A "Big" Mermaid Birthday

When asked what kind of birthday party Bel wanted this year she replied "Ariel". I was excited that she had something in mind. My response was that I love "Little Mermaid". She replied, "No, not little. Big Mermaid". *Sigh* Why do they want to grow up so fast?

My little gorgeous girl is four years old today. Hard to believe considering she's now the same age Lex was when she was born! How crazy is that? I cherish these days and do what I can while they still want me to. Hopefully as they grow older, they'll still let me be a party-planning mom, but you never know. Most kids go through mom/dad-independent phases. So, here are pictures from her party. I went with a turquoise/lime/hot pink color theme for her mermaid party. It was a lot of fun to do and already know what to do next year!

Glorious food...

The Cake!

Arts & Crafts

She made a wish right before she blew out her candles.

To Isabel

Love, Mommy & Daddy

The Jazz Studio Year End Recital

My little stinkers performed their year end dances for us to show off their developing skills. It was a lot of fun watching them and they really enjoyed being on stage.

Lex had the most enjoyable mini-solo during one of his routines. Sadly, he will not be in the boys' hip hop next season due to too many activities. He had three this year and he had to choose only two and this was the one he dropped. Shane & I were both hoping he'd keep this one as it is so entertaining. Maybe another year.

Isabel's first dance was to "Country Boy". This is her goofing around backstage before her performance.

On stage for "Country Boy"

Bel's favorite costume for her "My Strongest Suit" performance. Such a princess!

"My Strongest Suit" performance~ We were so relieved to see her dance on stage considering the Christmas recital mishap (but who could blame her, it was a solo!)

Ms. Jess & Jazz/Hip Hop class 2009/10

Awards~ Lex wasn't too thrilled that his trophy was a ballerina, but luckily a friend has one with a star that she is going to trade with him.

Lagoon-A-Beach: Day #1

Let's see if I can keep track of how many times we go to Lagoon-A-Beach this season. Today was day #1 and I attempted it while Shane was out of town. I thought I was crazy to venture near water with two kids alone, but we did really well. A little threatening on my part that if they misbehaved one bit that I would turn around seemed to do the trick :) For the most part, Lex & Bel are good listeners and we had a great afternoon with absolutely beautiful weather.

Lex has been wanting to wear these goggles since we found them on clearance last season. After a few tries down the slide, he decided he didn't need them. Go figure!

Trying to keep the expenses down, so we packed a lunch and it was delicious! Note to self: Let's try to remember wet wipes next time or something less messy!! Napkins just didn't cut it.

New season, new suit. I had attempted to put on Isabel's suit from last year, but what a surprise, it didn't fit! She didn't like that her tummy showed. This one is her daddy's favorite colors on her and the monkey fits her personality, too!

Some persuading from our friend Matt and a bribe of ice cream convinced Lex to try the inner tube slides this year. After getting over the nervousness, he loved it. They are fun to go down and look forward to Isabel being big enough so we can all go at the same time.

Enjoying the bribe!

And of course one of me as proof I was there!

Goodbye Dr. B

We have had Dr. B as our pediatrician since Lex was a baby. We received a sad letter a month or so ago stating he had accepted a new position in SAN DIEGO!!! He has been the best doctor ever and I really wish he wasn't leaving. So, I just had to squeeze in an annual check-up for the kids a month or so early before he left so we could see him one more time.

The kids weren't too happy about the appointment, but it's good to get these things done.

Checking blood pressure. That's OK & kinda neat...

Two inches taller than last year. That's good...

Itchy, open back dressing gowns. Getting kinda wierd for Isabel...

This is where the shots come in. Imagine two kids, two parents, one nurse, and six needles. One kid & three needles down smoothly. Then imagine three needles, two parents, and one nurse holding down one wriggly, screaming kid (guess which one).

And suckers make it all better! Lex was brave and only flinched when he got his shots. Isabel on the other hand was screaming before the first needle even touched her skin. It didn't matter that her brother didn't cry even once. She remembered from last year what those needles felt like. Can't blame her, though. I still can't stand needles and if I didn't think the nurse would think I was crazy I'd cry just like she did :)

Second Annual Grandma Party

Grandma V. Jorgensen hosted her annual "Grandma Party" in Logan over Memorial Weekend. This year was a camping theme. All the grandkids love getting together and she had so many fun activities & crafts for them. It's a sleepover party so they all crash on the living room floor camping style. It was meant to be a backyard camp out, but the weather just hasn't been warm enough yet this year.

THE BOYS

THE GIRLS

THE GANG

Taryn (along with Brynn & Mayla) weren't old enough yet for the party, but they each still got her own set of pajamas.

The party didn't start until the evening and Shane was out with his dad & brothers at the Cache Valley Rendezvous so I headed up to Layton to Tai Pan Trading's tent sale. This is what I got to do.

Shane told Lex that he can have a pet (i.e. dog, cat, etc) when "pigs fly". Well, wouldn't you know he found one at Tai Pan. Please, daddy? :)

Isabel with her clearance windmill-thingy. (What are they called anyway?!)

I want these pillows for my couches in the living room... and the shelves they're sitting on!

We also stopped at Joann's to pick up some party supplies. Can't resist the dollar aisle and found this for Isabel. Fits her perfectly!

On the drive back from Layton, this is what we encountered and is why there was no backyard camp out. When will summer get here??