Planting

I love working in my yard.

I don't do it nearly enough, but I always enjoy it when I get the chance,

or take the time, to do it.

We have a little area in the backyard where we've tried to grow some vegetables the past couple years. It hasn't worked that well because it doesn't get the sun it needs, but we've been able to grow jalapeno peppers in the past. This year all we could find was seeds.

I let the kids have at it and they had a blast planting them.

Sad to report nothing much has come up from the seeds,

so it's store-bought jalapenos for us this summer.

Oh well. There's always next year!

It was one of those days where the weather was absolutely dreamy

and you wish you could stay outside all day long.

My master gardener. She's taught me everything I know.

It's more fun to do things with cute little assistants.

And the most fun of all...getting sprayed! An older man was walking by, looked to be a grandpa, and he said there was no more delightful sound in the world than the laughter he was hearing from my children. It's true. They were giggling and squealing and having a big time with the water! It's officially summer. And I love it.

The Red Chair

Mollie has discovered the red chair.

It's just her size and she can get in and out of it as she pleases. She loves it!

(Right now, it also functions as a deterrent,

keeping her from another favorite past-time of unloading the bookcase.)

She loves to sit and play in it.

With it being tucked back somewhat out of view,

sometimes I'll notice she's pretty quiet and will go looking for her.

Which lends to another fun thing she enjoys...playing "Peek-a-boo!"

This chair has been a favorite for a long time...5 1/2 years to be precise.

Here is Baby Kate (in 2006 at 17 months old) with her brand-new, just her size red chair!

Fast forward to 2011, and here's my Baby Kate.

Not much baby left, huh?

I tell her she'll always be my first baby though, no matter how grown up she gets.

She's doing the "Everybody Dance Now" routine on the Wii...

with an audience...

...using the same beloved red chair to get a better view!

Kate's Dance Recital

May is always a busy month around here.

The past two years Kate has had her dance recital at the end of May.

Here we are one year ago, when Kate's recital was the same day as my due date with Mollie! Thankfully, she was born 4 days early, so we still got to go see Kate dance.

This year was MUCH less hectic!

My baby girl got to wear make-up for the first time ever.

It was a blessing to spend that time with her, helping her get ready.

(All the while fighting the huge lump in my throat.)

Proud parents with our beautiful dancer.

Mimi was here with us, and we were so excited to have her come to the recital, too!

Kate's dance lessons were a birthday gift from her last year,

so it's great that she can be here to see the fruit of that gift.

The theme for the recital was all about princesses.

Her first dance was to "Beauty and the Beast".

Stunning.

I wonder sometimes how many times I've kissed that sweet face over the years.

Lined up and ready to go!

Backstage with her buddy Haven.

None of the pictures from her jazz routine came out, but they were Sleeping Beauties for that one, and danced to "Wake me up, before you go-go". It was a fun routine to watch.

So proud for Kate! She had a fantastic show, and Mom and I had lots of fun.

Kate and her teacher, Mrs. Traci.

We have enjoyed dancing so much this year, and look forward to being back again next year! And notice those gorgeous flowers, fresh from the WF Farmers Market that morning.

Kate convinced me to strike a pose with her after the show : )

Thanks, Mimi!!  We love you!

As you can see, she loves it!

Stepping Stones

I came home from running an errand to find our family drawn out on our stepping stones.

In order, with labels telling who was who. Including Bailey : )

I love my Kate.

Daddy

Mommy

Kate

Carter

Hudson

Mollie

Bailey

Josh's Birthday

We got Josh's day started off right with some blueberry pancakes, one of his faves. I tried my hand at pancake-spelling, and it didn't turn out too bad! And ps. not all of those are for him, he just got first shot at them since his name was on top : )

Josh had class and after he finished studying, we went to Outback for dinner. Mom was up here with us, and we all piled into our car. I got to squeeze in with the kiddos in the backseat : )

Silly faces before present/cake time

Sweet card from Mama n'em

We all love the cookie cakes from Great American Cookie Company,

and we got Josh one for his birthday. Kate picked out the decoration and saying.

Oh, yeah. Air guitar.

Happy Birthday! We love you!!