Birthday Party # thirty eight thousand two hundred and fourty three

 This cute girl is 8...can you believe it, because I can't!!!

 She invited a few good friends to join her to the best place on earth, no not Disney Land...

 BUILD-A-BEAR!!!

 We each chose our favorite new friend, added a bark, kissed their heart, and stuffed them full of love.

 Whoever came up with this brilliant way to suck all the money out of parents, and make children happier than they have ever been, is a genius!!!

 If you have been around Kasidee for more than 30 seconds, you know that she is a dog lover.  Sunny, her new friend, and her are inseparable.  Seeing her still carry her puppy with her everywhere she goes makes the money disappearing not so bad. :)

We came home and ate lunch,

and so did our new dogs.

Then we had some cupcakes. 

  I tried to use a frosting bag to frost them this time, but I didn't get the frosting thick enough...so we had a bit of a mess on our hands.

 Luckily, I got a few in the fridge fast enough, so it wasn't a complete disaster.

And staying with the drawstring bag theme, I made drawstring bags for their furry friends to ride around in as party favors.  I made them a little too small...but luckily the little 8 year olds didn't notice.  It was a fun day.

Ms. Christy

 This was the first time that I have put any of my kids a preschool, I have always done more of a coop preschool.

 Addison had such a good time with Ms. Christy!  They went on fun field trips, did some very cute crafts, and learned tons along the way.

 Addison was able to be in there with her cousin and some other really cute kids.

 See...cute kids...I told you!

Thanks Ms. Christy and cute kids, for making this a fabulous year for my little girl!

The Festivities are NEVERENDING!

 We decided it would be fun to let Parker and Kasidee have separate birthday parties this year.  We wanted 8 to be a special year!

 Parker took a couple friends to see Kung Fu Panda 2.  I got this great idea from a friend to make these drawstring bags and fill them with candy and snacks for the movie/party favor.  It was the easiest birthday party ever!

Sorry moms, they learned some new moves...watch out little sisters, they are ready to practice!

It is Great to be Eight

 I can't believe that Parker and Kasidee are 8 and baptized!  Of course I was reflecting on their journey, and how hard they had to fight to make it on this earth. 

 I shed a few tears as I thought of their special missions here on this earth that they must need to accomplish.

 And as I peeked over to glance at Mark, I saw that he was shedding a few tears too. 

 We invited some friends over after to help us celebrate the amazing day.

 And you can't celebrate without an ice cream cake and a little ring-around-the-rosie!

 Yes, they all...

 ...fall down!

My dad hasn't been feeling very good on this whole trip.  He has had a bad case of bronchitis, so sad!  He has been a trooper to be dragged here and there, and support his grandchildren on their special day. 

Do you know how hard it is to stick candles in a frozen solid ice cream cake?!?? 

 I was bending the candles trying to push them in...but we succeeded,

 Sang Happy Birthday,

And ended the night visiting with good friends and family.  An end to another good day!

The beginning of a great weekend

 Wow, what a weekend.  It started out with Mark's parents coming in town, lunch at Papadeux's and a bridal shower (not for a family member).

Then Mark got home, and I went and picked up my parents from the airport.

 On Saturday, we headed out to the beach.  It was a windy day and Reilynn wasn't a fan of the sand or the water...

She had a great time! :) 

 Mark had a really good time too...it is written all over his face.  What a good son-in-law he is!

 Parker thought he was big enough and cool enough to hang with the big boys.  Luckily, they let him hang on to that fantasy for the whole day.  They were good sports!

 Judy took a turn holding the little one who refused to walk on the sand.

 Sand pits anyone??

 We had to get creative because the seaweed was so bad.

 Remember this one?  She still won't get her feet dirty.

 Mark couldn't quite get the skim-board to work right.

 So Greg thought he should show him how it is done.  He actually didn't do much better, I just am an amazing photographer that caught the split second on the board.  You are welcome Greg!!

 Then Parker wanted his turn.  He did pretty good.  I'm sure being 15 pounds helps.

 Now, on to lunch...mud pie anyone? 

 Yes, great minds think alike...all three wives bought their husbands the same swim trunks.

 It was so fun to have both sets of grandparents there at the same time!

In spite of the wind and gross seaweed, we still had a good time...and everyone had the sunburns to prove it! 

A good day!