Kidquest 2010

The week of July 12-16 was Kaylee's third and final week of Kidquest at ACU. Next year she will be old enough to attend Learning to Lead and actually stay in the dorms. Am I ready for that?

Kaylee looks forward to Kidquest all year. She has the best time learning about God, playing games with friends as well as counselors and singing praises to the Lord. I cannot say enough wonderful things about all the people who make this camp possible and go out of their way to make each camper feel special. Just look at that big smile on her face.

These pictures are of the Friday performance where they show the parents a little sample of the things they have done during the week. I love the picture of Kaylee jumping for joy.

* For those of you interested I have post-dated some new posts below this one to try to keep an accurate timeline of our activities this summer. I finally caught up Aunt Trudy;-)

Egypt SBA

Once again the girls got to experience a wonderful SBA/VBS that our church put on the week of July 11-15th. This year the theme was Egypt and they had a blast! There were so many wonderful volunteers who made the week a success, thank you all. There were all kinds of animals, crafts and even some great story telling from Joseph (aka Mr. Ridgell) according to Campbell. Both girls came home each night telling me about what they had learned and each day we listened to all of the songs on CD in the car as we traveled around town. I loved this picture of them with the camel because it looks like he is smiling too. When Lindi asked where the camel came from the man said a land far far away called Waco, TX. Kaylee exclaimed, "That is not far, my papa and Nana live there!" Too funny. I love these girls and the heart they are developing for the Lord.

Princess and the Frog Dance Camp

The last week of June, Campbell got to experience The Princess and the Frog Dance Camp with her Aunt Lindi. (Lindi is one of my BFF's who treats Campbell like her own aka. spoils her rotten.) As you can tell from the pictures Campbell had a wonderful time. They laughed, played and learned something called the Tootie Dance which is still on our daily routine. Dance is something Campbell thoroughly loves and I love watching her have such a great time. We are doubly blessed to have Lindi as her teacher, it just does not get any better.

Here are all the sweet children that Campbell got to spend the week with including her three teachers. This picture was taken on Friday when they had their performance for all the parents to enjoy. I was amazed at how much she learned in one week. Thank you Aunt Lindi for sharing your gift with us!

Swim Lessons x2

Well summer can officially begin since we have completed our swim lessons with the Luttrell's for the year. Can I just say how wonderful the girls' swim teachers are, they are amazing!!

Kaylee was once again in the older class with Lynn this year and continues to amaze me with her ability to know so many different strokes to use when swimming. I am so thankful that she loves to swim and can hold her own in the water.

It was especially fun to watch her jump off the diving board. She told me that she did not know if she was going to take lessons next year because Mr. Lynn kept telling her "good job and beautiful job" so she has probably mastered everything. HAHA! I love the girl's confidence.

This was Campbell's second year to take lessons from Mrs. Sherri and she loved it! There was nothing that she would not do. I think the highlight of lessons for her was when she had class on her birthday and all the kids sang Happy Birthday to her underwater. Who wouldn't love that!! It will be a neat memory for her to have of her 5th Birthday. The other kids seemed to enjoy it too.

Mrs. Sherri has the patience of Job because each time it was Campbell's turn to jump off the diving board she could hardly contain her excitement. I think she would only ask about ten times if she could go yet before each turn;-) I love this picture of her jumping off the diving board because she has the biggest smile on her face!

Thank you Luttrells for the wonderful lessons and your precious hearts to teach year after year!! We will be looking forward to next year. Now our summer can officially begin!

Campbell turns FIVE!!

On June 16 my baby girl turned 5 years old!! I still cannot believe it. This year we had her party at Primetime and most of her precious friends were able to make it so she was happy. My sweet friend, Lindi, made the adorable mermaid cake for her so she was very excited. I was happy because Lindi makes the best buttercream frosting ever;-) All of the children played in the children's play area for about an hour then we enjoyed some pizza and cake before heading to the arcade.

As you can see from this picture one of Campbell's favorite parts was opening the presents. I love a birthday party but I enjoy it more when it is over and I can breathe a sigh of relief for a few months till the next one comes around.

