Get Out of Jail Free?

That sad little face would almost convince me to let her climb the stairs.  But really, I get so much more accomplished when I'm not hovering over her every move.  The gate stays.  Sorry, sweetheart.

Lizzy and her (local) peeps...

For her birthday party, Lizzy chose to go to Gilroy Gardens with her cousins.  The Mushroom Swings and the small roller coasters were a hit with the big kids while the carousel and ice cream were just the right amount of thrill for Lizzy and Ellie.  

Nothing says summer like a pedicure....

This was too cute!  I looked out the window one morning to see my girls sitting out in the backyard having a "Spa Day" complete with makeovers and painted fingers and toes.  Cute, because they used sound judgement and didn't perform the pedicures on the carpet like they have in the past:)

Let the Fun Begin!

We kicked off summer with an outdoor movie night in our backyard.  Taylor was able to secure a "perfectly legal" pirated copy of Monsters Vs. Aliens.  Hmmmmm.

The Little Shop of Horrors

As a testament to both our utter ineptitude at gardening, as well as the sad state of our old windows, we found a little visitor sleeping in our bedroom with us.  I guess wisteria is a very robust plant which grows like crazy... and will take over your house if not controlled!  I knew our windows were terrible, but I never thought a plant could penetrate the space between the upper and lower window frames!  We have since trimmed back the wisteria and once again lamented the fact that we can't afford new windows!

Camping at Pinecrest

The kids were in heaven!  Baby Charlotte was the best little camper ever (considering she is only 9 months old) and the older 3 girls had fun riding bikes, playing in the lake, and eating lots of sugar.  Fun times!

The best part about this tradition is spending time with great friends:)

End of Year Festivities

It’s that time of year again when everything culminates in…. A  bazillion performances!  McKenna and Sydney were awesome at their piano recital and the 4^th grade band concert brought tears to my eyes.  We were shocked to hear that this is "the best 4th grade band the school has ever had."  Wow... 

Elementary school band teachers are special people.  I will never have that much patience!  Perhaps she wears earplugs...

Check out this beautiful sunset captured from our backyard.... of course pictures never really do it justice.

What do you think?

Should Lizzy go to school tomorrow with a band aid or no band aid?  She is really struggling with this one:)

Lizzy Face Plants

Lizzy face-planted off of the swing today and banged up her face.  She has been walking around the house mumbling "This is just embarrassing, no one will recognize me.  I don't think I'll go to school tomorrow."  She is so self conscious about the large scratch on her nose that she has decided a bright Scooby-Doo band aid would be less conspicuous.

Lizzy Turns 4!

Lizzy turned 4 this past week and is already exhibiting more "mature" behavior.  Her prayers now include pleas to "make our world as wonderful as Alice in Wonderland's world..... just without all of the REALLY strange things."  And comments like "I know I fight with my Mommy, but I still love her.  I wish I wouldn't do that."  Is that REMORSE?????  There is hope:)