Packed weekend

We planned on going to Ohio for the weekend, but then decided to stay home because Justin had a campout and merit badge clinic. We decided to tackle some projects around home instead. Thursday night Aaron's sister and family decided to come visit us for the weekend. We hadn't seen them since Christmas so we were very excited to see them and all projects were pushed aside. We always love having them stay with us.

You can see that Will is loving his time with his cousin, Gray. He was very pleased to tell me each morning how late they stayed up at night.

Naomi and Wesley in serious conversation

Of course Elizabeth had to make cupcakes with cousin Joy and neighbor, Emma.

Monday morning after our company left we went to the Memorial Day parade. You can see that someone didn't get enough sleep over the weekend.

Parade onlookers

Trying to cool off. We had record setting temperatures on Sunday and Monday. Hope your Memorial Day was great. Six more days of school and the kiddos will be free for more summer fun!

**Pre-School Graduate**

Madelyn recently had her "Music and Munchies" pre-school program. Her class sang about a dozen different songs and fingerplays. The program was adorable! I had heard her singing a few of the songs at home, but it's always fun to see them in their element.
This is one of the good friends Madelyn has made at pre-school this year. Chloe will be attending a different elementary next year, but we're hoping we can continue their friendship because she is such a sweetie! Madelyn receiving her pre-school certificate. Mrs. Joubert was her teacher this year and was wonderful! Yesterday when I was helping Madelyn get ready for her last day of pre-school, she asked me if she got to go to Kindergarten the next day. Needless to say, she is more than ready for the next step. I'm not too sure Naomi and I are. We are going to miss having Madelyn at home with us next year!

To play or not to play...

Bruce had a soccer game on Saturday.  Thus far, Aaron has been the one who has taken him to all of his soccer games this spring.  What a treat it was.  All I can say is he has a very patient coach!  While he is in the game, he is usually pretty focused (by Bruce standards this means maybe 75% focused - not bad).

Give him a break from playing, and this is where you find Bruce while the other boys are on the sidelines.  It's hard to compete with a big tree, stick, and a bucket.  

Braces and Honor Society

Elizabeth's excitement for braces was drastically diminished this week as she realized how much pain they cause.  On the bright side, a diet of pudding, yogurt, and popsicles for a few days sounds yummy, right?

Last night she was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society at school.  Justin was also eligible, but wasn't interested.  Elizabeth is so responsible when it comes to school work and is always working a few days ahead.  She will come home and actually study over the weekend for a test on Wednesday!  We're so proud of her!

Signing her pledge.  Good work, Elizabeth!

Happy Mother's Day?

This was how my weekend started...Will came home from school and was in one of his moods. I took the kids to the park while Elizabeth was at piano lessons and he was fighting with Bruce and said some really mean things. After learning he would not be allowed to go to a movie that night, he completely lost it and was so mad at me. He said some mean things to me and then came home and went in his room. I went in to try and talk with him and he gave me back this picture of us that sits on his nightstand, tape included. Great start to Mother's Day weekend, right?!
Thankfully, he came around and everyone tried to make yesterday special for me. I wasn't allowed to cook or clean in the kitchen at all yesterday. I was served breakfast in bed and received lots of cute homemade gifts, cards, and a Kindle Fire! I feel so lucky to have a husband who respects my role as wife and mother and is teaching our kids to do the same. Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful mom's out there!

Is it summer yet?

I bought this swimsuit for Naomi today and she insisted she wear it the rest of the day!  I can't blame her because it was a warm 65 degrees outside.  If I looked this cute in a swimsuit, I might wear mine all day too...okay, maybe not!

Elizabeth's 12th Birthday!

This has been a big year for Elizabeth...moving, starting middle school, and making lots of new friends. Here are a few of her friends she celebrated her birthday with. It was so fun to listen to them talk about nails, school, and yes, even boys!

As requested, she had an ice cream Oreo blizzard cake from DQ. This girl is not a big eater, but she loves food! She is the first to ask everyday when she gets home from school what I am making. After I tell her, she usually says, "Oh, I love that!" Every mother's dream!

Another big change is coming for Elizabeth at church. She will now enter our youth program. I am really excited for her to interact with the other girls. I know she is going to love it and it will help her develop into an even better young woman than she already is!

Here are a few things I love about Elizabeth:

• she is my "go to" girl - she is such a huge help and she likes to do it (usually)
• so kind hearted
• a loyal friend
• loves the mall (and wants to go all the time now)
• loves to paint fingernails and toenails
• paints her sister's fingernails and toenails (they love it)
• very responsible with her schoolwork
• attempts to make me more fashion conscious
• fun to be with

Love you, Elizabeth! Here's to another great year!