rain, rain!

we had a little weather this weekend.  soccer was cancelled, but these girls still had a blast.  they put on they're seldom used rain boots and jumped around in the puddles! 

cowgirl camp!!!

while i was at youth conference this weekend, Jason had a daddy-daughter date with the girls.  Anna decided they would have"cowgirl camp." i came home to a s'mores party by the fire, and a tent set up in the back yard.  these little cowgirls were having a blast:

after the s'mores, we put the girls to bed and had a little cozy fire time.  Avery started calling about 10pm, she did not want to sleep in the tent.  so, i agreed to make the sacrifice to sleep inside in my own bed, while Jason got to party it up at cowgirl camp all night!

dancing time!

i had an sd card go bad, and misplaced another.  so far, haven't noticed anything crucial missing.  i'm pretty good about backing up files right away.  however, i'm not sure if i had photos of the girls' dance recital or just video?  at any rate, here are some photos of the dance class they did in the fall, and a video (okay, maybe someday the video will upload)  of their latest recital:

Maddie graduates!!!!!

this pregnancy has been doing a number on my brain and body.  i can't remember anything and most days i really wish i could stay in bed and ignore all my various responsibilities.  (luckily i feel much better once i just bite the bullet and get up!)  anyway, due to this condition, i have chosen to bring only the camcorder to several of our family events over the last  couple of months.  one of those was Madeline's "graduation" from Apples to Zebras.  when  i went to get those images off the camera, i realized i had only taken photos with this when she "graduated" the first time back in November.  that event never even hit the blog!  seeing this photo reminded me a little bit of why:  (notice the crutches in the left corner)  

 "oh yeah," i thought, "that was kind of hard too!"  anyway, enough about me.  Madeline enjoyed her first turn as a big preschool girl this year.  she had her big program, singing, reciting poetry, showing us all she learned all term.  she knows it all, but does not relish the spotlight.  her expression is priceless as she methodically goes through the carefully memorized verses.  no smile, no gleam of recognition of the audience.  just a chin up, let's get this over with, performance.  and that's one way to get things done!

 and again in March.  this time all grandmas and grandpas were there, so she gave a little wave upon seeing us in the crowd. other than that, it was all business as she sang about zoo animals, springtime, and flowers! 

the big school girl decided to take a hiatus for the rest of the  year, she prefers the "joy school" we have at home for Anna.  so, i think we'll stick to that format next year too! 

Madeline's Birthday weekend!

friday: Madeline and 9 of her closest friends had a blast at Peter Piper Pizza! 

 rides, games, build your own pizza, presents, cake!  i think this party was a success!

 Saturday: game day.  grandmas and grandpas were there to cheer on the Honeybees! 

 Maddie started the game with a big kickoff!

 the half time snack is her favorite part of the game, well a tie with end of game snack!

 Anna is really starting to get the hang of the game. 

Avery,  the Honeybee's biggest cheerleader!

 Sunday: Madeline's actual 4th birthday!  we had the whole family over for dinner, presents, and...

cupcakes!!!! 

happy birthday to my sweet Maddie Joy!  you are such a lovely girl inside and out.  your best friends are your sisters, and you spend your days in a blissful world of princess themed make-believe.  your dad and i love how you snuggle with us every morning, even though the other girls would rather hit the ground playing!  your kisses are endless, and you have made me a happy mommy with the promise that although your birthdays will come each year without fail, you will always be my baby!  i love you more than i can say.   you are the best 4 year old in the whole world! 
love, mommy

go Honeybees!!!!

spring soccer season is upon us, and in the interest of my sanity, I put the girls on the same team.  the Honeybees!  our first game was cancelled due to weather, but we were still ready so I snapped a few shots of these fierce athletes!

happy valentine's day!!!