Rachel's 7th Birthday Party!!

 We celebrated Rachel's 7th Birthday this weekend with a 'Hippy Chick' Birthday party. She was so excited to have all of her friends and family over to help her celebrate. She had decided on an Owl & Peace sign theme after seeing the 'Hippy Chick' party supplies at the store. She knew exactly what she wanted. :) She usually does. She invited several of her friends to join us and all the family for a mid day party on Saturday. We had cake, cupcakes, cake pops, chocolate suckers, 'owl' smores and ice cream as our party treats. The girls all ran around playing before we sang 'Happy Birthday' and she blew her candles out. It is so cute to see how excited she gets about her birthday. It was definitely a special day. Rachel had asked if her friend Emma could spend the night for her birthday and I knew it would be perfect for her. The girls get a long so well. They just click and it's so nice to see them together. Like peas and carrots, those two. She seemed to have an awesome day and a happy birthday. :) The next day she took her new gift card and her birthday money to Target and picked out the horse for her American Girl doll. She was so, so excited! I love to see her happy. I can't believe in just a very few short days she will be seven years old!

4 More Years -- Congrats, Mr. President!!

What a difference 4 years can make! Some of you may recall seeing that first picture up there, four short years ago, when President Obama was first elected into office. The kids were all smiles this morning to wake up to the short note I had left, that President had won the election and had been re-elected. They both wanted to stay up to see who had won the presidential race last night. Love these guys.

Happy 40th Birthday, Amie!!

 We celebrated Amie's 40th birthday on Saturday. We all got together for dinner, cake and presents. Some games of baseball and kickball out in the yard with all the kids. The kids were all excited to have a party for Aunt Amie, but I don't know if anyone was as excited as Kate! She asked me to go to the store, where she picked out special cupcakes, balloons and a card just for Aunt Amie. She was so funny, planning the party and on party day, she was up and 'packed' for the slumber party for Aunt Amie as soon as I woke up. The kids all made birthday cards and special pictures for her. It was great to be able to be with Amie for her birthday. Especially such a milestone one. It seems impossible that my sister turned 40 today. Where has the time gone....? Happy Birthday, Amie -- We love you!!

The Lightning Team Party

Noah had his soccer team's ' End of Season' party on Saturday. It was perfect weather and it was a great time. We all sat and talked and grilled while the kids ran around and played. We ate good food and then the coach gave a speech and talked about each players strong points. Noah was named 'Best Teammate'. He improved so much this season and he had fun. That's the best thing ever - he had fun. And we had fun watching him. There is nothing better than that. He was so excited to go and get his trophy. He kept telling me he had the perfect t-shirt -- soccer with lightning through it. It was perfect! :) It was a great day, with some great friends. Another great thing?? These boys will come together in the spring and play together. I can't wait to see what these boys will do next!

 Oh yeah, and the moms joined in on the fun too!