Summer So Far...

Wow! Where did the past month and a half go?!? Time sure has flown by! We have been having a really fun summer so far. We have been on the go so much that we are looking forward to a few weeks to just be home, swim, stay in our pajamas all morning and relax! One of the highlights of the summer is that Molly learned how to swim! She has been on the verge for a while but she is now official! I still feel the need to hover around her- but I don't need to - she is a true swimmer! Molly still enjoys coloring and drawing and is really, really good at it! She really takes her time and all of her pictures have a lot of detail to them- even eyelashes and painted fingernails and toenails:)

I don't have pics to share from this, but I got to have my 2nd annual girls trip to the lake a few weeks ago. It was heavenly! It is amazing how rejuvenating a few days away can be! We spent the weekend chatting, eating, laying out and eating some more. I am beyond thankful to have that group of friends- motherhood wouldn't be the same- or as fun- without them!

Some highlights:

Another year of VBS down! This was her first year in REAL VBS... she was in the nursery before. She loved it again this year, learned a lot and it completely wore her out:)

We took our annual week-long trip home to Kansas and had a great time. The Zoo remains our fave place to go!

The zoo has an amazing primate exhibit and Marbles the chimp took a liking to Molly girl! He followed her around and would interact with her through the glass. It was so special and Molly still talks about her pal, Marbles!

Pretty Girl

Goofy Girl

WINDY day in Kansas

This is Molly and I all dolled up to go to.... New Kids on The Block concert! So so fun! We had tickets in the suite so Molly was safe from the crazy fans (all of them my age or older-ha!). We only stayed for a few songs because it was late but we had a blast. New Kids was my first concert with my mom, so this was fun to do with Molly. She was dancing the night away! The Right Stuff is one of her favorite songs now!

Cousins came to visit!!!

3 cutie pies! The girls shared a fun week of swimming, slumber partying and lots an dlots of playtime!

We got to visit the Olson's at the lake again this summer! So So much fun again! Molly was a pro at tubing again- makes me a nervous wreck but she loves it!

Wet pup. This boy LOVES THE LAKE. Running around with a pack of dogs, swimming in the lake, lots of kids, kayak rides, etc! He was depressed when we got home:(

Molly got to reunite with best bud, Caroline- Milam's cousin! These girls talk about each other all year long so it was so fun for them to have some time together. They took care of each others babies, and played all sorts of hilarious things!

Going on a late night boat ride to try to see fireworks... unfortunately the drought here caused all the shows to be cancelled. But- Molly still LOVED getting to stay up late!

I swear she looks so so so old now! And acts old! And she wants to be old! It is exciting and sad at the same time. She is wanting to dress like a "big girl" now and it is breaking my heart. Kyle and I still can't get over our tiny little 6 pounder is now a BIG KID! I am so glad that she does not think she is too big for lots of cuddles and snuggles!

Last Day of School!

Today was Molly's last day of school! This year just ZOOMED by! If the years continue to go so fast, my Molly will be driving in the blink of an eye:( We had a great year. Molly's teacher, Miss Christi was an amazing teacher and Molly adored her. Her class was a fun mix of kids she already knew and some new friends. She learned so much this year... she went in a toddler and came out a kid! Molly is excited for summer, but I know it will sink in a a few weeks that she doesn't get to see her friends 3 times a week and she will be sad. Can't believe we have just one more year of preschool left before Kindergarten!

Molly outside of school on her last day!

Molly and Alexandra. Their last day as classmates:( They already warned us they won't be in class together next year because they are too close.) SAD!

Pretty flowers for wonderful Miss Christi!

Molly and Eloise

With Blake

With Ben. Molly says she might marry Ben but will wait to tell him for sure in college!

Best Friends!

Henry is another dear friend. He gave Molly a leaf each and every day because he knows she likes them!

M, A and Jackson

After school, the class went to London's house for a party and were entertained by StringBini the clown! Kyle is super scared of clowns so Molly has enjoyed taunting hi with the idea of Stringbini this past week!

He had the kids cracking up:)

The whole class with Stringbini

Molly was pumped to get to be his assistant

The girls and Miss Christi.

Sad to see another year pass... it means Molly is that much older. But, we are excited for a fun summer! With Kindergarten looming over my head, I am going to try so hard to soak in this next year!

Dance Recital!

Last weekend Molly has her big dance recital! This year she did a ballet/tap combo class. She had lots of buddies in her class and had a blast... although she much preferred ballet to tap.... too noisy and wild for my girl! This year she got to perform 2 dances at the show- one ballet and one tap. Both routines were precious and were set to some of my favorite praise and worship songs: Standing in the Need of Prayer and How Great is Our God. None of the photos form on stage turned out due to lighting, but here are some very sweet ones from before and after the show!

At the rehearsal. Her dressing room had the stage lights- so fun!

Cute line-up of little ones waiting to go one for rehearsal!

After her stage make-up! I am beyond jealous of her eyelashes!

Darling ballet costume. 37 bobby pins to whip that short hair into a bun!!!

My pretty girl looking VERY old!

With her dearest Miss Alexandra!

Fun tap costume!

Part of her cheering section... Mimi and Poppy!

Sassy pose for a sassy ensemble!

Daddy and dancer

To celebrate the big show and Mimi's Birthday we walked right across the street to I Heart Yogurt- YUM! Molly got every last drop!

My doll.

Such a fun and special event! Molly LOVES to be on stage and we are so proud of her!

Easter 2011

We had a LOVELY Easter weekend! In years past Molly did NOT want a strange bunny hopping into her house, but she was much more excited about the day this year! We kicked off the weekend with Kyle taking Molly to join her dear friend Alexandra at their club for an Easter party and egg hunt! They had such a great time. Brave Kyle ended the day by taking the girls to Chuck E Cheese... I got to stay home the whole day and cook for Easter lunch.. it was heaven! I love to cook and I ADORE cooking in a quiet, empty house!

This year the Easter Bunny left Molly some clues for Molly that led her t her basket. It was a huge hit and I think the bunny will continue to do that in future years. Her basket was loaded with fun goodies, and the highlight was getting a scooter. She loves it, and as you can imagine moves very slooooooooooowly on it. I think it took us about 35 minutes to get 4 houses down- no joke! After Church we headed to Mimi and Poppy's for way too much yummy food, more baskets and another egg hunt! Such a great day. Molly is very good about remembering that the true meaning of Easter has nothing to do with bunnies or candy- she makes us proud!

Gearing up for the party with Alexandra!

M&A visit with E. Bunny

Molly's first clue....

The Jackpot!

Loving on Mimi and Poppy

Whole family shot!!!

My 2 loves

Posing on/near/with the scooter was slightly more important than riding!