rough week!

Our week didn't start out so great with the snow storm that hit monday mourning. Not that the snow wasn't bad enough, but it caused our favorite climbing tree to fall to the ground.

This limb, the one my kids are always climbing, it snapped. We all sat in the mud room looking out in shock. My kids even cried. Grayson was really upset. He spent a good deal of time in the tree.

We also lost our phone for the day as the line was ripped down by the tree. We are hoping we can save the rest of the tree, our home just wouldn't be the same with out the apricot tree. I was really upset seeing all our new flowers under the snow, but they survived.

On tuesday we realized Lydia has strep throat AGAIN. When she finally told Jared that her throat hurt it was so swollen that it was almost completely closed up. I was gone so he rushed her to the doctors. When they asked her why she didn't tell anyone that her throat hurt she said, "I didn't know my throat wasn't suppose to hurt, my throat always hurts." I think her tonsils will be coming out soon.

Kate and Clair have both been pretty grumpy all week too. Every time I think I'm going to take them in they instantly seem fine and I decide to wait a little longer.

Look at this cute face, she couldn't possibly be sick.

Turning 6!

Lydia celebrated six last week.

She designed her cake, mom made it.

She opened some presents.

She wouldn't stop hugging the "real" makeup from Pa Pa Jerry.

She loved her zhu zhu pets.

And blew out her candles.

Art Showcase

Last weekend our elementary school held their annual art showcase. It is my favorite event at the school, all the walls are covered from floor to ceiling in children's artwork. Our schools main focus is on the arts. My favorite part is to look at the 5th and 6th grade projects, it's amazing what they are able to produce after years of practice.

Grayson proudly showing his art board. My favorite piece was his self portrait.

Lydia with her self portrait. I know I'm biased, but Lydia's and her friends Olivia's portrait were the best.

Lydia with her art board. The picture in the top left corner was on all the flyers and posters advertising the art showcase.

I'm so grateful my kids go to a school were there is so much emphasis on what I think is the best part of school.

Easter

We had a great Easter. The kids loved looking for their baskets in the morning. They were confused as to why the Easter bunny hid them inside instead of outside like last year. I think he was worried about all the snow outside this year.

Kate ate all her Peeps in a matter of seconds.

Aunt Marcia, Tami's sister in law, made all the kids special crochet animals. They were a huge hit and still are.

After Church we went to my parents for their annual egg hunt.

We all had way too much candy.

Kate's Third Birthday

Kate turned three last month. We had a fabulous Minnie Party. It was her very first friend party and she loved every minute of it.

Her favorite part was dancing with balloons to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse music.

We were so lucky to have the Kamerath's in town for her special day. It wouldn't have been the same with Audrey and Carol.

Kate also loved her Pinata.

I made it a little to strong and Jared eventually had to break it open.

Her Minnie Cake

She loved all her presents, but was very good at sharing them.

You can see more details at Second Street HERE.

These boots were made for walking!

Panther Wrestling

Grayson loved Wrestling. He did well but still has lots to learn.

More Kate moments.

I decided someday I'll miss Kate and all her crazy ways. I wish I could carry a camera with me all day because we have a lot of fun messes around here. Usually I'm to mad to take a picture or in a hurry. But here are a couple.

I woke up one morning to this in the window sill.

Kate decided to fix herself a snack. This bread may have come from the garbage. It was loaded with butter. Kate LOVES her butter.

Here is another picture to give you an idea of just how much Kate loves her butter. I wish I could say this was the only time she attempted to eat a whole cube.

Clarissa and her Cake

We celebrated Clair's birthday weeks ago but I forgot to update the family blog. I love the giant cupcake cake. She wasn't feeling the same love because she barely touched it.

She was excited for the candle and was mad when we blew it out.

She also like the sprinkles.

I love her face in this one. She acted kinda grossed out by the whole thing.

Finally a taste of the frosting.

Eventually in an effort to produce a show my sister stuck her hand into the cake.

She was basically done after that.

It was a huge disappointment since Kate made a huge mess and almost ate her entire cake. We wanted to see that again.

Clair is sporting her matching t-shirt.