One hand old

Baby of the family-Abigail- just turned 5!

There wasn't any magic involved; she is still very much the baby of the family and just as loth to do school this fall.  We'll have to see how it goes.  But my cheerful little girl was happy that it was finaly her turn.  And now she tells everyone that her birthday "already started." (meaning has come and gone for the year)

We had a very quiet birthday this year.  It fell on a Sunday but with no life group because of the holiday, we got home early.  We had a quick lunch and opened a present from David (a necklace he had picked out and purchased himself).

Then we dragged her back out to look at a few open homes.  She was a good sport always knowing that she could have cupcakes and presents when she got home.

First, the presents: a heart decorated jewelry box from Elizabeth, a necklace (poor thing both necklaces broke within first hour of owning), Madeleine paper dolls from Gram/Gdaddy, a Hello Kitty dress, some foam rollers (more on that later), some My Little Ponies, and The Ugly Duckling from Grammy/Grandpa.

Next, the cupcakes (which had been picked out by A).

More cute pictures coming of the birthday girl sporting her new rollers...

Summer at last!

We have thoroughly enjoyed our summer.  Time off for them.  Time off for mom, the teacher.  Win-win.  June was full of lots of different activities than the norm.

We began swimming at the neighborhood pool as soon as it opened for the summer.

David and Elizabeth both attended VBS this year.  A was still a year too young so we had Mommy and Abigail time. But, of course, she posed alongside the other two with all the cool props.

While the older two were in VBS, we had our own set of things to do: we went on a date to Sonic, we went and got our medal for summer reading at the library, she had an early birthday cupcake at Barnes&Noble, and we had quiet mornings at home.  

The other kids also turned in summer reading logs at various places--Barnes & Noble, public library, church library, and Half Price Bookstore.  Lots of cool prizes.

We went to Chickfila a few times this month too.  How the kids have grown up~ they now beg to have their picture with the cow rather than running and hiding.

And we can actually go out to eat and expect that the kids will sit still (mostly).  Love this one of my grown up girls with their French braids.

And just as God is growing my children up, I am so thankful for the braver E that is starting to make an appearance once in a while now (the pool is a great example).  I had to laugh when she brought back her card for Daddy for Father's Day.  She had randomly selected a Bible verse to paste inside.  Here is hers (a life verse we have had her memorize):

She is also so proud of her ability to write these three words: "Love", "Mom" and "Dad"

David has done tons of lego building- as usual.  There was even a competition with Daddy to build the coolest (pun intended) ice cream truck.  David won.  Both were pretty nifty though and there was a long line at each to get the latest flavors of the cold dessert. (David's to left, M's to right)

Lots of matching outfits for pictures too... Mommy in David's pjs.  G and A (pass-me-down dresses), or E and A.  

 

There was also the time that the girls dressed up as Prince and Princess respectively.  A made the prettiest pink Prince I have ever seen!

We also had the spontaneous trip with M "up north" as outlined in "A Family Affair."

Just think!  The summer is only one month in.  Lots of more fun to come in July and August...
Happy Summer!