Sammie's Friend Party

October 8th this year was also Columbus Day, and so a school holiday. Sam invited all her friends to come over for lunch, craft and cake. It was a beautiful day and the girls had lots of fun!

 Sam was most looking forward to 'being the boss of her party.' She told everyone for weeks that they had to do what she said. Fun, right? Luckily, she is a great leader and the party went smoothly and to her satisfaction. We started off by painting rainbows. 

 

Lunch was hot dogs, cheetos and grapes.

 

 

 We went through 4 boxes of CapriSun...pretty sure Alayna had a whole box to herself.

 Opening presents. 

 

 

Painting nails.

 

 

Freeze Tag

 

And lots of jumping on the trampoline! 

 

There were balloons everywhere, and for whatever reason, all little girls hate the sound of popping balloons.

 

They quickly turned that into a game and before we knew it, all the balloons were gone!

 

Cake and ice cream.

 Sweet little Alayna had no buddies over, but she enjoyed every moment of the party.

 

A big thank you to my parents! Even Blake got to sneak away from work to join us.

 Emilynn stayed to play until dinner time. The trampoline boxes were a hit!

 

Samantha Turns 6, Alayna Turns 2

 I honestly feel like we just had her 5th birthday party. This year seemed to fly by! Sammie choose a pink cake with rainbow decorations that she did all by herself. I turned it into a strawberry/lemon cake and still have some saved in the freezer. Yummy!

This year was declared, "best birthday ever!" A trampoline can have that effect!

 Sammie choose cheeseburgers and french fries for dinner and we spent the day watching conference, eating and jumping on the tramp.

 

  

 

 

 

 And, of course, opening presents.

 Happy Birthday to Sammie and Alayna!

Izzie Sitting

 

I still can't believe we ever agreed to this...but we dog-sat Izzie for the Labor Day weekend. She really is a very sweet dog. 

 

Alayna loves to walk around the house chanting her name...over, and over and over.

Sam likes to boss her around while snapping her fingers.

Blake just hates her. As for Izzie...she likes me the most! She was always tagging along at my feet and snuggling up on the couch at night. Too bad, I hate wet noses and kisses...they just gross me out. All in all, I would say we are excellent dog-sitters. Just don't get any ideas to call again :)

1st Day of School

I'm not ashamed to admit the tears have been flowing for days.

 Starting school is so very bittersweet. Samantha had a great preschool experience with 2 years at home with me and her friends doing Joy School. Then, last year we put her in a Christian-based preschool. We really feel like the preschool helped ease her into the concept of going to school.

She is a very spunky, spirited, energetic 5 year old and ready for the challenge of Kindergarten.

We drove to the school and parked around the block. She was 10 steps ahead of us all morning. 

"Are you guys coming?!"

Blake took the day off to see her off to school...and console me and Alayna during the day.

The sunglasses hid a lot of silent tears.

Alayna couldn't keep it together...I feel you, little one!

Sam and Emilynn. Partners in crime...no matter what!

Getting off the bus. Her excitement could not be contained! We headed straight home to go through her backpack. She was thrilled that WE had homework...not her. She spent the rest of the afternoon pretending to be the teacher to the rest of us. We got lots of marks in our folder for talking.

Mary Beth, Sammie and Emi

Sweet reunion.

Crafting with Aunt Melissa

Blake was away this weekend for his yearly FFL Draft. We invited Aunt Melissa over for cookies and crafts.
 

Both Samantha and Melissa take their crafts seriously!

I always try to give an idea or concept, but our rule is: "you can do whatever you like as an artist." So, what began as a hot air balloon made out of buttons...turned into artistic freedom.

Love these Two...make that Three!