Happy Birthday to....Me!

     Let's face it, I am not the kind of person who makes a big deal out of my birthday.  The kids' birthdays, yes, but mine, no.  So when my birthday came around last weekend I quietly let it approach.  Mike wanted to get me a laptop for my birthday and we almost bought two.  Anyway, that morning I was half awake when I heard Mikayla reminding Mike that it was mom's birthday.  She insisted on going out and getting me a present.  The fact is that it was way too early for any of the stores to be open and Mike decided to take the kids to a donut shop instead.  Well, I had a few errands to run that morning, so I acknowledged the gesture and continued  on with my errands.  While out I decided that I really did want to something for my birthday, so when I got back home I got the kids ready and we headed to the pool.  After having a lot of fun swimming we came home to relax for a little bit.  I sent Mike out for some cheesecake so that I could enjoy a few moments of peace.  That night was movie night and since it was my birthday I chose to watch The Emperor's New Groove. 
     After the movie was over my sister called and offered us tickets to the Royals game the next day.  I debated whether I wanted to go to the game in the heat but opted to take the tickets anyway.  It was definitely hot, but we kept the kids cool by letting them play in the fountains.  It was also the first time I have ever been on the video board.  The game was a good one, but since it was too hot we decided to leave a little early.  The boys in blue did win though, in extra innings.
     All in all it was a great birthday weekend.  I am still however waiting for that birthday present.  Hint, hint, nudge, nudge.

First Day of Kindergarten

     After numerous trips to the store for supplies and trips to the school for various activities, Mikayla's first day of Kindergarten is here.  It is true that time goes by fast, especially when kids are involved.  My little girl has gone from this adorable little thing

to this very cute Kindergartner.

    We are so excited about all the learning and growing that she will do throughout this school year.
     I thought it might be fun to keep track of some general things and see how much she grows and how her interests change from the beginning to the end of the school year.

Height:  42"
Weight:  37 lbs.
Hair Color:  Dark Blonde
Favorite Color:  Purple
Favorite Book:  Fancy Nancy:  Ooh La La!  It's Beauty Day!
Favorite Activity:  Visit Friends
Favorite Food:  Mac & Cheese
Best Friend:  Flora
Looking forward to most in Kindergarten:  Reading books

Fashion Diva

     It's hard to believe that my little girl begins kindergarten tomorrow.  Sigh...Tear...  I was reading some blogs on ideas for annual traditions that parents use to make the back-to-school mayhem fun.  One idea that I liked was doing a fashion show with all Mikayla's new school clothes.  It served a dual purpose in that I was able to have her try on all her clothes to make sure they fit and she had fun strutting herself.  Next year I'm thinking more of a production.  Who knows maybe by then I can get some "real" smiles out of her.

Waterfest

     A few weekends ago Mike and I took the kids to Lenexa's Waterfest.  It was a great opportunity to get the kids out and enjoy some fun in the water and learn about some of the things that we can do to help conserve our resources.  It ended up being really hot and the lines were a little long so we didn't end staying too long, but the kids still had a lot of fun.

Silohuette Pictures with a Twist

     Sooo a while ago I was reading this blog (written by an old friend), more like a simple tutorial, on how to create my own silohuette pictures of my kids.  I thought about it for a while and initially wasn't sure that it fit my style (whatever that is...).  But then I got the Pottery Barnes Kids' catalogue and saw that they were displaying one in color.  The lightbulb went off and I immediately thought that it was more my speed and something that I really wanted to do.  So I thought I was all set and ready to go forth with this simple, crafty project when I saw another photo in a different magazine (I can't remember which one, but I am thinking Family Circle), where they had a background other than white.  I was sure that this time I had the complete, perfect project.  After a few trips to the craft store(s) for paint, frames, and the perfect backgrounds I was set to complete this project.  What do you think?  Now if only they can make it to their final homes...  Guess that will have to be a project for another day.

My Future Contortionists

I really have no reason for posting this other than I think it is SO cute and amazing that they both can fit into this small box.

A GIANT Day

     Last Saturday we took the kids to Union Station to see the Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit.  We followed by visiting the Clifford Exhibit at Crown Center and ending the day by letting the kids play in the fountains.  It was such a funfilled day.  I love Crown Center!  There are so many things there that you just can't find anywhere else.