Below are some pictures of Sophie's 7th birthday. I can't believe we have a seven year old! Every year gets more exciting, but I get a little bit sad. It's so true that time flies, and I am all too aware of it. Of course, time goes slowly on a day like today- Saturday, no plans, raining out. Most days, though, fly by. I love having children and watching them grow up, learning, having fun. I am always aware of how blessed I am to have them, even when I need a break from them- you Moms know what I mean! Sophie is so sensitive, smart, and energetic. She is really good with her little brother. I am lucky to have such a great kid.
So, for the party: Sophie decided the AirHogs minor league baseball game was so fun last time we went, that she wanted to have her party there. We invited just 5 girls, and four were able to come. It was the smallest party she's had, but one of the best! You can do more with fewer kids. We started out at home and had pizza, cake, and gifts. I made matching t-shirts for everyone. They are at the age where they like to dress alike, and aren't embarassed. So it was a great idea- they got lots of attention and it was so easy to keep up with everyone!
Something I love about Sophie is that she always shows lots of enthusiasm at gift time. Whether it's Christmas or birthday, no matter the gift, she acts like she won the lottery with each opened package. This is with no prompting from me. She goes and hugs each giver. I love that she makes each gift giver feel special.
There was one gift she was a bit more excited to get and it was a surprise. I wrapped in a box a paper announcing that she would be attending the Miley Cyrus concert in October. She read that and SCREAMED!!!! so loud the whole neighborhood could hear it. There was no doubt she was excited about that!
This year as she is older, she's into money and gift cards (credit cards as she calls them). She got some bills and enjoyed flashing them around, fanning herself, and throwing them up in the air. Quite the drama queen!
I think some of the girls were skeptical about going to a baseball game, but they all agreed it was a ton of fun. John went up to the announcer and had them announce her birthday and post it on the screen. They all got balls from a staff worker because they were wearing matching shirts. It was so cute to see them walking the parking lot holding hands in a row. Birthday Party Success!!

Sophie's 7th Birthday Party

Memorial Weekend in New Mexico

Girl's Day Out with Christina!

Easter Fun 2009

Spring

Forgive me for not posting in so long. We've been doing some stuff, but I've had some computer issues and just been busy. I will try to keep updated with all the spring activities. I still have some more things to post soon. And bear with me as I try to change the header. Needing something more "springy".

Spring Break

For Spring Break we headed to the Houston area to stay with Aunt Kelly, Uncle Matt, Abby and Ethan. We visited a cool nature center and saw some HUGE alligators! There were lots of birds, too. It was a beautiful day for the hike. Sophie loved it. She was really excited to touch a tarantual, corn snake, and baby alligator. I would have thought she'd be a little squeemish, but I couldn't tear her away from the snake! She proclaimed it to be the Best Day of Her Life. From touching some reptiles? Really? Maybe also because she had our full attention. Jake was back home taking a nap and missed all the scaley fun.

Jake's First Real Hair Cut

Ready to get started. He didn't like the idea of tissue around his collar.

Oh, got a little water in his eyes. Still doing good... The poor stylist that I threatened. DO NOT CUT IT OFF. JUST SHAPE IT. She was very nice and understanding. John and Pa look on, wondering why we are paying for a hair "cut" when I won't let her actually cut it.

Uh-oh. Getting tired of this. Pouty face.

Almost done! They have Easter eggs here! Good distraction.

Rainy Day Fun

It was cold and rainy outside, so Sophie and Jake made up an indoor baseball game. Apparently the pink beach hat was the only one she could find for Jake.

Jake Drinks Coffee

Am I a bad Mom for giving it to him?

Like Father, Like Son

Jake's never been interested in television until he discovered he's got one in his room. Thank you, Barney!! (and Reta for giving us all those videos)

Trying to get a good pose for Christmas cards I haven't ordered (yet)!

Christmas Tea Party

Sophie and her friend, Allison, accompanied me to a Christmas Tea Party. They had such a great time! My friend's daughters were so sweet to find some dolls for them to play with and serve them seconds and thirds of the goodies. It was so fun that when I told them it was time to go so Allison could make it to her dance class, she replied, "Could you just call my mom and tell her I'm going to stay here instead?Because I don't really like dance anyway".

A little sibling love- both kid napping in Jake's crib. So cute!

Meals on Wheels

I started volunteering for Meals On Wheels. So of course, the kids go with me. It's been fun and interesting. Sophie's been around her 87 year old great-grandmother a lot, so elderly people aren't new. But some of their problems are. I do have to say- my grandmother is able and her mind is sharper than mine is. So of course, Sophie had some questions about some of these people. There is a man, Mr. C., who can't speak. So he nicely mumbles, and for whatever reason we have to pass his meal through the window of his room. He's hooked up to some stuff, but he scoots over to the window and he's got on a grungy shirt. As soon as we get in the car, she asks why he's wearing a dirty shirt. So I explain that it's kinda like Jake. When you get older, sometimes you can't take care of yourself as well, like a baby. Some people drool or get food on their shirt like babies, some can't make food for themselves. Some even wear diapers like babies. She's like, ok, ok. Ok. Then- "WHAT?? DIAPERS??". I just can't wait until she asks Mamaw if she wears diapers!