Gymnastics and Sara's first class:

Since Sara turned 4 and Sydney is still 5 I thought they would like taking a class together. I found this class at The Little Gym. They were so excited to balance, jump and run. Sara got really excited when she was told she could run there. I think she is going to be a runner. Anyway, they were so brave. Syd has really come so far with her shyness. She can be shy and know she can handle it. I love the change in her. She was all prepared to be there for Sara who was feeling a little anxious. Boy oh boy, she was a GREAT big sister. In this first clip I thought Sara was doing really well but then I noticed that she seem a little TOO intent on what she was doing. Then she caught my eye and I saw what was really happening for her.

The teachers in this class were over the top great! The bouncy track was just what Sara needed to stop fretting and start having fun. Here Syd and Sara are bouncing along in the distance.

The girls just LOVED class. They got individual attention and got left on their own to experience all the fun equipment. Sara really started to have a good time as you can tell.

Here is their thoughts on class. When Sara came out of the room she ran up to me and said "I want to come here FOREVER". Obviously I signed them up for a little less than forever but for a good long time.

I have such different little girls. They are such good friends and I think their differences bring them closer together. I love this new stage we are in where they are both ready to have more experiences. I love watching them experience such joy. I love them!!

OUR BIG YARD

This year a lot of change has happened outside already and it isn't even May. Our front yard had the biggest transformation. I am looking forward to the finished project but already love the new look. The fence keeps the dog and kids in and I am getting excited about adding some color. The flowers will be fun to plant as the front gets so much great sunshine.

Pat helped the girls get a vegetable garden started. Sydney is most excited about the tomatoes she is planting. I imagine she will be eating those right off the vine when the time comes.


Sara is most excited about the carrots she is planting. The tiny seeds were perfect for her tiny fingers.
The girls drew pictures so they would remember what seeds they planted. Cute!

Syd blows bubbles for Sara and Ruby. Both girl and dog can't resist popping big bubbles.

Pat got the girls help planting Dahlia bulbs. Syd has already checked them every day. I guess this is a good way for her to learn patience. I am so grateful for Pat getting the girls involved in planting. I am afraid I am more of a destruction girl and prefer the less exciting activities like mowing and whacking....but not picking up my trimmings. Pat does that too. Did I say I was grateful?

Sara picked me a lovely bouquet of flowers the other day. Thankfully we don't grow that kind in our yard (at least when I can help it). She gets them up on the rode while Dad throws the ball for Ruby.

Daisy.....the most loving and patient cat on earth. I decided to shoot some pictures of just one of many episodes of Sydney's cat love sessions. This cat is truly gracious and purrs the whole time.

Sara got this really great book from The Brenne's for her birthday. The girls play school with it all the time. Syd is the teacher and Sara has to answer the questions or do the activity on each page. It is really sweet to watch.

Just the girls looking really grown up.

We had a GREAT Easter and Sara turned 4 (again).

The Easter Bunny made a stop at our house last Sunday. He left a good combination of candy and toys. I love seeing the look of shock and pure delight on the girls faces as they discover their treasures.

Sara discovers that the bunny is hollow. I think that is a universal disappointment for all kids.

Here is Sara with a bouquet of flowers she was given for her birthday. We were at Michaels's Craft Store the other day and she feel in love with this bundle of silk flowers. She carried it all around the store. When I told her it was time to put them back she hid them amongst a different type of flowers "where no one else could find them" she said. Well, I went back and they were still tucked away in her hiding place. She is enjoying her new flowers with a happy chocolate ring around her mouth. I think the girls wore a ring like that all day.

Galactic Putty was a big hit in the Easter Basket. Fun gooey stuff!

The girls had fun with their cousin Sam

Let the Easter Egg Hunt begin!! We had to do the hunt inside this year. It was raining, so we hid the eggs in the living room and kitchen. The kids did great. I admit to telling Sara where the last egg was when she starting feeling sad that her older cousins had more eggs than her. I couldn't help it.

Sara blows out the candles on her birthday cake made by Dad this time. Pat homemade an ice cream cake. It was GOOD!!

Sara is getting her goodie bag for successfully finding eggs.

Ruby was the perfect Easter dog. She is cozying up to Gram.

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE EASTER....

The girls made Easter egg diaramas this year courtest of the Family Fun magazine Angie bought for me. This magazine is so full of really cute and fun ideas. This project was a MESS but in the end totally worth it. Grandpa Bruce came over to help with the project. The flour paste/paper mache part ended up being an adult project. After they dried the girls took over and took great pride and playtime in their work.

We are waiting for dinosaur eggs to hatch. Papa sent up some eggs that hatch in water. We told the girls it would take 1-2 days but they have been checking the eggs all the time and have noticed every little crack.

Finally a dinosaur can be seen peeking out. Fun!


Sydney is missing a tooth this Easter, her first one. Boy!...where there ever some drama waiting for that tooth to come out. It has been loose for like 6 months. It is the most unwiggled tooth in history. On the day that it was finally hanging on by a thread there were some fears and tears....and then it finally fell out. Yahoo!! The tooth fairy has made her first visit. Syd said "you wouldn't have put the money under my pillow would you Mom?" Uh-oh!! It's okay to lie to your kids right?

Sara being cute.

SARA'S BIRTHDAY (PART 1)

We celebrated Sara's birthday this last weekend with Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie, Janna and Grandma Beverly.

Sara had a great time!!

Here she is with one of her favorite gifts....in fact she is wearing them right now on her fingers. See....I am always telling Sara to quit stealing all the caps off my pens. She likes to wear them as fingernails. So, she got 10 lovely Bic pen caps for her birthday. Cheap gift with lots of payoff.

Syd was a wonderful birthday helper. She truly was so gracios letting Sara have all the attention. I am really proud of the girls and how well they get along.

This was just a cute shot of Ruby. She was a good birthday dog.
Here is some video of Sara talking about turning 4.