The Smith Wedding in Arkansas

I'm trying my hand at a slideshow here. I hope it works.

So, two days after Tim's brother and his family left, we left for Arkansas. Our dear friends, the Smith's were having a wedding. Their son Karl was getting married and we weren't about to miss it. The girls were invited to be in charge of signing in and the gifts. They were thrilled. We decided it would be nice for them to match the wedding party so we went shopping a few weeks prior. I didn't think it was possible for me to get any cheaper but I didn't want to buy a pattern. We got home and I just started measuring and made a practice skirt. That was all I was able to get done before all of our different visitors came. So, in those two days after the Van Buskirk's left I was a mad woman. Laundry, sewing, cleaning, laundry, more sewing, Relief Society. . . But I got them done. They turned out super cute, I think.

We had such a great time. The first night was the rehearsal dinner. They asked anyone who knew Karl or Angela to stand up and say a few words. Tim, of course, shared a few thoughts, and tears (I love that he is so tender sometimes.) We stayed in a hotel and the girls were in heaven. All they cared about was swimming and the buffet breakfast in the morning (If you ever get the chance, stay at a Drury. We love it and it's so kid friendly.) The wedding was beautiful that morning. I realized it had been a long time since we had been to a wedding. It was nice to spend that time reflecting back on our own weddding. The only thing we didn't care for was the HUMIDITY. It was so hot and we were all melting outside. I can't imagine how Angela was feeling in her wedding dress. After that we drove to Arkansas for the reception that evening. It was spectacular. Angela has great taste and everything was perfect right down to the napkins. We had so much fun seeing old friends and dancing and just enjoying the evening. The only down fall was that Stake Conference was that weekend and we only got to see a few friends. I was so wanting to go to church and see everyone. There were so many that we missed. And I am so sorry. The time we had was so limited. So I have to apologize to those we missed. You know who you are. We would have loved to have visited. We'll just have to come again. Thanks for a fun party Smith's. Can't wait for you to come visit.

Tea Party Update!

Just wanted to give a little update for those that haven't been following the tea party's (Although, it's practically impossible not to.) I was wanting so badly to go up to the Washington DC Tea Party on Sept. 12. I have received e-mail after e-mail about the DC Tea Party with details and information. I wanted to show my support but it just wasn't in the budget this month. Today I just received an e-mail and in just our area alone, there are 7 sold out charter buses going up to DC. Notice I said SOLD OUT. These people are paying their way up, unlike those on the other side who are being PAID to protest. I can't wait to see how many people are really going to be there. I find all this exciting and yet at the same time I'm afraid. Afraid of what is to come. Afraid for our country's future. Afraid for my CHILDREN'S future.

So, besides an update this is a thank you to all those that are doing their part to stand up for the Constitution. And who are QUESTIONING WITH BOLDNESS!

More Visitor's! YEAH!!!

The beginning of July we had a special treat. Tim's brother, Stew and his family came to visit. They have 3 sweet girls and one darling boy. It was so great having them come. The kids played and played and it was like they had never been apart. They each had someone to play with and they were attached at the hip. What was great was that it didn't even seem like their were any extra kids. They are so well behaved. We tried to find some inexpensive things to do and came up with a few. We went to a park that I would definitely do differently the next time we go. We went on a ferris wheel a train ride and then we mined for stones (I guess that's what it's called.) Wasn't quite what we expected but got a good laugh out of it and wasted too much money on it.

McKenna was TERRIFIED of the ferris wheel. I ended up riding it with her - I will spare you that photo.

Here everyone is with there screens and "dirt".

Everyone with their "treasures".

Are these girls cute or what?

We spent 4th of July at our friends, The Eckholdt's for some swimming and bar b que. I had to teach in RS the next day so was a little stressed out and forgot to use my camera. We then went to a neighborhood to watch some fireworks (so we wouldn't have to pay.)

The day before they left we went up to Mt. Airy and Pilot Mountain. We went on a hike and walked around the little town of Mt. Airy (known for the birthplace of Andy Griffith.) I think it's beautiful up there. We have now since learned of some even BETTER places to go hike and see. Van Buskirk's, you guys will just have to come back so we can try out the new places.

Uncle Stew and Maya

Julia and McKenna
The view from the top of the mountain

McKenna
All the kids (and Stew) by size and age.

On the hike!

Beautiful

Aunt Kristine leading the pack!
I love this picture. There's just something about brothers. I think they are FINALLY looking like brothers also.

Thanks for coming and visiting, CA Van Buskirk family. We sure had a great time. Hurry back. The girls sure are missing their cousins.

Grandma & Grandpa Gibb Came to Visit (All the way back in June and I"m just NOW posting it.)

My mom and dad came out to visit in June. After Alexa's celebration and the kids were out of school, Tim needed us to go down to Charlotte for him. We decided to make a day of it. First we stopped at a park to eat our lunch. The girls were playing on the bars and I realized they didn't know how to do cherry drops and all the classic, (and scary to me now) tricks on the bars. So, we had a few lessons. (They wanted me to demonstrate but I'm to old and have had too many kids.)

They literally look like monkey's here.
Here is my little cautious Livie. Always a little timid at first but ALWAYS willing to give it a try.

Grandpa and Maya

After the park we took Charlotte's one little train into downtown. It only has one line (unlike Boston's 3 and 4 lines.) The girls had so much fun.

Who knows what this girl is thinking.

