Withdrawal and Rehab

I think as our summer begins, the blog posting is going to become a little more sporadic.

I am going to have to beg, borrow, and steal computer time, so we will see how I do.

I liken the summber to blogging rehab...I am probably going to have withdrawl symptoms, and it won't be easy...but I will try not to let thoughts of the computer fill my mind...it's going to be hard!!!!

But, for now, the computer is close at hand and we have happy events to discuss.

First, Mikayla graduated from elementary school.













I am so proud of her! She did such a great job this year. She was one of only 15 students out of her class (150 in all) to get straight A's the entire year. She earned a Presidental Award for Academic Excellence, compelete with a certificate and a congratulatory letter from the Presdient. So cool!

It was a really terrific, albeit somewhat long and hot night. The gym was filled to capacity, standing room only, and the air conditioner was not working! Plus the principal decided to show a silde show with 600 photos!!!!! Yeah.

But, it was wonderful to see Mikayla complete this chapter of her education, and we are excited (and a little FREAKED OUT) about middle school.

So, our second milestone was celebrating Katie's first birthday. In my never-ending quest to be the worst mom, ever, it turns out that Troy and I will be in Paris on Katie's actual first birthday, so, we had her party last night.







It was really great. She was so fun and LOVED eating cake for the first time. We made spring rolls and had a lot of fun. Thanks to everyone who could come.

And, as many of you know, it is our tradition on a baby's first birthday to do a little ceremony where they "choose" their destiny. We put out three bowls in front of them, one with money (which means they will be wealthy), one with pencils (which means they will be smart), and one with noodles (which means that they will live long, healthy lives).

Mikayla, Emma, Joe, and Josh all chose pencils. Becky choose the noodles, and Katie...also chose the noodles. It was fun, and she did not get all freaked out like Becky did on her first birthday.

Now, just don't tell her we missed her actual birthday and everything will be fine!

And, just for fun. Joe's new summer haircut.