Hooping it up!

After McKenna got her hulahoop the girls decided to try it out.  This may not be interesting to most but I loved watching all of their technique's for hulahooping.  It was a fun night.  Sorry I forgot that I can't have my camera sideways. 

McKenna

Alexa

Olivia

Maya

Alexa being tricky!

 

 

 

McKenna's 6th Birthday

Wow, 6 years.  We can hardly believe it.  It seems like she's still our little baby and at the same time I can't remember our family without her.  She is so fun.  May 30th was the big day and it was a great time to have a party.  It was fun to get together with her friends after school got out.

McKenna's sister's wanted to decorate her door which I was more than willing to let them.

 

 McKenna wanted a polk a dot swim party.  Decorations took a while but a super easy party with the girls being able to entertain themselves by swimming.

 Polka dot cupcakes

 The Birthday girl!

 Later McKenna opened her gifts with the family.

 Alexa gave McKenna the red circle.  Didn't fool McKenna, she knew exactly what it was.

 You think she is excited about this hulahoop?

We love this girl.  She really adds so much to our family.



Kindergarten "Graduation"

I have never been a fan of the kindergarten graduation. I think it's a little much.  I mean, they have 12 more years of school for goodness sake.  Not to mention that it sets a precedence right then and there - it's the beginning of entitlements.  It kills me to see parents with bouquets of flowers and huge gifts for their little KINDERGARTNER. 

I guess my dad's practical side of me comes out in these instances. 

With all that said, I did get a little caught up in the event.  I mean, seriously, this is my last kindergartner and she IS the cutest one there.  I mean look at that smile.

 The poor girl is so small that you can't even see her.  She got stuck behind kids that were a good head taller.

 Here she is waiting to get her "certificate".  I could tell she was getting worried because they were calling them by class and since our last name is a V she was one of the last.  I think she thought she would never get called.  Again , the cutest one there.

 

 I think she's feeling a little proud.

 If only I could keep her this little.

 She seriously LOVES her daddy.  And she loved that he had the day off to be able to come.  That doesn't happen very often.

 McKenna and Hannah - they really are friends despite the fact that Hannah has her in a head lock and it looks like she's punching her in the throat.  They are so fun to watch and listen to.

 McKenna and her teacher, Mrs. DeLacerna

She is an amazing teacher.  Having two kindergarten classes of 30 kids each and being able to keep them all straight and know their names, keep them in line and on task all day, and not lose it by the end of the day, she's a regular miracle worker.

Such a fun year for McKenna.  She learned so much and I'm glad it's over because that half day car pool was killing me by the end of the year.



Mother's Day - May 2013

Mother's day is not my favorite day but these girls sure make it entertaining.

 I went ahead and posted all of these pics since everyone decided to have their best picture in a different one from everyone else.

 Then it just turned into a mini photo session for us.

Mommy and Alexa

 Olivia and Mommy

 Mommy and Maya

Mommy and McKenna

 And dinner by the dad!

 

Until next year. . .

Prom Night!

No, Tim and I didn't "go to the prom".  We worked to the prom.  We were given the great opportunity to help with the LDS Prom here in Tucson.  Are you thinking to yourself, "what is an LDS prom?"  It's a prom that our church puts on that is a fun and uplifting environment for the kids 16 - 18 years old.  After this experience, I think the regular prom doesn't even compare to the LDS Prom.

It's not just for members of our church, anyone 16-18 years old who is willing to live by the standards set for that night could attend.  (Hint:  That's what makes it such a great event and a good clean fun environment.  Maybe the schools should try it sometime.)

We were asked to help with the food.  Of course, Tim loved the idea and of course, I stressed about the whole thing for the entire planning process.  We had two great ladies that also were on the committee with us along with someone to dress up the tables to make them look fancy and our very own fruit specialist who came in and did these awesome wishing wells out of watermelons.  So cool.  I can't believe the effort that was put into the whole night.  Jenn Crotts, the lady in charge of the entire prom did a fabulous job and worked tirelessly for months.  She was so involved to every detail which, I think is exactly why it was such a success.  They had karaoke with a big blow up screen, flip books for the kids to make, great photo ops, flowers for the guys to give their dates, etc. 

Alexa can't wait until she can go NEXT YEAR!  Uh, what?  Next year?  I don't even like thinking about that. 

 

Tim and I at the prom. 

This was a crazy night.  Maya had two performances for Suessical that day and luckily my parents came down and took her and all the girls.  What a help that was.  We also didn't get home until 2 in the morning so it was nice having them here.

Pulled pork sliders

 fruit and veggies

(notice the wishing well watermelon on the table - it had dry ice in it.)

 Deconstructed sandwiches

(I didn't think these would be a big hit, but I sure was wrong.)

 The man who did the watermelon wishing wells also does metal work.  He did this sign.  I absolutely love it.  What talent some people have.

 I don't know if you can tell but this centerpiece has a fish in it. 

More centerpieces

Some more talented people made these trees for on the dance floor.  This is how they camouflaged the two poles that were in the room.

 The incredible treats.  They tasted as good as they look.

 The Candy Bar!

 More of the candy bar.

Jenn and I were in charge of this.  It was a big hit.  The kids LOVED the cotton candy

and the cake pops.

 Centerpiece in the evening lighting.

 I loved this path.  It had trees on both sides that hung over with lights all over the trunks and jars with lights in them hanging from the trees.  They looked like fireflies which I LOVED!

 Another angle of the food with the wishing wells.

Here is a link of more pictures if you are interested in seeing more.

 

http://ldsprom.pass.us/ldsprom/

Such a fun night for everyone.  The chaperone's enjoyed it just as much as the kids.  I don't think there were any problems the entire night.