The funniest part of celebrating her birthday early this year was that when her real birthday came around she thought we would have another party at Primetime for the friends who could not make it to the first one. Unfortunately for her not the case. We did go to Chuck E Cheese as a family though.

Here are my two sweet girls at Chuck E Cheese.

Now I am going to list 5 things about Campbell:

1. She is a Princess with her share of Drama. There is no place she would rather be than dancing around the house in her ballet shoes and a costume putting on a show.

2. The girl definitely has an opinion. I do not ever have to worry about her being talked into something that she should not do.

3. She still tells me that she loves me randomly during the day and it still melts my heart.

4. She loves to play with anything and everything. If you have ever given her a toy I can assure you it has been played with a lot. Barbies, My Little Ponies, Littlest Pet Shop, Dress-up clothes, jewelry, and anything girly!

5. Campbell loves her family and especially looks up to her big sister. She gives the best hugs too.

I am so excited that Campbell turned 5 years old because she has been counting the days for months. Everywhere we go she is so proud to tell everyone that she is FIVE.

I love you sweet girl and am so blessed by your spirit (even the strong-willed part). You are my cuddle bug and tiny dancer. I cannot wait to see what wonderful things you are going to learn this year. I pray that 5 is as wonderful as it can possibly be for you.

Rangers Game with Friends

One of the highlights of Kaylee's summer so far has to be the night she got to go to the Rangers game with her Dad and two of her best Buds along with their fathers. Kaylee has inherited her Dad's love of the game and since we do live near Dallas the Rangers are her obvious favorite. On this night they were able to get to the game early for the autograph signing before the game and a few other activities too. In this picture she has the most serious face as she is waiting to crush the ball. Too cute!!

I feel like I was at the game too since for weeks after they attended I got to hear about the game every day. The girl did not miss a beat I can honestly tell you. I have heard many funny stories, she thought Mr. Jason was hilarious. Thank to Mr. James two of my favorite people had a great night. I am so glad that Cary and Kaylee have found something that they share a passion for. I love my sweet girl and all of her interests.

Kaylee's new Love, Softball!

If you have checked my blog at all the past few months then you have see your fair share of posts on softball. While Kaylee did play last year, this was the year that the sport really clicked with her. If there was an opportunity to play then she was there with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. I have to say that I think she is really good and even though sports are not my first love I thoroughly enjoyed watching my first born do something she loved so much. So you can imagine how excited we were at closing ceremonies for the softball season to find out Kaylee made the all star team. They only pick twelve girls who are voted on by the coaches and Kaylee was one of them! She was most excited to get to play a little longer and the trophy was just icing on the cake. I love this softball girl and cannot wait to see how much she improves next year. I better get all my Softball Mom stuff together because I think we are in this for the long haul;-)

Last Day of 2nd Grade!!

I cannot believe that another year has passed us by and Kaylee is now a 3rd Grader! I know that I was just taking her home from the hospital yesterday;-)

Just to show you how much she has changed the first picture is from the first day of school and the second is the last week of school.

Kaylee has continued to love school this year. We were once again blessed by an Amazing teacher Mrs. C , God continues to know the best place for my sweet girl. Here are a few things about Kaylee and 2nd grade:

1. There really is not a subject that she does not like yet, but if I had to pick I would say that Math and Reading are her favorites.

2. She is still our rule follower and would never say or do anything to hurt anyone's feelings. My tenderhearted girl.

3. Kaylee was once again Student of the Six Weeks during the school year.

4. She also found a love for school projects. This was right up her alley since she loves anything requiring Art type talent. The only hard part is not letting her perfectionist personality get in the way too much. Of course, she gets that honest from both parents.

5. She is still loyal to the end to her friends and does not want anyone to be left out, very giving spirit. Even if she has to loan them money to go to the book fair;-)

6. Social. Each time I ate lunch with her she knew almost ever kids name in each class, how she knew them and sometimes an interesting fact about them. Considering there are 12 different 2nd grade classes I think that is pretty amazing.

