Happy Happy Birthday Katherine Dear!!!

My sweetheart turned 5 and what an angel girl she is. Katherine is so fun. She loved to play shopkins, barbies and ponies. Her favorite movie is Equestria girls. Her favorite book is  Who's your hero. She loves her mom and dad and every one of her siblings. She really likes to play with everyone but needs to have an hour or two of alone time each day to just have fun and enjoy herself. She is probably the easiest of the four kids. 

This year for her birthday she wanted Sabrina to help her decorate her cake. 

 We started the morning with a birthday donut and some happy birthday songs.

 She got to open one present to help her wait until the time when her party would be.

 Her party consisted of a peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and mommies homemade chicken soup. Interesting combination.  We also had a little lemonade party.

Kate is really the most thoughtful child. She wanted everyone to help her play, build, and unbox all of her presents. It really was a surprising, fun activity.  As the time for kindergarten approaches I already know I am going to miss spending everyday with the smiling, kind girl. She blesses me everyday with her sweetness.

All State Orchestra & The State Capital

Sabrina made it into all state orchestra this year! It was very exciting. She was one of three students from Aberdeen middle schools to make it. She did a fantastic job playing. 

 Greg got sick and had to stay home so it was just me and the kids. We were blessed with great roads and only a little snow. I hate traveling in the winter so this was a HUGE blessing for me.

 The video's of Sabrina playing are too big to post on the blog. They were phenomenal. I guess they should be considering how difficult the tryouts were.

 After the concert we decided to check out the state capital. The flame in water was really cool!

 The kids took my camera and had fun with pictures. So here are  a few of the gems they took.

 Kate loved the exhibit that showed the dresses that each first lady of South Dakota wore. They were very pretty and detailed. It was a really fun exhibit.

 We were there an hour before they closed and it was completely empty. The legislative and senate offices were open to tour too. It was really cool!

That is the end of this fun day. We were so sad that Greg didn't make it...and even sadder that he shared his nasty sickness with me. Ug. It was the worst ever.

Happy 8th Birthday to Jacob!

Eight Birthday's are always awesome. We had an exceptional one with Jacob.  There are many different milestones that happen when you turn eight at our house. The first was scouts! Jacob is loving being a cubscout!

Jacob's birthday started with the special birthday donut :) I don't know how this tradition crept in. Kids get enough sugar on their birthday...

I love parties because it means I get to figure out fun foods and activities! At eight my kids get a bigger than normal friend party :) 

Here are a few  party pictures

For Jacob's baptism celebration we took a few of our special people out to pizza ranch. G & G Francom made the long trip for a few boring South Dakota days! 

 Baptism Time!

The baptism day was full of challenges this year. Last minute changes in program...changes in time...my oven dying the day before as I was trying to make the treats for after the baptism...I think it was to test me. It took awhile but by the end of the day the spirit was strong and I was so thankful for my little Jacob, his fun smile, and the wonderful day we had.

We are so grateful to all who supported us from near and far. WE LOVE YOU!