Star Princess Birthday Party

Laura turned 5 years old today. Like all us mommas say, it is hard to believe when your child keeps growing up! Laura is delightful, sweet and just so fun to be around. She is always up for a good time and a good time was had at her "star princess party" today! She thought of this theme months ago and I was lucky enough to score a princess pinata in the shape of a star at the party supply store.
We had six little girls over today who all came up dressed up as of course a princess. We made crowns, painted nails, played dress up and ended the party with cake and a pinata. Laura loved every minute of it and thoroughly enjoyed her birthday all day long. I think I heard "I'm the birthday girl" about a bajillion times today.
Laura is so fun to watch open her presents. She gets really excited about each and every gift. I've heard stories on how Jim was like this as a child! This afternoon she was saying "my wish came true because Mackenzie sent me play make-up for my b'day present." Side note: it is not "play" make-up, but real sparkly eyeshadow which was put on immediately! I'll be paying you back, April...you just wait!! This is the first birthday cake I've ever made and I'm pretty excited about the way it turned out. Laura loved it and that is all that mattered to me!

Vacation Highlights

A couple weeks ago, we headed to Houston and Austin, Texas, to visit with the family. We spent 4 nights in Austin where we saw my brother and his family. It was a fun time having all the cousins together! My parents rented a "lake" house meaning it was near Lake Travis not on the lake. Instead of the lake, it did have a fantastic pool which we used everyday all day long!

My brother and his daughter Reve' share the same birthday, so we celebrated that occasion together.

The cousins playing duck duck goose.

A picture of ALL the cousins! We LOVED that Joe (the oldest one) joined us in Austin for the fun. He is a blast to be around. We teased him that his was the "manny" for the kiddos.

Lots and Lots of swimming

Laura absolutely loves to swim. And after this second round of swim lessons, she is officially swimming using her arms and everything. I think swim team is in our future.....

Grant on the other hand is still not sure of the water. He likes it, but he prefers to be like his sister and not use floaties.

Father's Day

I'm just a couple weeks behind on writing about Father's Day, but still wanted to share my thoughts!

We were all in Houston this year for Father's Day, so it was extra nice to be with my dad as well as my grandpa. Based on Jim's expression, I think he was genuinely surprised to receive binoculars as his gift. Every man needs binoculars, right!
I appreciate Jim so much as he is a father to Laura and Grant. He works hard for us at his job and also continues to work when he gets home each day. He is the best playmate and doesn't turn down a chance to play chase, Monopoly or throw the ball to the kids. Above all, he teaches our children about how to live like Jesus. Happy Father's Day again, Jim!!