Week #21: A Five Year Birthday Party

This Week...

...Lainey was so excited for her birthday celebration, as always. We were so glad that our family could come and spend the evening with us.

Christian and Alex-thrilled to be with us as you can see.

My brother Corey helped me in the kitchen to get everything done. He frosted some of the cupcakes and bragged about how all the kids wanted the ones he did. He even helped me do the dishes. I was impressed.

Song and Cake time!

Lainey got some makeup and wanted to try it out immediately. Aunt Shelly let Lainey put makeup on her to test her skills.

We had Mallory Hull over to play on Lainey's actual birthday. They had cupcakes with candles that they each got to blow out.

We even took cupcakes to preschool so they could celebrate with Lainey. Wahoo! She was so excited.

...Emma had an orchestra concert at school. She has really loved learning to play the violin. Her teacher, Ms. Goergie, has been super impressed with her progression and often has her help other students.

Emma running around before it started.

Emma and Zoey performing

...we swam at Sister Haines' pool. Jason climbed up on her roof to sweep it clean of leaves and other debris from her canopy of trees.

...The boys played with cards with the neighbor boys. Pokemon cards have become very popular around our house. They know how to use the cards and battle against each other. They can make sense of the damage, and evolved, and de-evolved terminology. They trade the cards and walk away happy. They trade the cards and walk away sad. Declan Levy, Eli Bagley, and Jackson Holiday came to play.

...we got a load of rock. Our friend Ryan Hull hooked us up with a great deal and brought the load to us. We're super excited to finally have rock for the side where we ripped out the sod, but now we have to haul and spread the rock. The kids liked playing on the pile.

Needless to say, we have a lot of work still to do. At least Claire is doing her part.

...Kacey Kisler is now Kacey Davis. I first met Kasey as the sister of my friend Amber Riner. Now, however, she is my dear friend. How happy we were to attend her reception and wish her and Chad happiness and success in their marriage. 

...Jason's cousin Marie got married. I took the kids to Naches for the reception. They are a well matched couple. It was fun getting to know their plans and catching up with Jason's family.

Lainey was hit with a bit of shyness. Rachel helped her to loosen up and enjoy being at Aunt Mickey's.

Jason's cousin TeRonda was driving through and it worked out for them to stop in at the open house. So great to see her!

The kids enjoyed the goats.

Jason's siblings and cousins- Angie (Erickson) Ford, Ruby (Erickson) Osogobio, Shawnee (Erickson) Callahan, Wade Erickson, Dee (Nielsen) Brignon, Marie (Nielsen) Taylor, TeRonda (Erickson) Robinson

Paul was so wiped out on the way home. He fell asleep with the controller on his face.

Week #20: Motivation From a Seven Year Old

This Week...

...we took a family walk for Family Home Evening. There's nothing like being out with the family.

...we had dinner at Grandma Erickson's for Mother's Day. We saw her impressive hibiscus. It brought Studio C to our minds..."Bisque!"

Emma made me this wonderful bouquet in honor of Mother's Day. Now I can't say that I never get flowers.

...I caught a rare, quiet Ben moment. He picked up my Mary Engelbreit fairy tale book and started reading.

...Claire sent me some motivation. This is by far my favorite note from one of my children. If she believes in me, I can do anything.

...we had s'mores at Ryan and Amie's. This was so fun! There was quite a bit of wind, but it was so fun to sit with friends and visit. Greg and Shelly Olson came too.

...we went to the river with our cousins. We planned on a walk, but the kids were too interested in the toys and the ducks.

Then we finished the day off with a girls play date. After the park, Cousin Jenna stayed with us and we picked up Emma's friend, Zoey Orton. We picked up Lainey's friend Mallory Hull and asked our neighbor Danica Schabb if she wanted to stay and play when her dad came by. Girl party!

...Emma finished her Betsy Ross pop bottle doll. She did such a good job figuring everything out and getting the details just right.

...Emma completed her school unit on the Iditarod. They had to pick a musher, do a report, and make a poster.

...Lainey and I went to her Kindergarten information night. She's so excited! We saw quite a few kids that we recognized. We got a picture by the Mustang with our neighbor Eva.

Once we got home, she pulled everything out. The older kids were excited to help her with everything. Benjamin tried to quiz her on all the new sight words. Only, there were a lot she didn't know. 

She was ready to get at it!

...we watched a great video for Family Home Evening. This really touched us as we thought of serving others even when it isn't always convenient.

...Lainey's view as we were getting ready for bed.

...Lainey was just relaxing, watching T.V.