Again, Livie a little timid even when the train started. It went pretty fast.

The "happy" couple.

Alexa

McKenna reading the map.

When we got to the end of the line we decided we would walk around a bit and see what's in downtown Charlotte. Right at the stop and a few steps away was the children's public library called "Imaginon". From the outside I thought it was some sort of science museum or something. When I realized it was the library we went ahead and went in. It was great. The whole library is just for kids. It's HUGE. It's like it's own Children's museum with fun little activities. The girls LOVED it and I loved it because it was FREE!!!

McKenna and I outside the library

Cutest sisters EVER!

In the library they had a little playhouse with kitchen stuff and a fake garden with rows that they could stick flowers in to make them look like they were growing.

They also had a stage with different costumes to dress up in equiped with a camera and a tv that they could watch themselves on the stage.

Here they are in there Royal costumes (they forgot to change the background to match.)

Olivia

Maya

We had a fun time! Thanks for coming and visiting Grandma and Grandpa.

We Love you!

The Woffinden's Come to visit!

I'm sure I have mentioned PLENTY of how much we love living in NC. The greatest part has been all the fun visitors we have been able to have. We were lucky to have our dear friends, the Woffinden's come from AR. They have such a sweet family. 3 boys that are the same age as my 3 oldest girls and then 2 darling girls. This is actually there second time coming out. We are right on the way to their familie's house and so we are lucky enough to have them stop. This time they stayed the night and you would have thought these kids had been playing for weeks together. They just pick up right where they left off. One thing they love to do (and my girls ONLY get to do it when they come) is use the mats to slide down the stairs. They called it "stairboarding" I think. They had so much fun.

Maya and cute little Anna

These are probably the 2 spunkiest girls I know. You would never know that Anna has 3 older brothers with how much she loves girly stuff.

Here they all are minus little baby Sarah.

L to R: Olivia, Alexa, Cameron, Justin McKenna, Josh, Anna and Maya
Can't wait for the next visit!!! Hurry and come back! We miss you already.

Alexa's 5th Grade Celebration

So, my goal was to get this post done before school started. I did it with 8 days to spare. Back in June Alexa had her 5th grade celebration. She will now be going to Middle School. I can hardly believe it. My chubby cheeked 9 lb. 14 oz. baby is 11 and going to Middle School and look at what a beauty she has turned into. Now, if I can just keep her at this age. She's old enough and mature enough to babysit, she's not boy crazy, just a little bit of an attitude starting to develop but nothing I can't handle and she still enjoys playing with her little sisters. What more could I ask for.

It worked out perfect that Grandma and Grandpa Gibb came to visit the same time as Alexa's celebration so they got to enjoy the festivities. (Notice Tim and McKenna next to them.

Here is the school principal, Mr. Hayes. We had to get a shot of him because Tim and Olivia have a little inside joke about him.

Alexa next to her classmates. We thought this was so funny. Hard to believe that Alexa and this girl are the same age. Poor Alexa, she keeps asking when she will grow some more and be as tall as her friends.

Of course, my inabilities shine on - I forgot to charge the battery for the camera and so at the important part of the ceremony it started dieing and I was left with blurry pictures. This is Alexa and her teacher, Miss Herko.


An event wouldn't be complete without this cute face.

This is really for the grandparents. Every year they have the Kindergartners sing to the 5th graders. Maya happened to be in Kindergarten so she got to sing for Alexa. I thought the song choices were pretty funny. The first one they sing, "Watch me as I graduate." Why would Kindergartners be singing about themselves graduating. The next one they sing, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." I just wonder if this is a song for the kids that didn't graduate and it's encouragement to try again and maybe next year it'll happen. Just my take on it. Good thing they are so cute.

Alexa's 2nd Piano Recital

Alexa finished off her first FULL year of piano. She enjoys it (I think.) Here are the two pieces she played. The poor girl had to go first so it was a little scary. But I still think she did a great job. (I don't know, I could be a little bias though.) She did look cute though with her hair up. It's the only chance these days that I get to pick how her hair is done. (I told her since I paid for the lessons I get to pick how her hair is done and that she had to wear a skirt - which was torture for her.)

HaPpY bIrThDaY mCkEnNa

Our baby turned 2 on May 30th. I can hardly believe it. I have just found that it is the best time for a birthday. Things are much more relaxed and the weather is so great. No getting ready for Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas. Just birthday party time. McKenna's birthday was on a saturday so we celebrated the whole day.

We started off with daddy making pancakes and a few special pancakes for McKenna.

Then we headed off for a picnic at the park with presents to open.

All the party goers.

McKenna LOVES babies and so this baby cradle I found was perfect. Alexa made the dolls out of fabric, buttons and yarn.

Then for the BIG present from both the Grandparents:

A car to ride in for walks. Thanks G'ma & G'pa Gibb and Grumps and Abuela. It's a big hit everytime McKenna comes outside.

After the park we came home and had cake and ice cream. Alexa and Olivia had just done cake decorating at Activity Days and so they practiced their new skills on McKenna's cake. Pretty good job, I'd say.

After cake and ice cream we went to our dear friends, the Eckholdt's to go swimming. They went out of town so we got to take care of their plants and pool while they were away - for our payment we got to swim whenever we wanted. Love that plan.

AAAHHHH!

Happy Birthday sweet McKenna. We are so blessed to have you in our family. We are so grateful for your darling spirit and love watching you as you experience this life with us.