First Grade Concert

All four of the first grade classes in her school performed together for the concert on Thursday. They sang a song for each month of the school year. They did the actual performance three times in one day, the final being in front of the parents. Samantha did great with limited practices with just moving in. She loved singing, but I think she loved being dolled up even more. We are grateful she is continuing to do well in school. She is such a great help at home when she wants to be =) I'll just have to keep talking her into it (or perhaps sleeping--it's amazing the power of a nap!)

George @ 3months!

George is becoming such a fun little one. He is sleeping from about 9 pm to 7:30 am. When he wakes he spends time in his crib kicking, talking, and just plain trying to get to his mobile. His sisters keep it moving for him, so he is usually content to wait for his breakfast until I can get Samantha out of the house and on her way to school with Grandma. It has certainly been nice to not have to drag all four kids out in the cold and snow in the mornings!! (or afternoons)

He loves to laugh and talk to people. Nothing makes him smile as fast as someone smiling at him.

We caught some pictures this weekend of him spending quality time with Grandpa Ball, and his cousin Hayden. I love this one of him with Grandpa George, whom he is named after.

We are so grateful to have this little man in our home. I love watching people with him; yes, even his all too adoring sisters. The boy will be lucky if he lives to see two.

Rachel is FIVE!!

Rachel became a five year old on Friday. Dad gave her permission to open one present on her actual birthday, so she picked it out the night before, and was awake before he left for work in order to open it. That way she had a new something to play with/use for her entire birthday. The Party came on Saturday. Rachel is blessed to have five sets of grandparents and one extra grandmother. All were able to attend except for her Grandma in Utah. What fun it was to watch this little ball of energy as she tore through the wrapping paper to the gifts. Mike said as we were looking through the photos that we could hardly flip through them as fast as she opened them. She requested a pink dinasaur cake and Aunt Kathlynn donated the chocolate and strawberry cake, much to the adults delight!
Amazing to think that all those fun memories have been packed in to five short years....We love you, Rachel!!!

George has been quite the little guy lately. He is so fun to have around, we never forget he is there because he will let us know when he feels he is being neglected or if he feels threatened with his sisters around.