Weekly review

A few random things we've done lately. 

A lot of Lucy's little friends are starting preschool this year. I've decided not to, and I feel very comfortable with my decision. I want to enjoy another full year of her being home with me before I send her out. I know the research shows that sending her to an academic preschool is not going to give her any sort of advantage, and in fact can burn her out by 2nd or 3rd grade. I know that preschool isn't the right choice for Lucy this year because she's doing other social activities. But I still worry when I see all the other 3 year olds starting preschool. So, we've been doing a very casual preschool at home each morning. Lucy is LOVING 'school'. We've been practicing letter sounds, tracing letters, reading books, doing art projects, counting, sorting and all sorts of other fun things.

Megan and our cousin Brian came over to visit a few days ago. Brian was so cute and had 'tea' with the little ladies.  

My BFF got married about 2 weeks ago! It was such a perfect day! Here is a picture of us at her very casual bridal shower. I don't know what I would do without these girls! We're so much closer now than we were in high school! 

Going home late one night. They're so cute.

Lylah is totally her daddy's girl! She loves to figure things out, and will focus on one task until she's completed it. Lately, she's loving 'fixing' the tv for us. Lucy especially loves it when she's watching a show. :) 

These bathroom stall door chairs (at Ikea) are genius! 

Resting after being at Ikea forever with Aunt Megan, helping her get ready for college! 

$2 Tuesdays

We love fun, inexpensive activities around here (who doesn't?) So, August's $2 Tuesdays such a fun tradition for us. We always go with our cousins, Ellie and Tommy. This year we especially loved the Dino Museum (please excuse the crazy eyes from my iphone flash) and the Farm Land. 

 

Farm Land! 

 

 

Surprise party!

This August, my dad celebrated his 50th birthday. I decided to host a big surprise party. It was tricky, but he totally didn't suspect a thing! We had a great turn out! The absolute best part was that Mark (who had been in Oklahoma all summer) called me a few days before and decided to surprise everyone and show up! I helped him plan everything, and my parents and siblings were so surprised! 

I found this awesome idea on Pinterest: http://nothingbutbonfires.com/2011/06/sixty-years-memories. About 2 months before his birthday I started emailing, messaging and using any other means of communication to gather nostalgic letters for my dad. It turned out perfectly and he totally LOVED it!

Stake Carnival

Our stake held a carnival a few weeks ago. It was so fun for the girls! They got balloon animals, bubbles, face paint, hotdogs, cupcakes, etc. It was so much fun!

 

 

Cabin

Last week, we went to a family reunion. It was so much fun! These are a couple of pictures from my phone. 

Two front facing babies!

 

After we got home, we were so relieved that Donald Michael Stout (our kitty) was still alive and well.

And we had an early dinner before bed. Spaghetti. Lucy came in and said "Mom look! We're little monster faces!"

Princesses

A couple weeks ago Gran took Lucy to see "Sleeping Beauty" at the Hale Center Theatre. Lucy was SO excited about her date with Gran, and not anyone else (not Lylah, Mommy, Daddy, etc.)

Another day, Lylah decided she needed to be a princess too, like sister. She was so proud of how beautiful she looked!

Nail Polish

One night I got home late from shooting a wedding and Lucy was still up. I went in her room and it smelled terrible! She had covered her hair in nail polish! Don't worry, I stayed clam. I only told her I was shaving her head bald like a tiny baby. And she bawled and bawled. It took Kyle and I almost 2 hours to get it all out (we finished around 1 am).