Happy 9th Birthday Julianne!

Happy 9th birthday Julianne!  Yes, that says 9th!  It is hard to believe that it has been 9 years since Julianne was welcomed into our arms and the doctor said, "It's a girl".  My how she has changed our lives - she brings us lots of smiles and laughs, she entertains us with song and dance, some days she makes me want to pull my hair out and she challenges me like crazy.  Through all of that I would not trade her for anything or anyone!

As we I started to prepare for Julianne's 9th birthday party, I had lots of thoughts on what I wanted to include and what I thought her friends and the family would enjoy doing at her party.  As I came up with ideas and asked Julianne about them (usually getting a go-ahead that will be fun and sometimes an eye roll) I was having lots of fun.

After planning activities, I began creating the invites for the party. As I started on the invites Julianne came to me and said she had an idea.  She informed me instead of getting presents for herself she wanted to collect items for others.  Yes, my heart melted and I felt affirmed in my parenting.  So, as we talked about what she could do, we talked about the idea of collecting and donating items to those who could use them.  Our conversation turned to the Mission Trip that members of our church would be taking to Rosebud Reservation in June.  Julianne wanted to collect craft items and flip flops for the mission trip members to take with.  I told her I would find out if that was a need.  After a few emails I found out the flip flops would be appreciated, along with cleaning supplies.  Unfortunately, craft items would probably go unused.  Julianne agreed to flip flops and cleaning supplies - she truly was happy to help others!

The birthday party invites went out to friends and family.  The RSVPs came in.  Then, the big day arrived, Julianne's 9th birthday and her party!  Julianne's friends arrived and brought with them bags of flip flops and cleaning supplies.  Then awhile later family arrived and so did more flip flops!  I could not believe my eyes - there were so many flip flops and cleaning supplies.  Plus some individuals donated money and Julianne got to go shopping for more items.  Her and I had a blast shopping for more flip flops and cleaning supplies.  I thought it was more fun than shopping for toys and I think she did too, as she had a twinkle in her eye that I hadn't seen before.

In the end, Julianne collected 76 pairs of flip flops, 6 bags of cleaning supplies, 6 laundry baskets, and some paper products.  Today, Julianne had the opportunity to share what she collected with the Missions team at church.  I was so proud of her and yes, it brought tears to my eyes as she talked about how good it made her feel collecting all these items for others.  The mission team was thankful and as a church we took the opportunity to pray over the items and the blessings they will provide to so many others.

Julianne's 9th birthday was a blessing, full of fun, smiles, laughter, memories, and dreaming.  She has such a big heart now, I can't wait to continue to fill it with joy, love, and Christ.  Julianne has so much to give and so many waves to make - and so, the adventure will continue!

Happy 4th of July!

We spent the 4th of July having fun and hanging out with friends and family.  This year we did not buy any fireworks for a number of reasons.  Though, that was not a concern because we have a big tub full of a variety of fireworks from last year.  We did do some fireworks, mostly ground ones with a  few parachutes, but not much for aerials because it is so dry out!

Before the fireworks started the kids had a great time playing on a "slip and slide".  Thanks Lesters for having us over!

William loved running down the tarp.

Bailey and Julianne making their way down the slip and slide.

William even got adventurous and slid on his tummy.

Katelyn getting a turn in too!

William was bored with the water, so he decided the rocks were where he wanted to play.  *Surprise, surprise!*

When he was done William laid his towel out to dry off.

Fireworks time!

 William enjoyed the fireworks as long as he had the ear muffs on.

Grammy and William

Katelyn lighting a smokeball.  

My pride & joy....Katelyn, William, and Julianne.

Striking a pose.  Happy 4th!

Sweet & innocent.

I couldn't get a picture of him without the ear muffs.

Sisterly love.  As I was taking this picture Julianne said, "Please don't post this on Facebook."  

Katelyn doing her sparkler.

We hop you had a Happy 4th of July.  The freedom we have is because of those who came before us and those who continue to serve our country and fight for our freedom.  Thank you to each and everyone of our service men and women for all you do.  

LET FREEDOM RING!

Summer fun - A LOT of pictures!!

It is hard to believe that school has been out for a month!  That means summer is 1/3 over and I haven't even started on our summer fun to-do list.  That doesn't mean we haven't done anything fun, because it has been great so far.  We have had quiet and relaxing (as they can be with a 2 and a half year old nick-named Full Throttle) mornings.  We've enjoyed the weather outside in the afternoons and evenings.

We have already put in time at the zoo and the parks.  I am sure both will be favorites this summer!  

We had a wonderful birthday party for Julianne at the park.  We enjoyed chicken and banana splits to eat.  We played kickball, played on the playground equipment and flew kits.  Most importantly we made great memories with Julianne celebrating her 8th birthday!  (Though I think she should only be 3...time has flown by!!)

The girls participated in the year end dance recital with Main Stage and did awesome.  Katelyn was in 2 dances (ballet & tap), Julianne was in 4 dances (ballet, tap, jazz & hip hop).  

We made a trip to Mitchell for the baptism of Jen & Chris' little guy Ty and got to spend some time with them, their daughter Ella, and Brian's mom Mary Kay.  

The kids, my mom and I spent a Saturday morning downtown, at the Falls, and riding the Trolley (a first for me).  The girls loved the Falls and I am pretty sure William would have spent all day on the Trolley if we would have let him.  

We were also lucky enough to take 8 days to travel to Baton Rouge to see my sister and her family.  It was great to see Rachel & Josh and their boys Mason & Murphy as we hadn't seen them since last July!  The kids did pretty good playing together and all things considered we had a great time.  

Finally some random fun and soccer...