Macy's Birthday Party

Since May was a super crazy month (finishing school, dance recitals, crunch time building the house, moving, etc.) we told Macy she could have her party somewhere other than our house.  After offering up a few ideas she chose to paint pottery. It was probably the most low-key party we have ever had.  No cleaning, no cooking, just pick up some cupcakes, paint, open presents, eat cupcakes, pay, and leave. And of course Miss Macy had a great time.

Ella was so sweet loving on Brooke.

A little embarrassed that everyone was singing to her. 

For her birthday dinner she chose Moe's.  Just another reason she is her father's daughter. :)  We took her presents with us and she opened them at the restaurant.

Brooke will only eat the icing off of a cake (or off of her sister's fingers).

We had wrapped up her helmet to go with her new bike, and at the last minute decided to stick the bike in the back of Marc's car and bring it with us.  She was so excited to get her first bike.  The other one she had was passed down from Kayla and she has definitely out grown it.

It even has a basket for her to put a baby doll in!

Happy 5th Birthday, Macy!

Sweet Macy, I can't believe you are five years old.  I know I say the same thing every year and for all of you girls, but it is so true.  Five years ago we were welcoming you into our family and there hasn't been a dull moment since!

Your daddy and I have enjoyed watching you grow and learn. You are such a sweet and caring little girl.  Sometimes your feelings get hurt and we have to watch you because you will just get really quiet.  In those moments you just want someone to hold you and love on you.  You are definitely our cuddle bug, and I love that.

You are also a very crazy girl. You like to spend good parts of your day in what we call "Macy's world." Your mind gets going and sometimes you have no idea what's going on in reality.  You play independently better than either of your sisters, but you prefer to play with Kayla.  Y'all come up with elaborate plans and usually spend most of your playtime planning instead of actually playing.  

You love to try and make us laugh.  You like to tell knock-knock jokes (even if they don't make much sense), make silly faces, and just have a happy spirit about you.  

 

This has been quite a year of transitions for you as we sold our house, moved into a rental, worked through building a new home, and are now preparing to move. You have handled it all with such ease and I am so grateful. You are a go with the flow girl and that has been such a blessing these last few months.

 

 I can't believe you will be in kindergarten in a couple of months.  Over the past school year I have tried to work with you on your reading, but you wanted NOTHING to do with that.  I couldn't believe I had a 4 year old who didn't recognize most of her letters and knew none of the sounds.  As the year has gone on you have truly blossomed.  You can recognize your upper and lower case letters, know all of your sounds, can write your upper case letters, and you can sound out basic words.  You went from the little girl who would ask to do schoolwork, but "no letters" to a child who is beginning reading.  I am so proud of you and know that kindergarten will be a great adventure for you.

Macy, 

 I am so proud of you and the little girl that you have become.  You are independent, yet so loving and kind.  I pray that this year will be such a fantastic year for you and that this will be the year of your salvation.  I love you and pray for you.  You are my special little Macy. Happy Birthday sweet girl.

Love,

Mommy

Children's Musical and Sparks

Both of the girls sang in the Children's musical this year.  Macy's class sang 4-5 songs before the main musical performance started. 

You can barely see Kayla, but she is behind the display of dinosaur eggs (with her eyes closed). She had such a great time and was still singing some of the songs this evening.

So proud of my sweet Kayla.  She was nominated as one of the 5 kids in her Sparks class for Clubber of the Year.  While she wasn't chosen as the winner, we are so incredibly proud that she is standing out as a light to her teachers. Oh, and Marc would like me to mention that 3 of the 5 kids came out of our Cubbies class (we had them for 2 years when they were 3 and 4 years old). :)

Last Day of School

For the last day of school Kayla's class went to the playground.  I love how her school takes the opportunity for the kids to get out and enjoy spending time with each other to celebrate the close of another school year.  (And I can not believe that I now have a 2nd grader!!) Brooke and Macy joined us for the fun as well. I love this group of kids and I hope that Macy's class next year is just as wonderful.  Kayla has found some sweet friends in this group.

Finishing Soccer 2012

The girls and Marc wrapped up another great soccer season.  They have enjoyed playing and Marc has enjoyed coaching for his 3rd year.

Macy's Dance Recital

Macy did such a great job at the recital.  She remembered her dance, and while there weren't many smiles while she was up on stage, we could tell she was having a great time - just concentrating really hard. :)

Kayla's Dance Recital

Kayla had her last dance recital this year.  She has decided that she wants to take piano lessons instead of dance classes.  As I look back on these pictures I get a little choked up at the thought that she is done dancing.  There is something about seeing her on stage, dressed in a costume, dancing, smiling, and having a great time.  I'm surprised she wants to stop the classes, but then again, maybe it will just be for a year. Whatever she wants is fine with me, but I will treasure these memories.

Sisters

  I love that they still like to dress alike.