July - Ladybugs and Butterflies

If you recall, the Easter Bunny left the girls a lady bug house and a butterfly house. We've really enjoyed watching the little critters. We went from having a fish to having a house full of little things to take care of within a matter of weeks. We've all loved it. Here's Emma releasing her ladybugs onto our lemon tree. They like being released when it's cool outside, hence, once again, pajamas.



The butterflies were really fun, too. And super easy. The hardest part was remembering to feed them once they hatched, and keeping the kids and puppy from smashing them. :)


How often does a kid get to hold a butterfly?


Pure happiness. (Note Ash's stuffed animals. She is almost always toting at least one around.)


I thought this was a fun picture. It didn't stay long, and girls kept wondering where they would all go.

June (not too much going on)

Apparently, when I teach, I'm a pretty boring Mom. June was pretty low key. Courtney, my only Laurel, babysat the girls in the afternoons while I taught for a couple hours. We'd occasionally catch lunch at the park or go to Pocatello's zoo, but we mostly stayed home. Sometimes, that's best, anyways.

This is truly the best picture I have from the month of June. And in actuality, it does sum up the month. I had no idea how time consuming having a puppy is. Well, having a puppy that you hope will become a type of member of the family. As Nick continues to say, "She's getting better." She's also getting bigger. We were apparently had. She is not the male cockapoo we thought we purchased. He is a she and is just over 20 lbs now at six months old. The guess is out about what type of dog she may be. She's not a dumb dog although not the brightest, has a bit of spunk to her, and thankfully does not shed. Nick keeps hinting at kicking her outside, but I know she'd be neglected, and that's the last thing I wanted when buying a dog.

She knows not to chew on the furniture, is house trained (yippee!), and plays really well with the kids. She's even beginning to tolerate Ashlyn constantly trying to ride on her, pull her tail, and drag her through the house on her leash. The kids love having her, but I have to admit, I think I like her the most, and she knows it. She rarely leaves my side when I'm home. It's kind of nice having a sweet, soft, loving, always forgiving buddy. Can you tells she's been rather therapeutic, too?

May (Yep, a bit behind)

May was a great month. It was full of birthday parties, field trips, graduation, and recitals.

My niece Jessi turned 3 and had a Dora party. Ashy and Jessi and good little buddies. Here is Ashy with her goody bag.


These two were so sweet together. They love each other very much.


Cousins! My girls love their Mills cousins. They enjoy being with them every chance they get. We were getting ready to head home in this picture, hence the jammies.


My sister's place had a few dandelions, so what better use to put kids to then to send them picking. Emma was in heaven. I have to note that she loved her outfit this day, despite my reminding her that long sleeves aren't necessary in May, especially with shorts. Oh, I love my Emma-girl. She is rather strong willed at times. :)


Emma's kindergarten was actually able to make it on a field trip at the end of the school year to a local pet store with a petting zoo. She really enjoyed feeding the goats, swinging on the swing set, and being with her school friends.


Kindergarten Graduation! Does anyone know where this tradition started? It was cute watching her little class sing the songs they had learned over the school year. We're proud of Emma and love watching her learn how to read.


Hurray for good teachers! Emma loved Mrs. Olson. Every time I was in her classroom, she made the time fun and exciting. She had so much energy, especially considering she was pregnant! I love my kiddos, but I'm pretty sure that being a first time kindergarten teacher while pregnant will never make it to my wish list.


Half of school is learning how to make and be a good friend. Luckily, Emma does both. Stevi is one such friend.


Our neighbor boy and good friend Carter. We'd walk down to school together every morning.


What would spring be like without a dance recital? Emma enjoyed tumbling again this year. Ash tried, but didn't like being away from Mom so much. I'm hoping she'll enjoy tap/ballet better this fall. I'm crossing my fingers that we'll get in.


Cousin Cass came with Grandma all the way from WY to watch Emma. Thanks Cass and Grandma!

Easter at Grandma's New House

Nick's parents were able to get moved into their new house for Easter and wanted to celebrate it right, so we headed over for a big Easter party. The girls had a blast. On Saturday we all enjoyed a delicious Easter dinner, egg fight, egg dying, and of course, egg hunt. It was wonderful.







Sunday morning was really fun. The Easter bunny set up a scavenger hunt throughout the house and left the baskets up in the playroom. The girls, including their cousin Cass, ran through the house after the clues. It was a very fun morning.


Mom's favorite was getting them all dressed up in their pretty dresses. I just love dots. They make me smile. I sure love these girlies.



I thoroughly enjoyed being able to relax a bit on Easter. Usually it is so hectic that we forget what Easter is all about. I am very proud of my Emma. She kept reminding us about our Savior and what Eater is really for. We are so blessed to have a special day to remember Him and all he has done for us. I feel his love for me and my family daily.

Fieldtrip

Ashlyn's preschool went to a nursery for a fieldtrip. Ash had so much fun and even got to plant her own little pansy flower to bring home.


The girls have always loved the pond feature in the back at this nursery. The bridge and the fish are a must see there. No wonder the smiley faces. Oh, and yes. The rosey cheeks are due to 5ths disease. Both girls have had it. It didn't bother them, but they certainly looked merry and then blotchy. Sorry to anyone we unknowingly shared it with. It's apparently just one more of the fun joys of kids. Let's just focus on the smiles and not the cheeks, right? After all, I can't help but think my girls are stinkin' cute.

Happy Birthday Ashlyn

My baby turned 4 this year. Believe me, it has been bitter sweet. She is growing into such a sweet, wonderful little girl. She's beginning to grow out of the tantrums and is so pleasant to be around. Ashlyn loves to play. She has in incredible imagination and is happy with almost anything to play with. Yes, even two tubes of "lips" (aka chap stick or lip gloss) can become best friends in her pretend games. Her all time favorite is playing with Emma. They have so much fun together. She's still quite strong willed and does things her way 90% of the time, so we have to be rather creative ourselves to get her to do things at times. But who said parenting this child would be boring? Ashy, you are a sweetheart. We love you dearly and are very, very blessed to be your parents.


To start the day off right, I decorated the house the night before. Ashy was in heaven when we woke up to streamers all over. It was so cute. She was a perfect birthday girl.
She also wanted to have a Sleeping Beauty party this year, so we invited a couple of friends over and had a pajama party. I even painted their beautiful nails. Then we decorated cupcakes and opened presents. It was short, sweet, and fun. Everyone had a great time, especially the birthday girl.

Soccer!

Emma is playing soccer this year. It's quite hilarious. She spends most of her time chasing the rest of the kids, but she's starting to get in there more and has started to actually get some kicks in. Mostly we just love to watch her having fun. She gets on the field and always grins from ear to ear the entire time. Go EMMA!


Playing spring soccer in south-eastern Idaho isn't always warm. We've played in wind, rain, and snow. Emma doesn't care. She just grins and runs.


And I love this little sister. She's a trooper and loves watching her sister.