Will's birthday

Will celebrated his seventh birthday Sunday while we were in Idaho. He is the only one of our children who has a summer birthday so he has been lucky enough to celebrate while we are on vacation several years.

Will was very specific about his cake - he wanted a cake made out of cupcakes. He's had several friends bring these to school to celebrate their birthday and thought they were so cool.

Not only did Will get a DSi for his birthday, but it's the DSi "XL". He was pretty excited. He has used it to take pictures more than I think he has used it to play games. If nothing else, it kept him busy on our long drive home!

Here's a picture of Will when he was about a year old enjoying a sucker. Will is definitely the most photogenic of all of our children. He just beams when you take his picture. He's always been a very loving boy for the most part. Aaron has a brother (I won't mention names) who was nicknamed "The Incredible Hulk" when he was young (maybe still?) because when he gets upset he would rage. This would be Will. He is very happy and loving, but you don't want to see him mad.

Will had a busy year being six:

• completed kindergarten
• had surgery to correct his club foot (first of our children to have surgery - hopefully last)
• lost numerous teeth
• played soccer and learned to swim
  
• now refers to himself as one of the big kids and thinks he needs same rights as his older brother and sister
• got his first suit (he loves to dress up)
• learned to read (still working on this one a little)

We love you, Will!

Buddies

I haven't had time to go through pictures from our vacation, but I wanted to make this quick post. This is a picture I took today of our boys with their good buddy, Carson. These boys have been inseparable since we returned from Idaho. Today while I was getting ready, I came out of my bathroom and found the boys all laying on my bed watching TV. This is not normal behavior for them - they are usually busy playing outside - they must have needed a break!

It's a first

I think for the first time in my life, I'm ready early. Car is packed, kids are ready to go...just waiting on Aaron to get home from work. Hmmm, should I take a nap? I have a feeling I'm going to need it. Okay, I'm not ready THAT early and the kids are much too wired to allow me to sleep anyway. Looking forward to seeing lots of family and friends the next 12 days!

Madelyn's 3 year pictures

I finally had Madelyn's 3 year pictures taken last week. She loved being in the spotlight and was so cute posing for the camera.

Meet baby Abby. Madelyn loves playing babies - especially with her two sisters. Don't let this sweet face fool you - she can be a stinker at times, but we love our little Madelyn!

Swim lessons

The kids just finished two weeks of swim lessons. Our first day I wasn't so sure Madelyn was going to let me leave her at the side of the pool, but for the most part she did great.

Madelyn had great teachers and really loved getting in the water. She became much braver throughout her lessons.

Bruce is Bruce and loves any chance he gets to jump in the water and splash. By the end of the session, he was swimming on his own and loving it!

The teacher would have the kids throw a toy and swim to get it. Bruce usually threw his to the other side of the pool - out of the pool! So Bruce!

Elizabeth wasn't very excited about taking lessons, but she did great. She progressed so much over two weeks. Here she is swimming with her face in the water - a huge step for Elizabeth!

What can I say about Will - he's always been a fish. He loves the water!

Always the poser - he even manages to smile while swimming!

Cutest spectator

Rehearsals, recitals

Last week was a busy week for Elizabeth. She had a piano recital, dance rehearsal, and her dance recital. Her piano recital was held at her piano teacher's house. There were only six students, but they all did wonderful. We are so lucky to have such a talented, patient piano teacher. Thanks, Cesily!

Here's a picture of Elizabeth all ready for her dance recital. She loves getting all dressed up and getting to wear make-up. (This is also a little preview of our new wall color which I will be doing a post on later. I love it)

Aaron was photographer for the evening and took some beautiful pictures of Elizabeth. He was busy practicing with all of the settings during the show. I was so proud of her - I know she was nervous, but she smiled throughout and has such good form.

School's out!!

Could there be a happier (or cuter) kindergarten graduate? Will loved his teacher, Mrs. Snyder,
and is so excited for first grade next year.

Elizabeth's teacher loved all of the flowers she would always wear in her hair so we made her some. Here she is posing with two of them. Elizabeth is holding a trophy in her hand she was awarded for outstanding student. This award is given to a boy and girl in each grade. There are four fourth grade classes in her school and she was chosen as outstanding girl. She also received an award for high honor roll all year. We're so proud of her!

Here's a picture of Justin receiving his award for achieving high honor roll all year. He also received outstanding art award from the school art teacher and the "Milky Way" award from his teacher because he's always drifting off into another galaxy in his reading. (I think I've mentioned his love of reading before).

Overall the kids had a great year and we're proud of them and all of their hardwork. So now we're ready for some summer fun. Next year we'll have four kids in elementary school!