2nd grade already!

 Drake started 2nd grade this year and I wasn't sure if he would be up for us to do our usual routine of walking him inside to his classroom and then take pictures.  Thankfully, even though Drake is turning 8 in November, he was still excited for us to take him to his first day of school!

When we arrived, Drake was a good sport and let me take all of our standard photos. Then he gave all of us hugs (including his sisters) and he ran off towards his friends.  We watched him from a distance as 3 girls ran up to him, calling his name and then they all compared teeth.  Yes, I said teeth.  I guess that's the big news for 2nd graders!  Gordon and I thought it was adorable.  :)

Getting taller and taller each year!!

Drake's classroom

Drake's locker

Drake and his sisters

Kirsten's first day of Pre-School

Where does the time go?  Kirsten had her first day of pre-school yesterday and it was a smashing success!   She picked out her clothes the night before and got her backpack ready to go.  We had to discuss that baby dolls aren't okay to put in your backpack, which was a tough conversation, but we got through it. :)

Of course, we had the typical "getting ready for school" photos the day of which included a few with Drake and Alexa!

Kirsten went to hold Drake's hand and I captured it on film.  Such an adorable photo, I had to include it!

Happy Birthday Alexa!

Today my baby turned 2 years old, to celebrate we had a Dora themed family birthday party.   Kirsten and I had already gone gift shopping for Alexa the previous week, so Gordon and Drake were in charge of decorating the house.  The whole family picked Alexa up from daycare with balloons (Dora themed, of course!), her face lit up and she was so excited.  We continued the festivities at home with some pizza and Dora ice cream cake.  There was even a little dancing, too!  

 

 

Kirsten's first bicycle!

Gordon and I have been discussing getting Kirsten her first bicycle these past few months.  I told her she has to practice on her tricycle and master the art of pedaling... this was a bit challenging for her in the past! :)  After cruising around our neighborhood, Kirsten was doing great and showed Gordon and I she could do it.  So last weekend Kirsten got her first bicycle!!  She knew the exact one she wanted and where to find it at the store.  It was so adorable!!

Family Vacation Time!

We had an amazing time this summer for our family vacation!!  Our trip started out in Las Vegas where we swam in the pool everyday, went to the Desert Preserve (Vegas's version of the zoo), spent time with my parents, and we swam in the pool some more.  Oh, Drake lost a tooth while we were there~ Grandpa Steve said the Tooth Fairy must be a high roller  because she left him $20!  :)  We also drove to San Diego to visit my best friend Tiffany and her family.  Kirsten was especially excited because she got to see her Godmother.  While we were there, we went to the beach and Seaworld!  The time went by so fast and we enjoyed every minute!!

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3 little cuties

It is so hard to get all 3 kids to sit still and smile for the camera, but this picture was close to perfect so I had to post it!  We spent Father's Day weekend in Minocqua, WI at Gordon's parents house and enjoyed a wonderful lunch outside by the lake.  I wanted to capture the moment, so we wrangled the kiddos together for a photo.  They are all growing up so fast... I love all of my little cuties!!

Turning 35 never felt this good!

Gordon and I are only 9 days a part, same year!  To celebrate the both of us turning 35, we got some of our best friends together for a night of celebration.  We played it smart and had a shuttle with a driver take us around for the night, which included cocktails, a great dinner, and a reserved table at an establishment in downtown Des Moines. Here is a fun slide show of our activities!

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Gordon's 35th Birthday!

Saturday, June 1st was Gordon's 35th birthday~ Per his request, we celebrated by going to Ledges National Park which is only an hour or so away from our home.  Everyone enjoyed a nice walk around the park and we topped the morning off with a picnic lunch.  The day was completed with a family bowling game... and Gordon won! 

Mother's Day 2013

What a wonderful Mother's Day I had yesterday!  I had the biggest smile on my face the whole day.  I truly feel so blessed to be a Mom.  Since the kids are so young, it's really Gordon who helped make my day so special.

Gordon woke up early with the girls, made me breakfast in bed where I opened a few cards and received a beautiful pair of shoes that I've had my eye on for the past year or two (see top left).  Then we went to church and enjoyed a great service with impactful sermon.  Afterwards the family went for lunch at our favorite bar & grill near the house.  Then I had some Mommy time with a massage and shopping.  What-a-great-day... WOW!  I loved every minute. :)

 

Montreal ~ annual girl's trip 2013

Another year, another wonderful Annual Girl's Trip weekend!  This year we went International to Montreal, Canada and oh, boy (or shall I say "eh")... it was amazing!

We kicked off our first night with FREE Gipsy Kings tickets with backstage passes AND danced on stage in front of 5,000 + people to "Bambaleo, Bambeleo".  It was amazing!!  Our vacation only got better from there with fabulous dinners and dancing, plus shopping (of course!).

I couldn't imagine having a better time with these four classy ladies.  No matter how much time and distance may keep us apart, I know they have my back.