Kate’s Marathon Week: 5th Birthday

I attempted my first (and last) at-home birthday party. Before I fool you all by what seems to be astonishing creativity, you should know that virtually EVERY idea came from Pinterest. The party was successful, but WAY TOO much work! I’d much rather pay Build-A-Bear to set up, put on a show, and then clean up the mess. And I don’t think my kids will care either way.

So, anyway, our biggest girl, Kate, turned 5. She wanted a party with all the neighbor kids, which I thought was a great idea. And being that Rapunzel is her favorite princess, that was the theme she wanted to go with.

Let’s start with these beauties: Rapunzel Tower Cupcakes….biggest pain!!!…would have never been created without the skilled hands of Dave:

Flynn Rider Jell-o boats:

Braided Hair Sticks:)

"Rapunzel! Let down your hair!” (this was going to be braided but Junior walked through the thick of it, making it impossible to braid:)

Glowing lanterns:

More décor:

Getting “Tangled” with partners:

Bean Bag Toss:

Pin the Pan on Flynn Rider’s Head (Kate won!!):

The Fairest One of All:

Make a wish and let your lantern soar! Love this pic of the kids closing their eyes, deep in thought of what to wish for!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A “Thanks for Coming” gift:

Kate is so excited to be 5! For months now she’s complained, “I’m the only 4-year-old I know! Everyone else is 5!!!!” She totally reminds me of myself sometimes.

5, 4, or any age…just like Rapunzel, our little Kate brings so much light and life to our family. Our world is so much sweeter with her in it! Happy birthday to you, Katybug!!

Kate’s Marathon Week: Dance Concert

Another dance concert down. Cole couldn’t be happier, I’m pretty sure.

The concert was based on the children’s book, “The Empty Pot.” There’s probably nothing cuter than Kate in Chinese gear, but that’s just a proud mom speaking. She was very talented, though, considering she was the only 4 year-old in her 5-7 year old class.

Cole did about as well as he does during most sacrament meetings these days. He can sit for about 2 minutes and then he splits. He saw some of Sissy’s dances, but spent most of the time admiring a large dinosaur sculpture out in the lobby, riding the elevator, and exploring the out-of-doors. Either way, we were happy to have him there cheering on Big Sister!

Kate’s Marathon Week: Graduation

I’m not trying to blog solely about our little Kate. She’s been a busy girl, and because of this, little brother has, unfortunately, not been featured as much in the blog. Maybe after this last, crazy week things will change.

Amongst a million other things, Kate graduated from her 4-year-old preschool this week. Her ceremony was held at the Northampton Reception Center, which (BTW) was once the church I went to as a child, as well as where Dave and I had our wedding reception…so special things happen there;)

Love those caps and gowns:

It’s been a fabulous year academically for Kate. Not sure where she picked it up exactly, but she can read words and books like nobody’s business, or at least like no other kid her age. We’re amazed by her!

ConGRADulations, Graduate!!

The Sun’ll Come Out

“I’m gonna be…on Broadway” (that’s what the shirt says). Only time will tell…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our little canary finally had her singing showcase at the crusty, old Grove Theater (but every singer has to start somewhere, right?) Kate’s class sang an Annie Medley; hence the costumes, and each child got to sing a short solo. The parents ALMOST got it videoed. Almost. But her part was in “Tomorrow” singing, “When I’m stuck with a day that’s gray and lonely, I just stick out my chin and grin and say…oh!!!” Pretty darn cute. Her lips could barely reach the microphone, but she belted out the best little voice she knew how.

Here’s her cute little class:

And her…

Both sets of grandparents showed, but somehow, we only got pics with my parents. Sorry about that, folks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a fun thing to watch your kids grow and to experience their firsts with them! Proud (as always) of our little girl; such the SUPERSTAR!

Roses Are Red, Violet Is Purpley

Kate’s birthday is this week. Her one birthday wish: a new fish.
Wish granted. Meet Violet, the Betta:


Kate picked her out of dozens of other betta fish; she just loved her purple color. Kate was also especially tickled to find out that Violet loves to eat fish, just like herself.

HAPPY birthday!

More deets on the rest of Kate’s birthday to come…

Another Visit With Mickey the Mouse

We took the kidlets to Disneyworld. I’m going to be short with words, but long with pics so without further ado...

Our hotel, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Lovely:

The Pool, complete with a water slide that both kids adored:

The family:

The Mouses and the Blackhursts:

That darn Rapunzel! She’s impossible to see! We try every time and fail every time…and, likewise, Kate is sad every time. If only that princess could see the pain she inflicts:

Cole (post diaper blowout with no backup outfit), crying about his ghastly Tommy Bahamas threads he had to wear. I would have cried too:

My favorite pic of the trip…I’d kidnap these kids if they weren’t already mine:

Loving him some Pooh and Tiggers:

The Magic Kingdom by day and by night:

Cole is currently obsessed with The Muppets, which was absolutely our saving grace on this trip. Anytime he got grumpy or antsy, we just pulled out the bewitching talents of Kermit and friends on Dave’s Iphone. And all was well:

Cole puckered up, kissing on Tigger:

The kids with their night-time flashy toys:

The bathroom area of our hotel room was separate and had doors so you could close it off completely; it was also large enough for the port-a-crib. The first night we tucked Coley into bed, he let out a few blood-curdling screams, and then was quiet. It wasn’t until the next morning that Dave found him sleeping on the dirty bathroom floor. Needless to say, he refused to sleep in the baby bed, and quickly learned how to sleep in the big bed with Sister. They were pretty cute to wake up to each morning:

Our hotel had daily activities for the kids, which we all know, Kate digs. She got to shake her swimsuit in a dance party at the pool, sit under a dunking waterballoon tank, and enjoy a very scrumptious marshmallow toasting:

Bubbles at the Disney Junior show…Cole’s paradise:

Cole surprised us this trip. He seemed to be a much happier, easier boy on vacation than he is at home. This boy loved riding on the rides and getting non-stop attention from everyone, even if he was a little sleep deprived.

Of course he did get a few naps in!

All but Dave (who’s taking the pic) eating at the 50’s Prime Time Café:

Kate got her face painted; a fair trade for riding the Tower of Terror a second time:

Cole showing us what the elephant says on the safari:

Another character autograph book filled up. Check. Check:

Animal Kingdom:

T-Rex Restaurant we ate at in Downtown Disney. Moving, roaring dinos…definitely Cole’s cup of tea:

And lest we forget, flowers delivered to our hotel room (sent by mine truly) upon our arrival:A “practically perfect” trip; already wishing for our next vacation. Thank you, Dad, for taking us.