Bubbles

Abby got an automatic bubble blower for her birthday.  It claims to blow up to 500 bubbles in 60 seconds.  The girls twirled in the bubbles and I am certain they thought it felt like magic.

A Spoonful of Sugar

I smiled last week when Sammie was dusting the living room.  Not only because she was cleaning, but she was in such a happy attitude about it.  She was humming very dramatically "A Spoonful of Sugar" to herself.  She flipped the little duster across the tables.  I love these moments of peace in our home.  I just want to freeze them.
Sammie is also very excited that she can do this now:

Howdy Y'all

 Abby really wanted a cowgirl party this year.  This mostly came about because of our cowboy unit we did in preschool.  I didn't take many pictures of the actual happenings at the party because I was too busy wrangling up the little girls.  Joey and his mom were there too to help out.  The girls all had a great time.  The best part was the cattle run down the stairs.  They had to get 50 balloons downstairs and corralled in the piano room.  They had so much fun.  We ate hot dogs, cake and ice cream and played games.  The most difficult part of the whole party for kids this age was opening presents.  They each grabbed their present for Abby and were shoving them at her and some just started opening up the gifts they brought.  It was hilarious.  Once I got everyone settled they were fine.  It's easy to forget that kids this age need so much instruction otherwise it is complete chaos.  I am pooped still and it's been 3 days since the party.

Happy 4th Birthday!!

Abby turns 4 years old today.  This little girl is such a light in our family.  She brings us so much joy and so much fun.  I love how she loves to talk and talk and talk.  She also loves to boss people around.  I often find her telling her toys what to do.  Her sisters don't like it when she bosses them around--neither do her friends.  She might make a great teacher some day or a drill sergeant.  Even as I type this I hear her using a very authoritative voice to some completely imagined children in the living room.
Abby had a "Cowgirl" party last Friday.  Our house was full of little girls from 3-5 years old.  It was like teaching preschool.  But, oh so fun.  Abby's friends are full of just as much spunk as she has.
My mom bought her a "Cowgirl outfit" and boots.  She loves them.  Happy Birthday Abby!!!

Open House

The girls had open house last week.  Grandma Jackie came into town for Abby's birthday weekend and was able to come along to open house.  The girls have had great years this year.  I can't believe that next year I will have a 5th grader, a 2nd grader, and preschooler who is very anxious to be at school with her sisters.  The school year comes to a close so quickly.

Cute

Sammie always puts together the cutest outfits.  I love this one with her BYU shirt and matching shoes and headband.

At least someone is relaxed

The last few minutes before we have to get in the car for school are always a little hectic. "Did you brush your teeth?  Do you have socks?  Pack up your lunches."  As all of this was going on this morning and Sammie and Olivia were going up and down the stairs for last minute things, I noticed Abby was not part of the mix.  "Abby where are you?"  I called.  I opened the door into the garage and found her here.  The inside of the house was a bit crazy as we were getting ready, and here was Abby;  dressed in her nightgown, perfectly content, holding her baby and enjoying the beautiful morning.

A Time Out

Last weekend I got to go to "Time Out for Women" in Pasadena with a few of my friends.  It was a great experience and a wonderful break.  So uplifting. I felt so blessed to be able to do something like this with friends.  It's been a long time.  We stayed in a hotel, went out to dinner and lunch the next day.  It all felt like one big, fun, slumber party.  So glad I was able to go and hear such wonderful messages of faith and strength. 

My kids thought it was so funny that I was going to "Time Out."  They joked that I was in trouble.  Joey handled the weekend just fine but everyone got sunburned at Olivia's track meet.  When I got home I felt so refreshed and ready to face my challenges.  It was a great opportunity.  Definitely going to do it again.