Pacers

Another year of school has come to an end. Again we are so proud of McKenna and Kylie. They worked so hard this year and gave up a couple of recesses every week to run miles. For all of their hard work, they earned a sweatshirt/hoodie as their prize this year. Actually, Kylie was the only one in her class that even ran the full marathon distance. It was fun to go to their awards ceremony and receive these. Great job girls!

Mother's Day Tea

Right after mother's day, my mom and I got to attend Mother's Day tea at the school for McKenna's class. There was a fun little program and they all got to share a poem that they memorized and they served us a fun little array of refreshments and also gave us both a book and a necklace that they made.

This is a little cupcake inside this 'basket' with a sunflower made out of chocolate.

The centerpiece

All of them made a flower with their picture in it and a magnet on the back that was on all of those centerpieces.

Her class singing songs and reciting poems.

A cookie, cake pop and lemonade that the children all served.

Refreshment table, McKenna took this picture!

And finally, a close up shot of this cupcake inside this 'basket'

Seriously, McKenna had an amazing teacher this year - we liked all of our children's teachers, but McKenna's teacher just went all out in everything she did. I know we are really going to miss her because she really helped McKenna blossom so much this year!

It's Great To Be Eight! (Baptism)

The girls were baptized as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 28th, 2012.    It was an amazing day and so exciting. Our ward happened to be in charge of the stake portion and because of that, we had a lot of family participation. My sister Katie played the music for both the stake and the ward portion, her husband Nate gave the opening prayer, McKenna, Kylie, Braden and Tyler along with a couple of other kids all sang 'I am a Child of God' as a special musical number, and my brother Scott shared his testimony after they were baptized. 

The girls were nervous but were grateful that both of them were able to be in the font as the other one was 'dunked.' McKenna basically through herself under the water, I guess she was so excited! 

Allen got to baptize and confirm them members and we felt blessed to have so many family members that were able to attend. 

I hope they always remember this day and the spirit that they felt. I hope they always strive to have the spirit with them. We are so proud of them and their decision.

Family Party

We just partied all weekend long! On Sunday, the day after the big party, we had a small little family party. My parents were able to come over and had cake and presents. 

As a continuation of the luau them, we had a fun little beach themed cake.

Yep, we were excited for the party!

Braden loved the flip flop luggage tag on top of the cake. He took it and was having a hard time figuring out why they didn't fit so well.

The girls were spoiled. Gift cards, money, new scriptures...all fun and exciting stuff!

It is amazing to think that these cute girls have been on this earth for 8 years now. I remember when we found out we were having twins, and life hasn't slowed down since. They are very strong and beautiful girls and we feel so blessed to have them in our family!

Girls Birthday Party

We told McKenna and Kylie that when they turned 8 they could have a friend party. I don't know what we were thinking! Both of them are in separate classes this year and both have completely different friends. I tried to limit the number of kids, but that is hard to do. So we decided just to have it at our house instead of going anywhere. When all was said and done, I think it turned out well and they had a lot of fun.

We decided to go neutral and do a Luau themed party - minus the roasting pig. We had lots of games to play and then they had time to go outside and play for awhile too. We were ready though once the two hours were up!

Balloons for the balloon stomp game

random picture of the kitchen table with some balloons.

The birthday cupcakes with little flip flops, sunglasses or beach umbrella picks. Very fun.

The honored guests - McKenna and Kylie

Actually playing the balloon stomp game

The punch walk. You know, land on the number and get some tiki punch.

Playing Limbo. One little girl was obviously in gymnastics and could bend all the way back without touching the grass. She was amazing.

The pinata that looks huge here, but really it was just about 24 inches long.

Two of the party game helpers. Tyler and Ethan (cousin)

Singing Happy Birthday

It was a lot of work, but a lot of fun and hopefully those that came had fun. We also enjoyed having my brother and his family here for the event. It was just super fun to have cousins be able to come. 

Swing Set

With our tax return money, we knew we really wanted to get a swing set. We looked everywhere, and did a lot of research. Thought about buying one online to assemble, thought about one at Sam's club, but we finally decided that a smaller, less expensive one would fit our needs as well.  Allen and I started setting it up, but the directions were the most poorly written instructions I have ever seen. We made some mistakes and decided to wait for another day to finish.

The following Monday Allen took the day off before the rush of the beginning of a new semester. We started over and by the end of the day, we had a swing set. Braden couldn't be happier. He is posing in all of the pictures because as he says, "my swing set." It has proven to be a great thing for me as he spends a lot time on it and gets a lot more tired at night. I love it and couldn't be happier. 

While we were outside, we also had to get some of him jumping on the trampoline! Yep, heaven in the backyard!

Animal Reports

It is really hard for me to believe that McKenna and Kylie had their animal reports. I remember Tyler doing this in second grade, and I guess it just doesn't seem that long ago. So when it was the girls turn, it just about blew my mind away. They worked on these reports for about a month and a half. They had to research, write, re-write, put together a poster board. Then we got to go to school for the animal parade. We got to see all of the little kids and the animals that they chose, and they got to tell us all of the fun facts that they learned. 

McKenna did her report on the grizzly bear.

Kylie did hers on the Penguin.

We sure do love their teachers. They do such an amazing job, and I am sure we will feel that way next year, but words can't express how much we have loved their teachers this year.

McKenna with Mrs. Dennis.

Kylie with Mrs. Rydalch