Jumping with Rain

We had Rain over for a day and the girls loved jumping and singing along the way.  

Such fun to have a sweet friend for the day. 

A little side story:  When Jill found out the 5 girls in this family are Summer, Lake, Sky, Rain, and Sage, she said, "Oh, they all have nature names."  It was said with wonder and awe.  

 I think Jill was jealous for a few days.  I wonder what she would like to name herself?  Probably flower.

first day of swim

This was Maggie's first day of swim team.  She was four and so nervous.  

It really is one of my favorite pictures.  

Zach is still a protective older brother.

He just doesn't want anyone to know about it.

cute Mags and dad

Just a cute picture of Maggie and Ron.  How do these kids grow up so fast?

Fun things St. Louis

But, if you ask Anna, she would say it St. Louie.

We had a fun time in St. Louis at the temple and then hit a few of our favorite fun things.

Jilly's cupcakes, Pei Wei, and City Museum -the kids favorite.

Snow day 2013

I can't remember the day in January that we had a snow day, but it was sure fun.  A little bit of sledding, a lot of cold, and a small snowman in the dark. 

We love Anna

We love having Anna in our house.  I bet you would too.  Because if you did, you could have . . .

1.  A constant line up of books on your front room carpet.  You see, if they are all lined up, she can better see which one she wants you to read next.

2.  An increase in the toilet paper bill.  She is not potty trained, will not at this point, but there is an inexplicable fascination with toilet paper in her sweet little head.  Rolls go missing.  A trail can almost always be found in one or more bathrooms.  Or, a brand new roll appears floating in the toilet.  Except, it doesn't really float because she has probably attempted to flush it once or twice or thrice.

3.  A constant flow of words or chatter can be heard if her little eyes are not shut, as in sleeping.  Some daily phrases are, "It's time to go and get my friends," "Let me give you a kiss," and "Can I watch Max and Ruby or Pepper Pig."  Or, you may overhear random words to her current favorite song.  Don't get me wrong, you will also hear some blabber that is not quite so friendly or cheerful.  One of the current favorites is, "Jill doesn't want a parakeet, see, she is sucking her thumb."

Which leads us to number 4.

4.  It is hard for anyone else in the house to get away with anything because Anna is on the lookout and she is a practiced tattle-tale.

5.  Snacks.  You actually won't have any of them because she will have gobbled them right up.

6.  You will not get lost because Anna knows the town inside and out.  I can't pull a fast one on her  She knows when we are near some of her favorites like the library, the bakery, dad's store, or gym.  And, we both know you won't be able to pass up the bakery.

7.  A scattering of toys.  It's awesome.  Imagine Hansel and Gretel only in the form of toys.

8.  Lots of love.  I mean lots.  She loves people and will make friends with the grandma sitting at the basketball game.  It does seem to help if the grandma has a tub of licorice she is willing to share.

9.   The need to make your bed twice a day.  Because, you see, naps cannot be taken on any other bed but yours.

10.  The opportunity to have a front seat view to a life full of joy.  And, I bet she will make yours more joyful too.

We love Anna!!  We are so grateful she is in our home.

Anna is three

It all started with french toast, strawberries, and cream.  

And, then there were presents.

Pink donuts.  At preschool.  Because Anna thinks she is in Jill's preschool class.

Of course, she had to line up with all of "her friends" to go on a field trip to see the

 FFA animals.  Her favorites were the white bunnies.

On the bus, it was totally the best ever.

Mrs. Cawvey.  So kind to share her class with the birthday girl.

Then, off to The Bakery with Ashby, Jill, and a cupcake from Mary.

  A party with Ashby in the afternoon, and then a much needed nap.  A hectic after school routine, meatballs for dinner, and Zach's basketball game.  Finally, to cap the day off, pink cupcakes, with pink glitter, with "her kids." What a fun day with a super three year old. Happy Birthday, Anna!