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