You're killing me Smalls....

Thanks Katie for giving me the needed push to get back on the horse. I've been a horrible blogger this summer. I'm not gonna get into the details but lets just say it's been a bit trying.

Now todays post is basically gonna be catch up. So hold on to your horses.

The Primary Parade.

The kids had a lot of fun walking down the main street in our neighborhood behind the large and very loud fire truck that participates every year. The whole week before it the kids had the tough decision of what home-made instrument to bring to play as they were walking. Both Kylie and Jesse decided on ice cream tub drums and mom's scrapbook markers to bang on them with. Nice. And this is how you find Ally if there are any little kids around. She is forever playing and cooing with them. Her life's ambition is to be a mom.

Ally's 10th birthday.

This girl knew exactly what she wanted, not that she got it all. She did get several new outfits, some computer games, a fur-real pet and a new mountain bike. Her last one was left behind daddy's car a few months before. Ally decided that cake just wouldn't do this year. Instead she and I made 24 cupcakes, frosted them and then let everyone decorate their own with sugar sprinkles.

I can't believe more than half of my kids are in their double digitsnow . Ally is one of the sweetest most loving girls. I love her so much and couldn't imagine life here without her. Happy Birthday Ally Cat.

Jesse lost his first tooth!

I for sure thought something was wrong with them... none of my others ever lost their teeth this early. Kylie's front teeth didn't come in until she was 7 1/2 so there was no way his were coming out at just five. I even took him in to the dentist because his two front teeth were wiggling and I thought for sure they were rotting out and he'd be toothless for years before they came in. The dentist was very sweet and took an x-ray for me and showed me that his adult teeth were just coming down and it would be just a few week more until they fell out. I was surprised and relieved. Sure enough, just a few weeks later the bottom one was loose and popped right out with no fuss. His top ones are getting looser every day.

A summer shower.

The kids had some fun playing in the summer downpour. It was warm so they rode around and danced in the street. I love Emily and Ally striking their poses!

The Big Eight!

Not only was she turning eight but it was also the first day of school. I think she had fun none the less. Kylie told me days before she wanted chocolate... chocolate cake, chocolate frosting and chocolate ice cream. Ahhh, a girl after my own heart! After coming home and handing me a stack of papers that needed to be signed we had her birthday dinner, Chicken Lasagna, and opened gifts.

I love my little girl. She is full of spunk and sass and is generally happy and loving. She loves math and the colors yellow and silver. She is always playing with her friends and has a very creative imagination. She owns a special part of my heart. Happy Birthday my darling Ky-Ky.

The First Day of Kindergarten.

I can tell you I have dreaded this day for a long time. My youngest off to school... no more babies in my home... and hours of too much peace. After almost fifteen years of having someone under foot, it feels weird to be alone for hours every day. Jesse on the other hand is loving it!! Miss. Bell is such a nice teacher and I've heard nothing but compliments about her so I know he's in good hands. After school our conversation went like this.

Mom: So how was school?

Jesse: good.

Mom: What did you do today?

Jesse: I can't remember.

Mom: Well, did you make any friends?

Jesse: Yeah a boy and a girl. They sit at my table.

Mom: That's good. What are their names?

Jesse: I don't know. I'm hungry. Can I have a turkey sandwich?

Once Lloyd got home though he got a lot more out of him. I don't know why but maybe he just needed time to process all the new stuff before he talked about it.

Dressed All In White.

What a lovely day Kylie's baptism was. We got there early to make sure Lloyd and her got ready on time and time for a few quick photos before it started. I couldn't make it through the first song without tearing up. The spirit was strong that day. Knowing that this was the last dress I'd be buying for these kind of days and that there was only one left to do this again in our family. I had to get one of the kids to go get me tissue because I couldn't reign the tears in. Kylie was radient in her dress. Glowing with the spirit and so happy it was her special day.

If you're wondering where Zac was in all this... He was downstairs playing W.O.W. or Call of Duty on his X-box.