Easter 2015

I had a tricky time getting the kids to cooperate and give me some decent pictures at home.  I didn't respond well and got pretty cranky on the most joyful day of the year.  More evidence that I need Grace and Forgiveness...from my kids, and in general.  On Easter, and every day.

It went better at church.  We went back to our church in our old town where Jeff had been invited to play trumpet.  I really enjoy it when he adds that extra depth to the musical part of the celebration.

And here's our family!

The Kindergarten Ball

The kindergarteners at Grace's school had a unit about fairy tales that included a visit to the movie theatre to see the new Cinderella movie, and culminated with a Kindergarten Ball.  The boys and girls were supposed to come dressed as princes and princesses.  Now, I'm not sure how the little boys felt about this, but my little girl was very excited.  If you know us, you know I generally don't buy many frilly, satiny dresses for her - I guess cotton is more my speed.  But, she had a dress handed down to her that was perfect for this occasion, thank goodness!  And, she wanted to get up early so that I could curl her hair.  Halfway across her head, I figured out how to do it pretty well.  Here she is with ringlets...or close to it.  Sorry these pictures didn't turn out so well!  This one is pretty dark.

She had to test out the outfit and see if it danced well.

Before school with Daddy

I can't believe this one turned out blurry.

Here's someone else's picture of what went on.  Apparently there were all kinds of activities, including a tea party...and dancing!  Grace says that they learned the waltz.  I'm sure she made some really good memories that day!

And These are from April (1-4)

Snuggle with Daddy after bath time 

It's a great thing to be in kindergarten for only half a day!

How to decorate with melty-bead creations

A fun (but quick) time at the park!  No sooner did we get there than someone, who shall remain unnamed, had to leave to go to the bathroom.

Celebrating no cavities!

Benjamin likes to express himself freely on paper with no boundaries...but sometimes he likes to stay within the lines too.

When Jonathan has time on his hands, he still does make mechanical things out of Legos.  This one's a sawmill that he created after his class talked about sawmills.

Grace kicked off her spring break with a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese for twin classmates.  She had never been there, and I hadn't been there since I was a kid.  (I remember other parents smoking at the tables in the dark pizza area, if that gives you any idea of how long it's been since my last visit.)  Jonathan says that Chuck E. Cheese is just a casino for kids...which is a pretty good description...but Grace had a wonderful time.

She loves characters and had to get a picture with the mouse.  And then when we stopped by Target on the way home, who was there, but a bunny!  Grace said something to the effect that it was a bunny with an apron on.  We had a hard time catching up with the bunny, but Grace really wanted a picture with her.  Never once did Grace say "Easter Bunny."  I guess we haven't talked about the Easter Bunny much at our house...but she really was excited to give a hug to this bunny.

The Last Few Days of March

Grace had her third, and most likely final, ballet recital.  The community classes that last 2-3 months at a time have been perfect for her at this age.  She loves ballet.  Now it's time for us to decide whether to join an actual ballet studio, or try gymnastics, or...???  It would be an easier decision if I didn't have to drag her brothers to whatever we choose, but since we do, their good plays into our decision, as well as her good.  Stay tuned!

Anyway, in this dance, just like her first one, the girls were supposed to be dressed like little girls at school.  Different song, different dance...same theme.  She was very proud and excited.

Here are some of her dancing buddies, Taylor and Zeva.

My girl!

It was so fun to watch her dance, and she did really well remembering her dance this time.  A lot of the other little girls did not - it was a class full of girls who were pretty young - but that didn't spoil Grace's fun.

After the bow

Also at the end of March, Jeff was cleaning the pool and putting the cover on it so it would begin to warm up.  So, of course, he and the kids had to get in (but not Benjamin this time.)

It was cold!  Jonathan was trying to warm up.

One of the benefits of being a middle child is that you get to do little-kid stuff with your little brother...

and big-kid stuff with your big brother.

And here's a picture of my baby sleeping.  Because you know I can't resist.

Well, believe it or not, I'm done with pictures for March...barely...by the end of April.  Next I'll start on April and try to get them posted well before the end of May!

More Catching Up - March 17-27

The day after Grace's birthday was St. Patrick's Day.  The year she was born, I don't remember even thinking about the possibility of her being born on the 17th.  I just wanted to meet the baby and have him/her out safely.  But now, I'm glad she doesn't share her birthday with a holiday.  St. Patrick's Day is not a huge deal to me...but I did make sure the kids left the house wearing green so that they would not be pestered/pinched at school.  After I accomplished that, I figured my parenting duty was done for the day.

Grace had to model her new birthday dress.

She loved reading and sleeping with both dolls.

Luke had to join them for a little cupcake party.  Grace received a kit for making dolly cupcakes out of felt, and the cupcakes were adorabole.

I love how Benjamin writes and draws.  All three kids are so different, and Jonathan and Grace never expressed themselves on paper this way at this age, so it's super fun to see Benjamin do it.

 You know I can't resist these sleeping pictures!

 And, this really deserves its own special post, but since I'm doing lots of catching up, it will have to share.  Jen and her family have always been so sweet to remember my kids' birthdays, and we have fun remembering theirs, too.  When I met Jen, she was pregnant with Delia, and between the two of us, we just had Jonathan and Ella - so it's really fun that three of our kiddos have been born since we met.  And I'll always remember the day that I got to tell the very special secret of my pregnancy to Jen when I was barely expecting Grace.  

Anyway, Jen and her girls had been planning a little American Girl doll party for Grace, since they knew that she was going to get a doll for her birthday.  They had the menu and the decorations all planned...it was very sweet.  It was on a day that Jonathan and Jeff were doing something different - I can't remember what - so Grace and Benjamin and I had a nice visit with Jen and the girls.  (Benjamin brought Luke in case he wanted to get in on the fun.)  Here are the girls and their dolls.  Ella has McKenna, and Delia has Kaya.

They gave Grace a little dining set so that the Grace doll could share meals with her.  She has been at our table a lot since she received this set!

Here are the kids and their special lunch.  They had a great time playing together, and I really enjoyed a nice, long visit with Jen!  Thanks for hosting all of us, sweet friends!

When my grandma found out that our girl was getting her doll for her birthday, she decided to give Grace this doll bed that she had on hand - it was one of her countless yard sale treasures that she has at her house.  Grace was thrilled, and now Grace sleeps in this green bed while Maddie sleeps in this bed.

 More sleeping baby pictures.  I can't resist.

Mom recently transformed her backyard, tearing out a bunch of Bermuda grass and putting in this gravel and these potted plants.  It works well with the drought, and my kids sure love digging in the gravel.  Mom didn't expect the grandkids to enjoy it quite this much!

And, last but not least, a little reading time.  (This outfit had been Jonathan's at this age, and Benjamin was VERY anxious to finally wear these "handsome shorts.")