Memorial Day Weekend

We had a much needed, fantastic Memorial Day weekend! Saturday we spent the day lounging around the house and getting things done (cleaning, laundry, etc) so that we wouldn't have to worry about it the rest of the weekend.

Sunday we went to Grandma and Grandpa K's house for a BBQ. Uncle Joe has moved back (he was living in Florida) and the kids were so happy to see him and wrestle with him. The kids had a water gun fight and also squirted lizards on the backyard wall. We BBQed and then the kids did sparklers with Uncle Joe.

Monday was so gorgeous that we decided to go to the Aquarium. I love our aquarium and botanic gardens, with the fish tanks, the children's garden, the trains, the ducks and geese, and the butterfly pavilion. Alex was so excited to see SHARKS! And the butterfly pavilion was so neat, with butterflies flying all around and even landing on you. Then we went t Dions Pizza for lunch. While having lunch, I asked the kids what their favorite part of the Aquarium was. Alex said the sharks of course. Aurora's answer? "The gift shop!"

In the afternoon we broke out the kids' pool for the first time this year. They had a blast playing in there while we grilled steaks and made drinks. What a great weekend - I love summer!!

Kindergarten Graduation

Aurora graduated Kindergarten on Monday! I can't believe it! They had a small ceremony at school where they sang a few songs and got their "diplomas." There was also artwork that the kids had done showing what they wanted to do when they grew up. Aurora's was an airplane and said, "When I grow up I want to be a pilot." I did not know this about her!

We also received her report card on that day and she got a perfect report card! Advanced in all areas! She did a fantastic job this year, I am so proud of her! On to First Grade!

Aurora's Birthday

Aurora's birthday comprised of two special days this year, since it was on a school day. Thursday she got to take cupcakes to school, and she said she got to pick all of the activities and do everything for the day since it was her birthday. At home that evening, we had what she picked for dinner (pizza, mashed potatoes, and Jello), and then some cupcakes she had picked out. She also got to open a couple of cards and one gift from us and one from Alex. We gave her the old Alice in Wonderland DVD, and Alex gave her a bouncy ball. She also received some money from family and friends!

Her actual party was yesterday. You may remember that she chose to have it at Texas Roadhouse. We invited family and close friends and I think she had a great time. The kids (Aurora, Alex, and Aurora's "boyfriend" KJ) had goody bags to keep them busy until the food arrived. We had cake (decorated by my talented friend Megan) and she opened presents. She received many things on her list - play-doh, markers, coloring books, a nerf gun, and even Cliff's tickets!

There was also the part she had been waiting for since she began planning - saddle time! They brought out the saddle and huge hat and loudly announced her birthday while everyone cheered and yee-hawed! I would definitely say she got what she wanted this year! Still can't believe she's 6!

Sorry for the poor lighting, the lighting made pictures and video difficult!

Six Years Ago...

Wow.  I can't believe it has been six years since an adorable little baby girl entered my life and made me a mother.  At the time I was amazed yet terrified....I couldn't believe I was entrusted with the care of another human being!  And what a human being she is.  

Aurora, as her name says, is definitely a big shining light in my life.  She is amazing.  She is smart, witty, responsible, considerate, beautiful, and caring.  She started reading this year and once she picked it up, she went from barely reading to reading at a first grade level in no time.  Kindergarten math is a breeze for her.  She's already lost four baby teeth!  And unfortunately she also has my OCD!

She can already outwit me in conversations.  Sometimes the things she says and understands are unbelievable for someone so young.  She's even mastered the little teenager head bob and "I told you so" tone.  She challenges me to think about how I parent and the decisions I make.  She's a leader.  Who knew you could love someone so much??

Happy Birthday Aurora!

2 Months

1 Year

2 Years

3 Years

4 Years

5 Years

Now

Mother's Day 2010!

I had a great Mother's Day weekend!  I really wanted to go to the zoo, as we hadn't gone in awhile, so I decided we would have a family day on Saturday and go.  Unfortunately, when we got down there, it was just too cold and windy.  :-(  We were all pretty bummed.  

But we made the most of the day and headed to the Natural History Museum (Or Dinosaur Museum, as the kids call it)!  The kids love the dinosaur skeletons and exhibits.  They also love the fact that in the nature area, they have a fish tank complete with Nemo and his Dad, Dori, and Bubbles!  They also had a new section about the rise of computers, where Aurora got to play the very first computer game!

Sunday morning I woke up to a gorgeous day, and breakfast being made!  I was treated to breakfast, beautiful red and yellow roses, some homemade gifts, and a whale from Alex.  After I opened them all and said thank you and gave hugs and kisses, Alex told me he wanted the whale back!  Haha!

The morning was so beautiful that we decided to go ahead and make the trip to the zoo.  It was a great decision.  The weather was perfect!  They had some new exhibits (including 15 feet crocodiles!), and some babies, and all of the animals were out enjoying the weather.  What a great weekend!

My Birthday

I was out of town for a work conference all last week so I am behind on posts.  My birthday was Tuesday, so we celebrated it last Sunday with a BBQ.  Aurora was in charge of it, and when I told her so she turned to Josh and said, "Did you hear that Daddy?  I'M in charge!"

Josh took her shopping for gifts, decorations, and a cake.  On the day of the party, I went shopping and got a pedicure with Megan while Aurora setup.  She did a luau theme and did a great job!  She had masks and balloons and some other decorations.  We grilled ribs, shrimp, and veggies.  They also got me a yummy chocolate cake!  For gifts I got chocolate, Wii Sports Resort, and some cash for my upcoming girls' weekend in Vegas!

Aurora did a great job with the party!  Here are some pics: