Books, books, books!

This week Makenna competed in the county-wide Reading Olympics for school.  She has read more than 40 books this year in preparation for the competition.  I honestly don't know how she does it!  In a normal week she probably finished 3 books averaging 300-400 pages - crazy!  I am so thankful that she LOVES reading.

Her elementary school sent several teams.  They work together to answer questions about the books and compete against another school.  It's so cute how excited they get when the question is read - all huddled together, discussing and deciding who will answer.

I was so proud of how well she did!  She got to be the captian of the team for one of the three rounds.

Quotables

So recently I have found myself documenting all the funny quotes and stories of my 3 year old on this blog.  Because seriously, the kid is a crack up!  And, because in the first years of your child formulating sentences that is what a good parent does, right:)

But I would be amis if I neglected the quotable moments of my other off-spring.  She shall remain nameless because she occassionally reads my blog and will be mad/embarrassed.  I never should have let her bookmark the site!  So sorry dear child, but this happens to be my parenting outlet and there will be times I need to write about you:)

The problem is the kid is so stinkin smart and watching her brain function is simply amazing.  Here are her recent quotes:

"I am not going to play that card game because it is merely a game of luck, there is no skill involved.  That game will do nothing to increase my cortex."

"Mom, I believe that my immune system is down." 

"It's just another load of laundry, what's the big deal?"   (her response when I found clean clothes in her laundry basket.. sometimes she is smart and other times just has a smart mouth!)

"Mom you sound like you are talking out of a parenting textbook or something."

"Mom, did you know there is a Bible App on the I-touch?  I really think I need one so I don't have to carry my Bible around."

I LOVE, LOVE you sweetie!  God is going to use your amazing memory, planning and thinking skills! I am loving watching you transform into a strong, confident young lady.  And although our personalities are sometimes at odds (because we are so much alike!), I adore that you continue to confide in me and share your thoughts.

keep saving your allowance if you want an i-touch though:)

Winter Concert

Great job Makenna!  Last week we went to Makenna's Winter Concert.  She played the flute in the band and sang in the chorus.  The kids did fantastic... sure don't remember our elementary school sounding that good. 

 It's hard to see Makenna singing - her head is hidden in the second row.  But, her friend Kimmy is the blond in the top row.

Piano Recital

The girls had their piano recital last Sunday.  Ella just started lessons in January so this was her first public performance.  They both did wonderful.  Now if only their mom could figure out how to get the video uploaded!  That is on my very long list of intentions...

We were so glad that Mom-mom could be there in person and Great Granny O could be there via cell phone.

Abbey, their piano teacher

Abbey's piano students

The girls with Mom mom

My parents with Ella

before... and after

Makenna literally could not contain her excitment yesterday.  The braces came off!  For now.  There is a chance she will need either a retainer or braces later when the rest of her teeth fall out.  But for now, she is metal free and breathing better with her expanded airway.

Her appointment was at 5.  Braces off by 5:40.  Chewing gum at 5:45.  Playing catcher in the softball game at 6:30.  She even got two hits:)

Makenna with her Ortho. technician, Heather.  They became very good pals.

Makenna about to steal third base in the last game of the regular season.

Band Concert

Lots of photos to post soon from our recent trip to Disney!  But our first day back we jumped on the moving carousel of school & work, etc.  Makenna had her first Band Concert on Wednesday night.  She plays the flute.  The kids did a great job. 

When the 4th and 5th graders combined for the last song, there was no room on the stage so all the kids had to stand.  A few times the trumbone behind Makenna nearly hit her in the head!  Hopefully next year the concert can be moved to a larger school... so parents don't have to come an hour early just to have a seat. 

Happy Birthday Makenna!

Wow! Can't believe our little girl is 8 years old today! Seems like just yesterday... We love you Makenna. Hope you have a wonderful birthday. xoxoxoxo

American Girl Birthday

Makenna invited some friends to see the opening of Kit American Girl for her birthday. So all the 8 year old girls piled into our van... without car seats!... and sang songs from the Circle of Friends soundtrack all the way to the theater. It was very sweet. The girls (and dolls!) had a great time . I can't believe our little girl will be 8 on Monday!


Carney, Natalie, Makenna, Malena and Kimmy (Kit!)


Posing in front of Kit's Treehouse


Taking over the theater!




Circle of Friends

Sibling Love

It has been so fun to watch the girls interact with Owen! Ella, of course, wants to marry him and use him for dress-up. Makenna wants us to leave so she can babysit and be "in-charge".