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!

Happy Mother's Day...finally

We didn't celebrate Mother's Day late - I'm just late in blogging about it. While I was in Utah, Aaron and the kids bought this swing for me for Mother's Day. I've been wanting a nice wood one that I can relax in and watch the kids play. It's right by our fire pit so it will be perfect when we have bonfires. I realize this isn't the best picture of the swing, but they are what make Mother's Day special for me!

Our little pre-school graduate

Bruce's pre-school graduation was last Friday night. He's been so excited to finish and get started with kindergarten. Too bad he has to wait all summer before he can start! He sang his heart out and was so pleased with himself and this accomplishment. The little blonde girl behind him with her eyes closed is the love of his life. They play together occasionally and he always talks about how he's going to marry Anna when he gets big.

Bruce the graduate

Confused

Our family room has these squares painted all over it and I have yet to find the perfect color. I want something with gold in it, but not too yellow. I don't want too much brown in it. Will asked me a few days ago if I was going to paint the whole room with different colored squares. Right now it looks like that just might happen. I'm so frustrated - it shouldn't be this hard, right? Anyone have any suggestions for colors they have liked? The room is a little dark so that makes it a little tricky - nothing too dark.