Last day of school!

I may be just as excited as the girls for school to get out. That darned homework is killing us all slowly. Madison had ISAT's (statewide testing) towards the end of the year and it added 1.5 hours of homework to the already 1.5 she had. Whew.....

I made these for the teachers. While neither of their teachers were warm and fuzzy like we're use to, they turned out ok and most importantly the girls got a good education this year.

Madison was perturbed that I was taking her picture, again. Can you tell?

Someday Madison, you're going to be ticked that I don't have more last/first day pictures of you.

Around the world in 3rd grade

I thought this was such a great idea - Each classroom was decorated like a particular country, had various different kinds of authentic food from that country and the kids watched a short video about it. I made enough rice pudding for 180 kids and about 140 of them said "Ewww, that looks like oatmeal" as they passed right by their cup. It was actually very delicious so their loss. :)

Rylee in her tourist hat signed by her classmate. Rice pudding in background.

Happy Birthday to you, happy birtday to Stevie

We celebrated Steve's 29th b-day by watching a solo fashion show with his new birtday clothes.

Apparently this is Steve's go to pose. He had a picture like this one on Teisha fridge for about 3 years!

This one's for Kara!

I'm terribly sorry to admit this but one of the funniest things I've ever witnessed was Kara tripping over something on the sidewalk near Michigan Ave in Chicago.  I'm sure it was one of those situations where you had to be there, but she was all dressed up, looking SO very cute and stylish (I think she was wearing heals and fish-net tights) and out of nowhere, pulled this Superman stunt and ended up facedown on the sidewalk.  She promptly stood up and brushed herself off while her loving aunt was busting up laughing on the ground.  When we got home later she showed me her knees covered in bruises.  So, in memory of Kara's fall, Ry and Ash had to show their condolences in the same spot.  WE LOVE YOU KARA!

Updating

The harassment can end now!  I'm still updating but I pinky promise I will be finished by Friday the 1st.  Promise.

Yet another trip to American Girl!

Cheers!  

Ashley, in awe of her very cute food, the "All American picnic lunch".

Love all the cute colors on the tables.

Spring has sprung, for the day anyway...

We had beautiful weather today and had to take the guniea pigs out for a little vitamin C, really, they need daily doses of it either in their water or from the sun. 

This may be one of my favorite pictures, Season has taught her kids to pose well!

Sadee is so cute with the piggies, Zowee would like to have them for lunch. (Which is why she's not pictured)

Ryry could swing all day long if she had the chance.

I let the girls use the camera while I went inside a bit and this is what I find.  Wonder how the conversation went?

Shaving cream fun!

'Cause what else do you do on a Saturday afternoon?  I'm just glad Steve only had 2 cans of shaving cream left, and one was a travel size.

Ashley's here!

Ashley has come to stay with us for a few months and to say we are excited to have her is the understatement of the year!  The girls have always been close (especially Ry and Ash) and have missed her so much over the years, and personally I have always dreamed of them going to the same school, same sports teams etc.  She flew here by herself (she was so brave on the plane) and will go home sometime in June after school/softball/theater class is done. 

Her bedroom door.  The girls have sleeping arrangements planned, Mads and Ry get to trade off sleeping with Ash each night.  That girl should feel loved!

Before school.  Ashley got the same teacher as our next door neighbor (and friend) Mr. D, who I hear is THE teacher to get!

Making milkshakes for FHE

Our newest family member, Beckett

Beckett was born on April 2 (kinda a joke cause Mike really wanted him born on his birthday, which is the 1st).  We are so proud of Sage and her successful VBAC.  We can't wait to meet this little guy.

Look at the two of them smiling!  Since when does a 1 month old baby smile?  Porter is such a proud big brother!  

I love, love this picture!  He looks like a little pea pod. ;)  Sage is a very talented photog.