Friends and Neighbors

I'm so grateful to have friends and families in our neighborhood that are good for our family, but also good for our kids.  The girls love having friends near by to play with spontaneously or planned.

Libby loves drawing pictures to give her friends.

We went to the Eugene Pro Rodeo again this year.  When Shane said he'd go get popcorn for the girls, I didn't know he'd get each of them their own bag.  

Graduation

This post really seems backwards since the start of kindergarten was such a big deal this fall.  But it doesn't change the fact that Libby graduated preschool last spring.  Time marches on....

We're so grateful for the women who've been with our babies for their preschool years and have ignited in them a love of school and learning.

Libby's teacher last year, Peyton's this year.

Buddies

What's With the Mustache Trend?

They're big right now, yes?

Peyton's Four! (And She Has Been For a While Now)

I've been feeling bad for four months now that we didn't have a fourth birthday party for Peyton.  But now that I'm going back in pictures, I see that we did have a party for her.  A couple, actually.  We didn't have the rent-a-bouncy-house-break-a-piñata-give-gift-bags-to-every-kid kind of party.  But still, there was celebrating.  I think my Mother-of-the-Year title isn't in the jeopardy I thought it was.

 Grandpa Dad and Grandma Margie came and celebrated a little early.

 Grandpa Dad helped blow out candles.

 For her actual birthday we were in Astoria with Daddy.

We went to a bakery the morning of her birthday and ordered hot chocolate.  We were surprised (and delighted) to have it delivered "tea party"style.

 Then we played on the beach.

tic-tac-toe

 Grey, but warm enough to get wet.

 That night we did gifts in the trailer....

 ....and Peytie got the laptop (toy) she wanted from Grammy Jane.

 We finished our trip with dinner at the Wet Dog Cafe, a favorite spot to watch the ships.

 Mac 'n Cheese

When we got home Antone gave her four dollars for her fourth birthday.  Can you tell she likes dollars?

All-in-all I think it's okay to let go of the guilt over this one.  Frankly, this is how I'd like to do all future birthdays.

Heaven Can Wait 2012

This list is too long and gets longer every year.

 The girls walked in honor of Grammy Jane, Bebo and Mo.

 Juju's List

 Jamison and Peyton.  "Let's go!"

 Water stop.

Jayden and Libby took off only to meet us at the finish line wondering "What took ya so long?" Peyton saw an opportunity to help Aunt Juju get a really great workout.

 My Momma :)

Hoopin'....

 ....and hoopin'.

Here's hoping we won't have anyone to add to our lists next June.

Looking Back

In order to catch up with my blog I need to post seven times today and eight tomorrow.  Hang onto your seat.  Either you'll catch up with us, or be bored to death.  Either way I'm determined to update this place.

 Awww, our sweet Grunny will be eight next month.

 Water play at the beginning of the summer.

 A wink attempt, or just coolness.

I came across these when the girls and I shopped at Toys R Us for a birthday present.  They took me back to my childhood days when I longed to have as many Strawberry Shortcake dolls as my friend Ann.  They smell exactly the same now as they did then.  She probably didn't have as many as I remember her having, but I know she had Strawberry Shortcake and Blueberry Muffin.  Which was at least one more than I had.  

 zoom

 "We're Going to Grammy Jane's House"  by Libby

 I love this sweet irresistible face.

Libby had a fashion forward water fight with the neighbor.

Groceries

Wednesdays are long.  Tonight, when we got home, everyone except Grammy Jane was grumpy with everyone else.  I took Peyton with me to fill my car with gas thinking a little separation of sisters might do us all good.  And in the car she says this....

"Mom we should pick up a few groceries while we're at Fred Meyer."

"You think?  What did you have in mind?"

"Um....Cheez-its and bee-ah (beer)"

I'll give you one guess.  Who do you think does the bulk of the grocery shopping in this family?  Hint:  It's not me.