Birthday BBQ

Every year after the big birthday party, we have a birthday BBQ. This year we were a little small in numbers. We missed you Grandpa, Uncle David, Easton and Skyler :(, but we still had a good time.

We had baby back ribs (a favorite of both Kimee and Audrey), grilled chicken, and other BBQ/summery type foods. And then, of course, chocolate cake from Costco.

Grandma K got here a little late, so she wasn't in the pictures. Sorry!

Kimberly is 7 and Audrey is 4!

The girls loved the presents they got from their cousins and Grandmas. At their friend party, they collected donations for the National Wildlife Federation, instead of gifts. From mom and dad, they both got a Barbie from the Barbie and the Three Musketeers movie and a new horse toy- Kimee a Jeep and trailer, and Audrey a horse with shower set.

Thanks everyone for making this a special birthday!!!

Kimee and Audrey's Birthday

We had such a fun day on Kimberly and Audrey's birthday. It started with Kimee's choice of eggs, bacon, and pancakes for breakfast.  Then we started setting up for the party. Some of our favorite cousins were here to help out (thank you so much!). Corndogs were Audrey's choice for lunch, followed by a movie to relax a little before the chaos started. Dave and I finished getting things ready, including making the beignets (ben-yays) to serve at Tiana's Palace.

Then the party started. We had a Princess and the Frog party since the movie is still pretty new, the girls love it, and we could include water! When the guests got here, they had to kiss a frog. Then they entered the bayou, where they played several frog games and got to go down the waterslide.

Once they completed everything in the bayou, including making a wish on the evening star, they had to get a kiss to turn back into a prince or princess.  Then the could do the princess activities and eat at Tiana's Palace.

 At the end, we sang "Happy Birthday" and had frog cupcakes.

It was such a fun party! Thanks to everyone who helped and who came to celebrate these amazing girls! We love Kimee and Audrey so much!

Summer's End

A couple of friends asked me today if I was ready for school to start. I shuddered at the question, and said I'm not even thinking about it yet. I usually try to take the entire month of July off from school. So I have one day left.

I actually did go in and do some bulletin boards this month, with my kids, but that's a distant memory.
When my laptop died, I covered some of my anger by just pretending that I never had a laptop. And since I still don't have it back, I subconsciously feel like I'm not a district employee. Does that make any sense?

Anyway, I do have school starting in the back of my mind, and I'm trying to mentally gear up for it. The truth is, there is a lot to look forward to. Most moms are probably the opposite of me and can't wait for school to start. I love teaching, don't get me wrong. But spending summer with my kids and just being a mom has been a lot of fun. Working full time while being the mom of young children has it's benefits, but it can also be stressful at times.

Here are the things I am looking forward to:

• Not having so many little (and big) messes to clean up after
• Being so busy that I don't eat too much, because I'm bored, eating treats, etc. (By the way, I must add one success of the summer has been completely weaning Maddi and not gaining 10 pounds like I did with my other girls. Yeah!!)
• Being too busy to be constantly thinking of new ways to improve my home, and all the money that costs
• Not spending so much money shopping online (Amazon loves me!)
• Actually getting back to earning some money
• No more candy stands so my kids aren't constantly eating candy! (I am NOT looking forward to our next dental visit.)

Truth is, I'm sad summer is ending, but I love school too. Hopefully this will be an even better year than last (it was a great year, so that will be hard to top :).

a visit to Grandma & Grandpa

After going to the aquarium, we went to visit my mom and dad. I don't know why I never put it together that the aquarium is so close to their new home. We will have to make more combined visits in the future!

We had a little time to play and a lovely dinner, that Kimee commented was delicious like a restaurant. Then we went for a walk with Grandma (Grandpa had to take a nap) down the riverwalk to feed the ducks.

Wow, these ducks were so happy to see us!

 This one even took a piece of bread out of the stroller!

One bit Audrey's dress!

On the way back home, Maddi wanted to get out and walk. 

Kimee and Audrey were so tired of walking, they squished into the stroller!

Thanks mom and dad for a fun visit!

aquarium

As one of the last things on our summer to do list, we took a trip up to the aquarium. (I have been wanting to go ever since they added the penguin exhibit.)

touching the manta rays

Kimee was able to reach on her own and got lots of chances to feel the manta rays. Audrey couldn't reach as well, and whenever one got close she would chicken out. Luckily, she was able to get in one touch before we moved on to something else. Hooray!

My favorite part was the penguins. They were so fun to watch! 

There were lots of fun things to see at the aquarium. We got a pass for a year so we can go back as much as we want!