Kate's swing

We have been playing outside on the new swing set but didn't have anything for Kate to do. We bought Kate a swing and she LOVES it! It's another example of how different the girls are. Grace didn't like to swing until about 6 months ago. She was almost 3 before she would swing and Kate has loved it since day 1.

The Purpose of This...

is to stop her from rolling when she sleeps on her back....

Great Mother's Day

I had a great Mother's Day! Jack and Grace surprised me with breakfast in bed.Oh- and Kate too! We were at Jack's parent's house and the crib was in the room. Here is what we saw peeking at us...

I ended up with a small floral shop- two bouquets of daisies, hydrangea plant, plant with a pot Grace made at school, several cards (including one that had an interview by Grace- in case you were wondering, the thing I do best is stand with my legs apart!) and some great pants from Jack. And a special corsage by Grace. Jack took Grace to a local craft store for a Mother's Day craft- an artificial flower corsage I can wear every year ;o)

Since we were at Jack's parent's house we were able to spend time with Grace and Kate's Grandma and Great Grandma which was great. Grace had made them both some jewelry with beads she picked out and strung herself. She was so proud of them!

After church, we had breakfast at Cracker Barrel per Great Grandma's request.On our way home we were able to spend a little time with Kate's Godmother, Gayle, and her family too.

We spent the rest of the day relaxing at home. It was a great day!

Happy Birthday CJ!

Grace had a great time at her friend CJ's 4th birthday party. It was fun to watch the difference between boys and girls at this age. Grace was definitely not on their energy level but she enjoyed watching and sitting with the moms ;o)

They had a pinata which is one of Grace's favorite party games. She loves to swing the bat at the hopes of getting candy.Grace's favorite part of a party- cake!

Still enjoying her cake....Grace played her first "t-ball" game. CJ's dad was kind enough to help with her techniqueHappy Birthday CJ!

Wrestling

As Kate is getting older, the girls are really enjoying interacting with each other. They like to roll around on the floor together. Here is one of their many "wrestling" matches. It is funny how Kate likes to try to get on top of Grace.

Hairdresser

I love having my hair brushed by someone else so I have been waiting for the day when Grace took an interest. Grace has decided she is a hairdresser in her free time. She always has to have her "tools"- two hairbrushes. It does get a little rough with both at the same time but she does a great job! ;o)

Carrots!

Kate really liked the addition of food with taste!

Ice Cream Social

The girls and I went to a local nursing home with our MOMS Group to serve ice cream to the residents. The kids had menus with pictures of the choices on them. Grace loved taking the orders and circling the choices. She also really liked delivering them.Kate was a big hit with all her smiles for the residents. Both girls were very good. Those of you that know Grace know that she likes to "receive" hugs, not really give them. But she turned it on for everyone. She gave a big hug to every lady in the room and high fives to every man. And Kate had a smile for everyone. Grace actually spoke to all 30+ people in the room too. And answered the "Where did you get your red hair?" every time ;o)

Last Dance Class

Grace has loved her dance class this year and we were sad when it ended. We have gotten to know the girls and their families well and we will miss them!

The last day the girls wore their costumes, Grace added a tiara, and had a party. They all had a fun time!

Jumping Kate

We have all been anxiously awaiting the day when Kate was old enough to try the Jumperoo, a gift Grace received from Kristina and Eric many years ago. Jack and I were guessing she was going to like it and she loved it! When Grace was a baby, she would stand in it and play with the music but never really jumped. Kate jumps! And squeals!

Grace was very excited to "show Kate how to use it" and never left her side the first time.

Grace even went and got herself a chair so she could be close ;o)

Kate is going to have lots of fun jumping!

Anyone want to come to a show?

Thanks to Grace, there is a show almost every night in our house. There is always signing and dancing and usually audience participation- she calls you onto the "stage" by name.

Here is a show that Grace arranged one night while I was cooking dinner. I turned around to find the chairs arranged for everyone. Jack was kind enough to wear the costume for the evening- a headband.

The story behind the tickets can be found on Jack's blog. They are a great addition to showtime!

Sweet Baby

Dance Recital!

Grace's dance class ended in her first dance recital. Grace has been soooo excited about the recital. She has been "practicing" in our living room for weeks. She has a book that shows a girl taking dance class and then having a recital. She took the book literally and we lived it before the recital. She wanted to do everything like the book- put on her tutu, put her hair in a bun, etc. It was no small feat getting that hair into a bun.

On the way to the recital we overhead her in a back repeating to herself over and over again "I'm going to my recital! Going to my recital!"

When the lights went down and Grace's class came out, Grace tentatively looked around and put both her hands in her mouth- her nervous habit. I've seen her put her fingers in her mouth when she gets nervous, but never both hands. Poor baby ;o( After a few seconds of her class dancing, she took her hands out and started dancing. She did great! She even had a little skip to her step during her little solo.After the show, all the girls waited on the stage for a parent to get them. I went up to get Grace, excited that she did so well. The first words out of her mouth...."Where my flowers?" I was startled at her boldness for a minute but then I remembered in her dance book all the girls received flowers after the show. It was just the next step in our day... Luckily quite a few people brought her flowers-Grace was very blessed to have a large audience for her first recital. We all really appreciate everyone who came- Great Grandma, Grandma, Pop, Nana, Papa, Aunt Kristen and Uncle Jeff. After the show we all went out to dinner to celebrate.

Kate was so proud of Grace and gave her a big kiss at dinner!

Grace's friend Lily also had her recital. Her show was at a different time but they had the same costumes!

Grace was funny with her flowers when we got home. She insisted on finding vases for each of them. Once they were arranged, she carried one to Kate's room, Jack and my room, and the living room. She said they were for us to look at. She didn't keep one for herself- she said we would like them. Sweet girl- we are so proud of you!