7. She will still wear whatever clothes I buy for her. No opinion what so ever, very easy going.

8. Loves life!! Kaylee loves school, church, her family, friends and just about everything. If you want to find a bright side just talk to Kaylee and she will help you find one.

Kaylee we love you so much and are so honored to be your parents. You have the most precious spirit and I love every moment that I am getting to watch you form into the beautiful girl you are inside and out. I would not trade a moment. I love you Princess!

It's All Fun and Games!

This year Campbell wanted to try a dance class so we decided on the First Steps class at a local dance studio. Each week she could not wait to get there and work on her routine for the big show in May.
I remember thinking in January that it seemed so far away but as we all know time flies when you are so busy.

The recital day arrived and Campbell was on Cloud 9. Her class performed a dance titled "A Walk in the Park". We had a cheering section for her which included Papa, Nana, Daddy, Kaylee, Great Papaw and Mommy. I wondered if she would be nervous or shy but none of the show experience rattled her at all. She went on that stage and danced like a pro. We were all so proud of our Tiny Dancer.

Campbell with her BFF Abba

Do you think that they look a little excited before the show?

Don't they look adorable? Campbell is the second one from the right.

I loved this pose in the dance. So Sweet!

As they are walking off the stage they are blowing a kiss to the audience. Precious!!

The photo shoot after the show:

Campbell w/Great Papaw

Papa & Nana w/ Campbell

Daddy & Mommy with Campbell

Campbell & Kaylee

Last Day of Pre-K

Well I cannot believe that the school year is over for Campbell and she is a kindergardener. It seems like just last week we were taking this first day of school picture and anticipating all that the new year would bring.

Campbell has learned so much this year thanks to her amazing teachers Mrs. Tiffani and Mrs. Anne. They have loved and nurtured her the whole year through. She loved school each and every day that she was there and on the days she was home with me we were talking about when she would get to go back to school again. These two sweet ladies taught her so much that she passed her kindergarten readiness test with flying colors. My baby is ready to fly...I am just not sure I am quite ready yet.

A few of the things Campbell enjoys:

*She loves to practice her numbers and letters or anything else that includes school work.

*She loves to dance. The recital was not even over yet before she was telling me how many classes she wanted to take next year. It is also not unusual to find her dancing her performance in full attire all over the house now that the show is over.

*This girl has an imagination. She is always playing with her My Little Ponies, Littlest Pet Shop animals, Barbies or baby dolls.

*Anything that involves drawing, cutting, glueing, or painting is great with her.

* She loves to sing in the car and I love to hear her sweet little voice worshiping the Lord at the top of her lungs. It makes my heart happy.

* Campbell loves to shop! We do not have to buy anything, she just loves to look and see what is new in the store. She has been a great shopping buddy for me while Kaylee is at school. I am going to miss that so much.

*She loves playing with her friends.

*She loves her family. There is nothing like the tight hugs that she gives to those she loves. It is also part of her daily routine for her to just say "I love you Mommy" just because she feels it in her heart. Talk about precious.

*She loves having a sister (most of the time). I am not going to say that they do not have their disagreements but as a whole they love each other and take care of each other. Neither one wants the other one to be upset or hurt.

*She cannot wait to go to kindergarden. Each day she tells me how excited she is for fall to come. I wish I was as ready as she is;-(

It has been wonderful to sit back and watch Campbell grow into the sweet girl that she is this year. Just watching the personality and gifts that God has given her is an amazing journey. I am so proud and blessed to be her Mom. I love you and cannot wait to see what the next school year will bring for you.

May Madness

I feel like the title here is appropriate. We have been running all over the place this month and it seems like each day brings along another fun activity for the kids at school to change the schedule a little.

On Monday we got to celebrate Kaylee's achievements in 2nd grade this year. The Awards Assembly went well and she managed to get an award for completing 2nd grade as well as an award for maintaining a 95 or above average for the whole year. I still cannot believe that the school year is almost over for Kaylee. It is amazing how much faster the year goes when you are the parent and not the teacher;-) I am so proud of all of Kaylee's accomplishments this year including being Star Student last 6 weeks. You are such a joy to me and I am so proud of you and blessed that God chose me to be your Mother.

