Ella's Birthday and Mother's Day

What a fun weekend we have had!  Ella's birthday party was Saturday!  We had a quiet, little party with just family and close friends.  She had a blast playing with Braden and Jameson on her new tater-tot! (teeter totter)  Ella wanted a princess party again this year so that is what we did since she is our little princess.

Today, we went to church, out to lunch and then finishing on the dock. Ella had to try out her barbie fishing rod!! She caught a few within a few seconds of throwing it into the water everytime for about 15 minutes! She was super excited!

Happy 4th Birthday, Ella!

My sweet Ella,

I cannot believe that you, my sweet girl, are  4.  I still remember the day you were born!  What a sweet, pretty little girl you have become.  You love to sing, dance and play with your babies.  You love to have "real" baby stuff for your dolls- diapers, bottles.  The play kind just will not do!  What a great little dancer you are.  You even love to play "dance studio" at home.  I love the way you put little stickers on the floor for your "kids" to sit as you teach them!
       You are so lucky to have so many people that love you to pieces.  You absolutely adore your Papa and Maka, and you have to know exactly where Papa is at every moment!! I love how you think that he plays golf with Tiger Woods everyday!!!  You are too funny!! Everyone who meets you talks about your pretty smile and your caring heart!  You are my outside kid and you would stay out there all day if I would let you! I am so proud of the adorable, thoughtful little girl you have become.  I absolutely love being your mom and am enjoying every moment of it!! (but slow down just a little :)

Love,
Mom

Wordless Wednesday

Our Weekend

Braden had his first karate tournament this weekend.  He only did sparring, but he ended up placing second.  I was soooo proud of him!! I could not believe some of the moves he was doing.  I would not want to make him mad!! HA! HA!  He was very proud of himself, which is a good self-esteem booster for him.  For those of you who know Braden well, he is a perfectionist, and this often times causes him to get upset with himself.  We have to do lots of talking about the fact that not everyone is perfect.  His trophy is as tall as he is and he has carried it around with him for 2 days!! :) 

Today, we did our usual Sunday of getting laundry finished and the house cleaned.  Then we played outside this afternoon and the kids tried out the new sidewalk paint.  I ordered this as party favors for Ella's party Saturday, so I wanted to try it out.  Works pretty good, and I even found the homemade recipie online. I will have to make some soon.  The evenings playing outside with the kids, eating on the porch, and fresh veggies from the garden make he wish summer was here!!  Cannot wait for my break and all the time I get to spend with my kiddos!!!

Ella's 4th birthday Pics

Our talented photographer has done it AgAiN!  Kyle is so talented and did a wonderful job, as usual, with Ella's pictures. She just let her play on the swingset and got some GrEaT shots!  Here is a sneak peak.....let me know what you think!!

http://www.kylehitchcockblog.com/?p=2602

Go Royals!

Braden's baseball season has officially started! Go RoYaLs!

Braden's BIGGEST fan!!

Spring Break and more......

Last week we had spring break, so I decided to head to St. Louis to see the family.  My grandpa has been sick and I thought that letting him see the kids would help lift his spirits.  While we were there, we visited with the cousins, went to the zoo, and got the see the the University of Illinois baseball game at the new Bush Stadium. The kids did better than I thought on the long car ride, but I think next time I will fly. (Even though my parents say that is impossible because I carry too much stuff! :)

Ella and her sweet cousin Ethan!

They even have Build-A-Bear at the zoo!

Grandma Smith gave my kids there first Fun Dip!  Thanks Mary Ann!