Allyson tells a story in the Car

Tonight we were driving to the mall (I had to get a new cord for my phone) and Allyson was talking. This is pretty common. Unfortunately, I realize it won't be common forever. So I decided to capture a typical conversation on a typical ride on a typical day. 

Now, Allyson is quite the "imagineer." Nicole, however, likes to keep her feet planted firmly in reality. And she tries to drag her little sister back to our world several times but Mom was fine to let Allyson take some anecdotal liberties just this once. 

(Mallory, you will hear, just wants to have her say, too.)

Nicole's 4th Grade Honor Choir Concert

Nicole has been a part of Honor Choir this year and has really enjoyed it. Tonight was the big concert. Many schools participated so it was held in one of the high school gymnasiums.

Poor Britt tried to get off early so he could watch but work was crazy. I tried to videotape it for him but Mallory was even crazier. I couldn't even find Nicole in the crowd for the longest time. I finally did and was able to capture a little of the performance. We will order the CD and have a special family night so Daddy can watch, too.

I finally found her! She's just below the conductor's hand in the second row (by the girl with the glasses).

They did such a beautiful job!

This was a really fun pirate song they did! (Nicole is in the bottom right corner.)

The last song was dedicated to parents and teachers as a message from the kids. It is called, "Sing to Me." Tearjerker. I couldn't record the whole thing as I was holding a very squirmy Mallory.

After performance pics of Nicole's school group.

With Mrs. Fetzer, their teacher.

Silly pics!

Day at the Park

While big sister was at her Honor Choir rehearsal today the little girls had a picnic and played at a nearby park. 

I was so bummed on St. Patrick's Day because Mallory didn't have anything green to wear. Today I found this shirt in a drawer. Evidently got it on clearance last year after St. Patrick's Day and totally forgot about it. Agh!

Mallory experienced a couple of milestones at the park ... she insisted on swinging on a "big kid" swing and she let Mommy know when to push!

Later Mallory decided she wanted to "push" by herself. She kept a close watch on Allyson to learn.

Allyson goes as high as she possibly can! She often yells and screams completely random things in her excitement. Things like, "THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!" (I can only imagine people feel sorry for her if a day at the park is absolutely the best day of her life.)

Then it was time to move to the big corkscrew slide! Earlier I didn't let Mallory go down because I thought she was just too little. Later I decided to let her go. After all, it's enclosed so it's not like she could fall off.

She LOVED it!!! I can't even count how many times she went down this slide. I only wish I could have videotaped her initial smile and giggle. But I was really focused on making sure I caught her.

Nicole's 4th Grade Performance

Nicole chose to be an Indian for her school's 4th grade performance, "Heartland Hoe-Down." I have to say, not growing up in Missouri, I learned a few things at this performance. 

The program got a little crumpled. (One word: Mallory.)

This is David Harrison Elementary's music teacher, Mrs. Amy Fetter.

Nicole and her good friend, Essie Hebert. They've been in school together since kindergarten. (Essie's grandfather was a professor at my Bible college!)

Some videos of the performance.

This is a song I never learned in California! Still don't think I could recite the states around Missouri!


Didn't get much of this one but they showed a nice video all about Missouri while the kids sang.

Spring Break Lazy Morning

(March 9, 2015)

I've been trying to capture everyday moments and the sweet voices of my kiddos. This was just a very typical lazy morning on the first day of spring break. Mallory had just woke up and we read a book together. Her hair was a mess and she decided to get into the bathroom cabinet across the hall.




Later the girls played "Hide and Seek"

 

Valentine's School Parties 2015

February 14, 2015

The annual making of the Valentine's Boxes. Like the pumpkin decorating contest in the fall, this is a biggie. Nicole wanted another Panda. Dad was the creative genius behind this one. I painted her name but Dad and Nicole did most of the work.

Leftover hearts from last year!

Didn't it turn out great?

All ready for Valentine's party time!

Allyson, of course, wanted a dog house valentine box. We found inspiration from Pinterest and adapted it to, well, match Lucy, of course. 

It was tough to go between two Valentine parties. I spent most of the time chasing Mallory in the gym at Allyson's party but we did find a little time to visit Nicole, too. 

Allyson and her beloved teacher, Mrs. Fisher.

The kids had to draw hearts blindfolded.

Mallory loved writing on the wall!

 (Some other games ... I don't remember what they were!)

The girls were easy on me and decided on doing the same valentines as last year: foam mustaches and lips with suckers. Just some cutting and hole punching. Whew! Their friends seem to like them!