Flute recitals

Ella begged and pleaded to play the flute this year. So, Lyle and I cautiously allowed her to sign up. After several weeks of arguing with her to practice, we made it to the first round of recitals. The first one was at her school for Talent show night and the 2nd one was the big one. She did really well but I don't think she will sign up for next year. She is going to stick to the piano. Flute is hard!

Father/Daugther Dance

St. Brendan's has a father/daughter dance each year and Ella was very excited to go to it this year. Thankfully, Lyle was able to schedule this night off. It was special for both of them I think.
She looked so beautiful!

Lyle sent me this picture of her dancing at the party. So funny!

Little Miss Annabeth and our trips to the library

Almost every Tuesday at 10:30 you can find Annabeth and I at story time at the West Portal library. Our friends often are there too. It is one of our favorite things to do! Annabeth absolutely loves singing all the songs. She really misses it when we don't get to go. I love the sweet time with her. After story time, I let her pick out a couple new books to take home. She loves carrying them out and we have to read them as soon as we get home every time!

Luke's 7th Birthday Party

There are 7 other kids in Luke's class that have birthdays in the month of January so we decided to throw one big party for all of them. We had it at the bowling alley down in the Pacifica. It was a great location and the kids had a ton of fun. Everyone from their class showed up. We decided the theme should be Starwars since the new Episode 7 just came out in theaters a couple weeks back. One of the moms made these adorable bowling shirts for each on of the birthday kids and gave them each special star wars name tags. Luke was "Luke Skybowler". Pretty cute and quite clever. Still can't believe he is 7!!!

Happy Birthday 7th Lukey!!!

For some reason, I guess since for 5 years before having AB Luke was my youngest, I still feel like Luke is my baby so the fact that he turned 7 today really blows my mind and aches my heart. This boy adds such a different dimension to our family. Definitely keeps us on our toes!
Here he is Bday morning enjoying his cake and ice cream!

We have a burger place near to our house called "Tower Burger". It has become what we call our "Regular". Good burgers and fries, and totally kid friendly. Luke especially likes this place because they sell huge chocolate milk shakes. So, as I expected, Luke picked Tower Burger for his bday dinner.

Dear Luke,
I guess because you are stuck right in the middle with our first born child on one side and our youngest and wildest on the other, I feel like you are growing up with out us even noticing. You are such an easy going kid. You go with the flow no matter what and are always so excited to see what is to come. You have such a big heart and love your family so much! You have really grown up this last year becoming more of a young man than a kid. Daddy and I couldn't be prouder of how well you do in school. You are so so smart!! Your teachers love you and you have so many friends. Remember to always look at the positives in your life. I love you so much, little buddy. Thank you for being exactly who you are.
Love,
Mom

A little fun on the Merry Go Round

We are so fortunate to have a wonderful park walking distance from our house...Midtowne Terrace Park. We go there so often to let the kids burn off some energy. One night after dinner, we walked down to the park and had it all to ourselves. It was such a peaceful night that we stayed a little longer than we normally would have and the kids stretched out on the merry go round to look at the stars. It was such a sweet time between the three of them that I wanted to remember it.

Ella's 10th Bday party

This year to celebrate her birthday, Ella decided to invite her two new best friends (MaryJo and MaryJane) over for a sleepover. We set up the playroom as the party room with streamers and balloons. I had a snack table and a nail painting station already for them when they got home from school. I think they had the best time ever!