Character, Cole's Party & Crosby Biking

On Friday Rhett was invited to his school's "Kids with Character" Ceremony because he was receiving a character award for the word of the month: Cooperation.

Alexee watching for Rhett to go on stage

(She chose her headband and used some of her princess make-up)

Crosby loves to carry things in his pockets. Lately, he keeps coins in his pockets just in case we go somewhere that has a gum ball machine, but on Friday he took this little car with him instead. I was so thankful that C & A were both very good during the program. I had to wake Crosby up early from his nap so we could get there on time, but he was still in a good mood--he's such a happy, easy-going little guy 99% of the time. (When I went in his room to wake him up, he was asleep in the floor. I asked him why he was there instead of in his bed and he told me that he fell out of his bed and Bogart tripped him so he just stayed there!? I don't know where he got that story--Bogart wasn't in the room and his bed has a rail on it, but the story made me laugh.)

Rhett and two of his classmates on stage

Conner, Rhett & Mallory

We're proud of you, R! Being cooperative is a great trait!

2nd Graders

We love this Kid With Character!

After school we went to Sonic Happy Hour to celebrate, then the kids played football in the back yard for a while. (I love that Alexee was playing football with their brothers while wearing a smocked dress and pink sequin shoes.) :)
This morning we attended a really fun birthday party for our friend, Cole. His parents lead our Bible study group, and they're such a sweet family--we've loved getting to know them! The party was at a church that had a perfect play area for small children.

Cole loves firetrucks, which was the theme of his party. The favor boxes were so fun!

The church just happened to be right across the street from a fire station, so Emily had arranged for the firetruck to drive over for a quick visit! The kids LOVED this! The firemen let the kids climb inside the truck, but for some reason C & A got nervous and only wanted to look. R was going to hop in, but he didn't have time because the truck got called away on official business. Even though he was scared to get in the truck, Crosby still thought it was very cool. When we went back in the building he said, "That was fun!", and he told Lane about it when he got home.

Emily and Fireman Cole

In the play area

Time for singing and cake!

Happy Birthday, Cole!

Crosby & his friend, Reid

Reid's parents are also in our church group, and Reid and Crosby are in the same class at MDO one day each week.

Having so much fun!

Alexee and Crosby both took long naps this afternoon (C had been up since 5:10). Lane got home around noon and started studying for an upcoming exam. Meanwhile, Rhett and I went outside to wash his bike and my car. The weather was nice--it was great to be outside. After naps, A & C came outside to play, too. Lane came out and put the training wheels back on Rhett's first bike so that Crosby could try it out. He loved it and rode it ALL over the place! He doesn't seem old enough to be riding a bike, but he did such a good job. He's already told me that he wants to ride more tomorrow. :) I loved watching him ride around, but it made me sad in a way...he's our baby...it seems like he should still be in a bouncy seat or a baby swing--he's growing up way too fast (they all are)!

proud biker!

Beautiful Weather & Bread

The weather has been wonderful this week (except for the crazy wind). Yesterday after school we met friends at the playground so we could enjoy the sunshine. I've been looking for a good excuse to make these pretzel buttons, so I decided to make them to share with our friends.
I didn't really take many pictures at the playground--I think I took two, but everyone had fun. It was good to let the kids burn energy outside.I knew better, but this morning I thought it would be a good idea to go for a walk with Crosby in the stroller (he doesn't like riding along any more--he wants to walk), Bogart on the leash and Alexee on her scooter. Bogart is not good on a leash, even when he's not walking right beside a stroller. Here we go:Alexee regretted not putting her hair in a pony-tail. Her hair and the wind didn't get along.

We stopped to look at the minnows in the creek.

Looking for fish and asking to get out and walk home

On the way back to the house, we met up with a small spaniel that was running around unattended. The spaniel and Bogart kind of got into a fight and growled and tried to bite each other. Bogart got his leash all twisted around the stroller wheel and I was yelling for Alexee to scoot along ahead so she'd be away from the dog fight. I don't think it was serious. The other dog was small, but I'm sure we looked like a circus. After I got Bogart untangled, I picked him up and put him in the stroller and encouraged the spaniel to move on. It followed us up the hill to our street. I thought Bogart looked funny riding behind Crosby!

Ahh, back to the safety of our own front yard---Bogart was back in the house where he wanted to be. Alexee posed by our jonquils.R & A had swim lessons this afternoon, and both did great. I'm so happy about their progress. Crosby playing with a towel:He's so sweet!

Our other project today was making homemade bread. Mom recently sent me a bread-making magazine, and I've been wanting to try to make some. Alexee and Crosby helped. Considering I measured the yeast wrong the first time and added more later and that I lost track of how much flour WE poured in (or spilled in the floor)...the bread turned out surprisingly tasty! I've got a long way to go before it tastes like my Grandmother's, but gotta start somewhere! Here are a few pictures of the process:

(there was a lot of fighting over who did what task)Pouring in milk, butter, sugar, salt and waterI used my mixer with the dough hook attachment for most of kneading, but we did a little bit by hand. Alexee thought this part was great!

I put the loaves in the oven right before we walked out the door to pick up Rhett from school. The house smelled so good when we got back home, and the bread was almost done! It cooled while we went to swim lessons and was ready to eat for dinner. (I'm sure the texture needs improvement, but again, this was our first attempt so I was pleased!)

Everyone approved! We saved some for Lane, but I didn't make him pose for a picture when he got in. :)Looking forward to toast and coffee tomorrow morning!

For Emma's Hair Bows

I just finished this hair bow holder for baby "Emma". I hope it provides a fun place for her to store some of her hair accessories! :)You can barely see it, but I painted a little wooden letter "e" and tied it in with all the ribbons.
These are so fun to do--especially the ribbon part. Alexee likes to help me with that. She cuts strips of ribbon and hands them to me in the order that she thinks I should use them. :)

Daddy/Daughter Date

On Tuesday night, Lane and Alexee went out for a Daddy/Daughter date. Our church didn't have the Daddy/Daughter Pancake Breakfast this year (they did a family Valentine donut party but Lane worked and the kids and I were in Flippin). Alexee has always loved going to the pancake breakfasts and talks about them all year. She painted her fingernails and toenails and asked me to curl her hair, but said, "Don't curl it as much as on Halloween--that looked weird." Ha! She chose her own dress--a fancy purple velvet dress with a pink rose pin that her cousin Jaiden let her borrow. She also put on lots of jewelry. When we were upstairs getting her ready she said, "Daddy isn't going to believe this!" It was so cute. She was very excited about her special evening.

Lane let her choose their dinner spot, and after thinking and thinking she first said Corky's but then changed to Purple Cow. :) Lane said she had a lot to talk about and was really good. She colored and they shared a purple cherry shake for dessert, then he took her shopping at Target where she got a pink My Little Pony.

Ready for their date--they have a sweet bond!

At dinner

I think it was a night she will always remember!