wordless Wednesday.

Carter is pretty helpful in the kitchen :)

The old man of the house.

November 1st was Andy's 33rd birthday. We celebrated with the kids at lunch! Any reason to have cake and sing is a big deal around here!

 

Then that evening we dropped the kids at Parent's Night Out at a local church here (the one Carter goes to "school" at) and went out for date night! I had planned for several friends to meet us for sushi and that was a fun surprise to pull off. We then went out for drinks and more adult conversation before picking the kids up several hours after their bedtime (oops:)

 

Happy birthday, Andy! I've loving spending this past year by your side. xoxox

 

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Haloween 2013

This year we had a cheerleader and Superman represented at our house!  We also had several different princesses make their appearance throughout our Halloween festivities.  Olivia was Rapunzel, Aurora, and Ariel at the three (yes, 3!) other dress up events we attended.  I don't have pictures of them all, unfortunately.  However, here are some pictures from last night!

We went to 8 or 10 houses and the kids had a great time.  Carter was brave, per usual, but Olivia was hesitant at times when saying "trick or treat". She much more enjoyed handing out candy at our house and sharing her excitement over each costume that came to our door!

wordless Wednesday.

 

 

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some Fall fun.

Olivia's class went on a field trip to the pumpkin patch yesterday! There was a hay ride, a small corn maze, and pumpkin picking! It was a foggy and damp morning, but we had a fun time anyhow!

Examining a green caterpillar!

Then we decorated our front step with our selections!

 

 

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dance recital!

Back in May Olivia participated in her first dance recital!  She loves to go to class each week, but we were really unsure of how the actual recital would go.  The dance studio she attends has one large recital for the entire company.  That meant that every class, from the 4 year olds to the seniors planning to major in dance at college, would be preforming.  First of all, it meant for a long show.  But most of all, it meant for a LOT of people!  I took her to every practice and dress rehearsal she had scheduled that week (and there were SO many!) to help and acclimate her with the large auditorium where the recital was. I think that helped, as annoying as they all were.  On a side note, I'm not sure I am cut out to be a 'dance mom', but that's a post for another time ;)

Olivia was excited for her new tutu and seemed to really love going to the dress rehearsals.  However, the auditorium was still empty because the rehearsals were closed.  Therefore, we had NO idea what to expect the night of the the recital when it would be filled to the max with family and camera flashes.  Olivia's Grandma and Grandpa made the long journey from Oklahoma for the big night and we loved having them here!  Even though attention is always something that makes Olivia close up a little, I know that deep down she loved having the extra love and admiration.  Thank you, AG & Deb, for coming!

She and I had a fun time getting her all dolled up for the night!  I let her put on a little blush and mascara, mainly because I was sort of told I HAD to by the dance teacher.  Olivia thought it was great though!  Seriously though....how adorable does she look in that costume?!  I still can't believe how much she is growing up!

She was all smiles when I left her backstage with her friends!  She really is a social girl even though social situations can stress her out at times.  I said a little prayer, gave her a hug and kiss, and headed to my seat.

this is how she was backstage when I left!

She was shy walking out on stage and took a few seconds to warm up with each song, but she DID IT!  She stood on stage with all her friends and preformed the songs she'd been working on for months!  I couldn't have been more proud!  Not because she got the steps right or did them on time with the music.  I was proud because I know how HARD that had to be for our cautious and non-attention loving girl!  She was fabulous!!  (she is the third one in from the left)

look at that pose!!  Hah!!
That is her "I'm so uncomfortable, but I know I'm
supposed to stand here and smile" look...

WAY TO GO, OLIVIA GRACE!!   We are so proud of you for being brave and dancing with your friends!  It was such a treat to see you showing off all you've learned this year with Miss Leah! Way to go!  We are already looking forward to next year's recital!

Please let me know if the video won't play.  I've been having trouble with it.

wordless Wednesday.

 

 

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