First day of school 2010

Since we have the privilege of attending year round school, the first day of school was July 6th. Maya started kindergarten this year, and was thrilled to pieces. She was definitely ready to go to school every day. I had requested morning kindergarten, but got afternoon. It is turning out great though. While both Maya and Haley are at school, Caleb takes a nap, and I have a few hours of peace. At least until baby 4 is born!

Haley started 3rd grade. Holy cow, 3rd grade? I can't believe it.

Also new this year, the girls cut their hair and Haley got glasses. I think they both look darling in chin length bobs. It was their idea and I was a little hesitant, but I love it now.

At the end of 2nd grade, Haley told me she was having trouble seeing the chalk board, so we took her to the eye doctor and she got glasses! Thankfully she loves them and I think she looks great!

Maya's dance recital

Maya loved dance class this year. She was in a preschool ballet class. Of course the best part was putting on a fancy costume and make-up for the recital. I am the worst photographer ever, combine that with a so-so camera, and my action shots leave plenty to be desired. But here they are.

After every group performed, all the girls came on stage for a final group number. Luckily Maya was in front so I could actually see her and get a picture!

All of my cute monkeys smiling at once. How did I get so lucky?

Father and Son camp out

Mike and Caleb had a great time at the Father and Son camp out this year. I'm glad Mike got some pictures of the cute men in our family.

I'm sure Caleb's first order of business was to get a stick and start smacking things. One of the joys of the great outdoors.

The little man next to the tent.

Hands covered in dirt, another joy of the great outdoors.

My two favorite guys.

My superhero family

For Christmas, Caleb got several "dress-up" outfits. Some of his favorite are the super hero outfits. In fact, everyone loves them, and one Saturday morning I got pictures of everyone dressed up.

Mike said I wasn't allowed to post this picture. Sorry!

Fast as lightning!

Didn't you know Batman still sucks on his fingers?

Also a little known fact about batman - he still wears pull-ups.

Maya turns 5!

Maya had quite the birthday celebration this year. It started out 2 weeks ago when we were in St. Louis visiting Grandma and Grandpa. My mom made her a cake and we had a little birthday party with presents. When we got back from St. Louis, Maya's actual birthday was on Tuesday. She got chocolate cupcakes and a trip to Wendy's (her choices!) and then opened up some more presents.

Maya is 5 going on 15. She got a Fancy Nancy doll and book (5 year old appropriate) and also 2 Hannah Montana CDs and 1 Taylor Swift CD (maybe a little beyond her years - but she loves them and practically knows all the words).

On Saturday last week, she had a birthday party with her friends. It was a Fancy Nancy tea party with 7 of her closest friends. The girls had a great time, but I'm glad the celebrating is now over!

Caleb enjoyed unwrapping the presents!

Present unwrapping (also known as crowd the birthday girl)

The cake is a large cupcake.

All the girls at the table, where we spent the majority of the party. The girls decorated purses, made bracelets, colored a fancy princess, and had a tea party lunch.

Happy Birthday Maya. We couldn't imagine the past 5 years without you being part of our family! We love you!

Growing Up

Caleb is now 2 1/2. And he is quite big compared to other 2 1/2 year olds. So, he was getting quite heavy lifting in and out of his crib. It doesn't help that I'm getting bigger and bigger with baby #4 either. So, we decided it was time to move to a twin bed. He adjusted relatively quickly (just a few days) and loves his new bed.

I think he looks pretty darn cute too. Next week we are going to try potty training as well. Caleb has heard the words "potty train" several times and thinks there is an actual potty train (think choo-choo). I'm not sure how I'm going to break it to him.

Baby #4

Had the ultrasound for baby #4 about a week ago. Everything looked healthy and normal. We also found out that the baby is a girl! For some reason we all thought it was a boy. I would have bet money, I was that sure. So, we are pretty surprised to be having another girl. Most likely Caleb will be the only brother. Hope he survives!