Also on Monday we got to go to Campbell's last YCW pre-school program ever!! I cannot believe after 4 years there she will not be returning next year. For about three weeks now Campbell has been singing the songs of which I believe there were five and reciting her memory verse in the car everywhere we go the big day arrived. What I did not know from being in the car was that she would have hand motions to go with every single song and she did not miss a beat. Campbell loved being on stage and showing us all of her talents.

We loved being able to watch her too. I am so proud of my baby girl and cannot wait to see her perform again this weekend in her dance recital.

It is wonderful to have two amazing girls to celebrate!!

Where are we?

In case you have been wondering where we have been I can pretty much guarantee it has been at a ballpark somewhere watching Kaylee play. There is nothing she would rather do than play softball. I have to say that there is nothing like watching your children do something that they enjoy with every fiber of their being. She is really good this year, it seems like everything just clicked. Kaylee loves playing first base because she says "that is where the action is." Batting is going great too. The past three weekends she has even been piked up by other teams to play with them. The most important thing is that she is having a great time. Even though I was never an athlete on a sports team I really love being a Softball Mom.

If you do not find us at the ballpark then you are probably going to see me running all over town for all of the end of the year activities taking place at both of the girls' schools. I remember as a teacher cramming every possible fun activity I could think of into the lesson plans the last few weeks once testing was over. That is when all the fun began;-) Here is a picture of Campbell from Cowgirl/Cowboy Week at her school. She was so excited to get to dress up and also ride a horse. Her school really has made learning fun over the past few years that she has attended. We are going to miss all the familiar faces when she is in kindergarten next year. Well I am off to the races or so it seems. Hope you are all enjoying the end of year activities too.

A Weekend of Family & The Little Mermaid

The weekend after Tax Season was over ended up being a busy one for our family. Cary got April 16th off so he and Campbell had a Daddy/Daughter Doughnut Date that morning while I went to Ladies Class at church. After their date they ran some errands and went to the Elementary School to have lunch with Kaylee. Then when school was out we surprised the girls by taking them to see "How to Train Your Dragon" which was a really cute movie and that was just Friday.

Saturday morning Kaylee went to a Kidquest reunion at the ACU bowling alley and I thought when Cary went to pick her up they were not coming home. Evidently they decided to go tour the ACU library and play with the iPads in the bookstore. Who could blame them for that? Once they returned home it was time to go to a birthday party which happened to be at the bowling alley on the Air Force Base here in town. The girls and Cary had a blast bowling while I I caught up with some friends I had not talked to in a while. That night we played a little Wii as a family and enjoyed a good night's rest.

On Sunday the girls had a date with their Daddy to see The Little Mermaid at a theatre here in town.(Thanks Cary for taking the pictures and being such a big help.) Since I am on the Children's Performing Arts Board, I was helping some friends set things up for the fun after party with the cast so I missed the actual production. Speaking of the cast they were great to work with. Each member of the cast stayed at the after party until each child had a chance to get their picture taken and visit with them personally. There were over 100 people at the party!

The girls had a great time meeting the princess and sharing in the fun with their friends. It looked like all of the children had a great time which is what we had hoped for.

Thank you Lord for a great end to a wonderful weekend!!

May Farm

Over a week ago we were invited to a Birthday Party at May Farm. We never pass up an opportunity to go there since Ms. May is one of our favorite people. She is so wonderful with children and the animals she takes in alike. This woman has a gift. The girls enjoyed feeding the animals, holding the animals, going on a hay ride minus the hay, riding a horse and of course celebrating with Jaxton.

Here are some pictures to re-cap our fun day!

Can you tell she loves horses?

Easter Sunday

Today we have enjoyed a wonderful day celebrating Our Lord with a great church service and some more family time. I am blessed in so many ways because of Our Savior dying on the cross and being risen from the dead all for my sins to be washed away. Thank you Lord for the gift of your Son, the gift of family and the gift of friends. Blessed be Your Name!

Our Family!

Great Papaw with Kaylee and Campbell

Papa, Nana, Oliver, Kaylee & Campbell

Two of my greatest blessings!