idaho Campin

This is our first camp of the year. Tyler and the kids look forward to it all year. I look forward to the end of the camp season. I live in a house for a reason. I like my bed and kitchen .. end of story. Aren't I nice to sacrifice my happiness for my family ... I know.

Lincoln already in the dirt .. wearing clothes that are 2 sizes too small. Poor kid throws up in the car all.the.time. 

 Tyler's famous "wiggle rope" it's the highlight every time.

Reagan gets better every year, and has a blast.

 Dirty baby. Love her.

 Waiting patiently for said wiggle rope. Kennedy is so cute, even camping.

 The man that makes it all happen .. not just in camping, in everything.

Love this guy, a lot.

Gymnastics Performance

Kennedy worked so hard in gymnastics all year and had her performance in June. They did 2 routines, and both were so cool. This kid is a natural. She can do 20 back-hand-springs in a row and has been working on her ariel and tuck ... both of which she mastered at the 4th of July fair in Idaho.

She just started her next year and has moved up a class. She wants to do cheer too, but with 2 days at gym a week and the school choir she's already too busy!

I recorded both of her routines, I will upload that those as soon as I figure out how. In the meantime, here are the few pictures I did get.

Mid Back-hand-spring

 Take a bow

 9th from the left.

Supportive Siblings. I love my family.

 

Ballerina Beauty!

Reagan had her 2nd ballet recital and was cuter then ever. She loves to dance. She is the oldest girl in the class, and the others look to her to make sure they're doing the right steps. She performed each step perfectly and made us proud. Here she is, all dolled up before we left. Reagan loves being in the limelight obviously. She was pretty excited to wear make up.

 Cute random picture. Matching Maxi dresses. Don't mind grumpy baby.

Kennedy's Gradutaion / MAJOR CATCH UP

Prepare for major catch up, it's been too long since I blogged!

Kennedy had a great 2nd grade year. She is a quick learner and loves school. Her favorite subject is math and she's a freak genius. She did not get that from me. She progressed in reading further then she and I hoped, and I have to say her teacher Mrs. Yanda is THE best teacher ever. We loved her, and I will make sure the other kids have her for 2nd grade too.

 

Mrs. Yanda and Kennedy. Sad to see the year end, we'll miss her.

 Kennedy received her "eagle award" and the Presidential Fitness Award. She worked really hard for both. Have you ever read the fitness requirements for presidential? It's wicked hard. Brag - she is the fastest kid in her class and has been in every class so far. She smoked even the fastest boys. GO KENNEDY! She is such a hard worker, if she has a goal she WILL meet that goal. It makes me so proud to see how dedicated she is. She is a great example to her younger siblings.

 Kennedy and Mr. Hanvey, the principal. She loves the Mr. Hanvey, and sent him the cutest letter. I love that he wrote back, he does a great job.

 These 2 were very supportive, and excited for their sister.

This kid ... not as supportive. She was super bored, and wasn't happy it took so long.

Court Yard Hounds - AMELITA album review

I was given a copy of Court Yard Hounds new album "Amelita" from One2One Network, in return for my honest review.

I've done a few album reviews on my blog, and mentioned that they were all pretty good. Not kidding when I say this album is great. I really liked every song. Listen to song 1 "Sunshine" and you'll instantly be hooked. I love how they sound together. I always loved the Dixie Chicks and own every album of theirs. I'm glad that I can still hear 2 of them singing together.

The Dixie Chicks have been out of the limelight for awhile now. Court Yard Hounds had an album in 2010, but their new album has a different sound, and I love it. Robinson from the band says "I've been freed from all those time-heals-everything kind of things. now I've opened up to other ideas and ways of looking at life and the world. I think it's not only a more hopeful album, but it's more ... well fun." It is more fun, and I think everyone should give it a try ... even if you aren't a country fan. I think anyone can appreciate their talent and the way the sing together so well.

Here are a few links to find their album or follow them online.  https://twitter.com/courtyardhounds - Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/CourtYardHounds - Facebook
https://twitter.com/EmilyRobison - Emily Robison Twitter
https://twitter.com/martiemaguire - Martie Maguire Twitter
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/amelita/id669206086 - iTunes
http://www.amazon.com/Amelita-Court-Yard-Hounds/dp/B00D4AA73I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370445275&sr=8-1&keywords=amelita&tag=smarturl-20 - Amazon

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR THE SUMMER!!!

I knew this day would come. I've been praying it would come quick. Now that it's here, I'm a little sad. This school year has been crazy to say the least. My poor McKinley has lived in the car. We are all excited to be done with carpool and party for the summer. Kennedy has 1 more day and Tyler is done Friday. Who wants to play?!

To see how much they've grown ....

check out THIS link.

 My grown up, most favorite 6 year old.

 My photo bomb punk son

 My way too old, sweet 8 year old.

My sleep head favorite almost 5 year old.

My never holds still long enough for a picture,

cute as can be, starting nursery next week 18 month old!



Soaring Singer

Kennedy participated in "soaring singers" at her school this year.

You have to be at least a 2nd grader to join, and she has been waiting for the

day to come! This was her concert, she did great and knew all the words.

She continues to surprise me with how much she can do. She has a lot going on,

and wants to be involved in everything!

 What a great sign holder!

 These two enjoyed the show.

This is Reagan's bestie Reagan R.

REAGAN POWER!!

Graduate!

This little boy ...

 was VERY ...

 EXCITED ...

 TO GRADUATE!!!

 He has loved preschool, and did such a great job.

 He has learned so much and made some great new friends.

I am very proud of the little man he's become.

Full day kindergarten here we come!!

 Getting his diploma! Love the look on his face with

the balloon. (don't mind the blur, something is wrong with my camera!)

 Miss Emily - one of our very favorite teachers!

 Miss Tausha - our other favorite teacher!

 Lincoln's "BFF" Shawn.