Pool Opens!

Huzzah!  It's always a party when the pool opens!  It was Britta's first experience in the big water.  At first, she was not a big fan of the cold water.  But, just a couple of weeks into summer and she was blowing bubbles and splashing with everyone else!

 Juliana wasted no time at all getting her splash on.  (The big kids were already off and swimming in the big pool and could not be reached for comment.)

Let the Summer Fun Begin!

 Ah, summer.  Soooo much time to relax and enjoy being together.  And, as the kids get older, it gets more fun.  Crazy, with a house full of kids all.day.long.  But still fun.

The neighborhood kids all really enjoy putting on plays together.  This time it was Little Red Riding Hood--complete with a big bad wolf and "scenery!"  So cute.

 Another day, we went up to the school park to play.

 Kari brought up a little bow and arrow set.

 She also practiced her "wolf" calls.

Something made Kari mad (my money is on that little girl next to her)--just look at that face!

 But, they made up and decided to pick flowers together.

Ju Ju loves to splash in puddles.

A little hopscotch is always fun :-)

Britta enjoyed the park too.

All that fun timers just wears Kari out!

More togetherness fun--playing marshmallows and toothpicks!

Let the fun begin!

Last Day of School!

Last day of second and fourth grades!

Christian's 8-Yr Photo Shoot

My not-so-little boy was coming up on his eighth birthday back in May!  (Say what?!)  Yep.  Christian's EIGHT.  Yikes.

But seriously, we were all very excited for this milestone birthday and my talented sister, Erin, agreed to take his pictures to mark this big event in his life!  (And, after the fiascos that family and Britta's infant pictures were, this was a walk in the park!  Christian was a wonderful child to do a photo session with.  So much fun!)

So, enjoy these beautiful pictures of our special boy.

Love, Love, LOVE him!

Where's Britta?!

 This girl loves playing peek-a-boo in my curtains!  (Usually while I'm getting ready or, yes, using the bathroom.  I've come to terms with the fact that I don't get to pee alone.  Ever.)  But with this happy face to greet me, why would I want to, right?

 And, once more, the cheeks.  I LOVE them.

Dance Recital 2015

 Next up for Miss Kari-belle, dancing!!  Her little preschool class did a ballet dance to "Where is the Cake?"  She was lovely and even got to be the girl at the end who "tastes" the cake!  (A grand honor, for sure.)

Kari's cheering section

Our sweet Tiny Dancer

Kari and her teacher (and studio owner), Ms. Mary Lorraine.  Truly, a Class Act of a woman!

And, after rehearsal in the morning and a show in the afternoon, this dancer was done!

Kari's Last Day of Preschool (Sniff, Sniff!)

 Kari's last day of preschool was so bittersweet for me!  I was so happy for her that she had such a wonderful experience, but it was hard to admit that she was moving on and growing up.  She made some sweet little friends and learned so much!  Her teachers were caring, fun, and Christ-centered women.  It was a great year!

 They put on an end-of-the-year performance.  It was so cute and I was amazed at how many songs they had learned for it!

Congratulations, Kari!

Mrs. Carlson and Mrs. Wert
LOVE these women!!

I love Ju Ju/s face in this picture.  It's sooo her.

 These were Kari's besties this past year.  Ella (left) and Sofia.  SUCH sweet little girls and the girls have kept in contact even though they all go to different schools this year.  I love it that Kari still gets to play with them!