Saturday

Saturday, we worked around the house (inside & out) before I headed to the salon to get my hair done before we leave for vacation. After I was finished, I met Brian and the kids out at the pool. Thankfully, Hayden has become much more comfortable in the water again, especially since I gave him back his life vest from last year. We hung out there for awhile and then headed home. As we were pulling in the neighborhood, we saw the sign about our neighborhood picnic which was catered by Moe's. We headed down to it to eat. NO COOKING!!!! It was a nice relaxing day.

Hailey's End of Year Fieldtrip

Hailey and Mimi
Ready to Bowl!
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Parachute game at Sonshine Gymnastics

Today was Hailey's end of year fieldtrip. It is the first one they have had. First, they went to the bowling alley, then to the park for lunch and play, and then to Sonshine for some gym play. It was a great day and I am so glad I got to go. We invited Mimi along and were so glad she could come and visit with us too. Hailey loves to have me come to her activities and to see her face and how she acts when I am there makes it all worthwhile. We had a great day then headed home to get ready for Hayden's pictures and ballgame.

I'm Finished!!!!!

WOOHOO!!!! I am SOOOOO excited! I just finished seeing my last kiddo for the entire summer! I have never had a summer off and could jump through hoops right now. I am off for the summer with the kids and it is such a great feeling. This summer, we are going to have so much fun! I can't wait to spend more time with the kids and just chill out!

Hailey's End of Year Luau

Hailey and Mrs. Ellis, her 2nd grade teacher who is WONDERFUL!!! We will truly miss her next year!

Hailei (Hailey in Hawaiian)

On Thursday, Hailey's class had their end of the year, luau. I was in charge of this party, again, so I was stressed and overwhelmed with all I needed to do this week to prepare for the party and to finish up my work for the summer. The party went good. I think the kids all had a good time. They had an awards program first, then they ate/guessed their Hawaiian name/got lei's and sunglasses, played limbo, made a picture frame, and presented their teacher with their class gift. It was busy but fun. Here is a picture of Hailey and her good friend, Natalie. They looked so cute in their little grass skirts.

Doesn't she look pretty?Hailey won (4) awards today! She won an award for reading above grade level, having all A's and B's, A Jump Rope Award from her coach, and the Physical Fitness Award from her P.E. coach. Only two, I think, of these were given out in her class and Hailey got one! I am very proud of her! For some reason, the picture with her ribbons for her academic awards didn't take.

Memorial Day Weekend

Our weekend started out with me and the kids dining at one of our favorites, Taco Bueno! Several friends ended up eating there, too, so the kids went home with some neighbors for a couple hours to play. Later, Brian got home from a rough work day on the golf course and picked the kids up. We headed out to go get a movie but somehow ended up doing a gymnastics exhibition in the front yard! Me included! First, Hailey did a round-off and then egged me on along with Brian. So, you know I cannot pass up a "challenge" so I heade across the yard feeling like I am 16 again and it is going to be this beautiful round-off. When I landed I immediately grabbed my hamstring in pain and laughter, "oh my leg, I pulled my muscle!" It was funny and luckily I recouperated quickly, although I am still sore today as I sit and type this. Then we got off to doing handstands. Those of you who know me from back when know I was the champion at handstands. I could hold a handstand FOREVER! So, I had to take on that challenge, too. At first, it wasn't so cute. Then, after awhile, I got my balance and held it for a little while. The kids were amazed, and remember this is all happening in the FRONT YARD!!! My writst were KILLING me. They are not used to having to hold this body up anymore. Then, we concluded our exhibition and headed off to the movie store. We rented enchanted and all piled up in our bed to watch it. I did not last very long and fell asleep. Brian said it was a cute movie. The kids camped out in their sleeping bags in our room that night and thought it was the greatest. On Saturday, we headed to the pool (I know we're crazy!). It was cloudy, too. We didn't stay very long, especially, after Hayden almost drowned. He went down the slide and started swimming to the other side of the slide away from the ladder. We were sitting directly across from him and just saw his head going down. Jessie (our favorite lifeguard) runs and jumps from our side of the pool to get him while the boy lifeguard is just sitting there. He was fine but spooked and didn't want to get in anymore. We have got to get him signed up for swim lessons. He did fine at the swim party the other day and even jumped off the diving board but he jumps close to the ladder so he doesn't have to "doggie paddle" very far. I guess he just needs to get warmed back up and "comfortable" in the water again. We left the pool and headed back to the house to get ready to go to Nana's. Megan went with us and we had a nice visit. Aunt Sally has a brand new puppy that is just too too cute that the kids couldn't keep their hands off of. We ate ribs and fixins and then had fresh strawberries with shortcake and blue bell ice cream...yum yum! We stayed outside visiting forever while Hayden, Hailey, and Megan came out and performed shows for us. They had a blast and were very good. Megan had a sleepover and they are all playing now. I guess we will head off to the pool today, too. Hope everyone is having a great and safe weekend!

Hailey's Swim Party

On Thursday, after school, Hailey had her jump rope team swim party. Hayden and I took her and he got to swim, too. They had a beautiful pool and backyard. They had a good time together and had pizza, chips, and cookies. The water was freezing and they all had blue lips! I can't believe school is almost over! I took pictures but didn't realize my memory card was not in my camera and I don't know how to retrieve those so oh well! Congratulations Hailey on a great year of jumping!!!!

Girls Night Out

Tuesday night, all the girls got together and met for dinner. We went to Michaelangelo's, a really nice Italian restaurant. The food was great....except for mine! :) Thanks Heather!!! HaHa. We had a great time visiting again. And Traci brought two yearbooks, 8th and 9th grade. So we got some good laughs looking at everyone's mullets and awful makeup (mine especially!). It was so nice to see everyone again.

Our 8th grade Kokomo dance pic! Sorry girls, had to post it! Back row: Linda, me, Traci and Jen sprawled out centerfold in front!!! :)

Hayden's Last Day of School

Tuesday was Hayden's last day of preschool! They had a party planned at one of the parks here with a bounce house, sno cones, and pizza. My good friend, Shannon (Allison's mom), was so great to help me out these past few weeks and take Hayden to school for me or pick him up so I can get in a little more work and be able to make it to some of his activities. She took him to school this day so I could go to work and meet them there. They had a great time and the weather was wonderful, too. I know Hayden will miss his teachers and Mrs. Pam but we will come visit this summer. My friend, Traci and her little cutie Logan were able to come with us too. Traci is down visiting and we haven't seen each other since our Mexico trip. It was good to visit and see Logan...he is such a cutie! Congratulations Hayden on graduating to kindergarten! We are so proud of you and know you will be a great kindergartener!

Hayden & Allison "hangin' around"
Hayden & Momma
I can't believe he is going to be a big kindergartener!

The inseparable pair!

Sno cones are always a treat!

Flowers for our momma's!

Logan enjoying his first sno cone!

Sunday afternoon with Watermelon

After taking care of the turtle bucket, the kids got their swimsuits on and Brian filled up the blow-up pool. They were in heaven! I cut up a big watermelon and got some cute pictures of them.

The Turtles

Hailey had a sleepover with Mimi and PopPop on Friday night. She had a great time. She took her work clothes because they had alot of "honey-do" projects and she was going to help them. They painted the railing on the front porch and Hailey really enjoyed that. While they were out working, PopPop came across a turtle. Of course Hailey wanted to keep it. So they put it in a big bucket so we could bring it home. By the time she got home with it, it was pretty stinky. She named it Runaway because it had already tried to get away once. When she brought it home, we put it out in the grass in the back yard and Frosty went nuts! She did not care for our new found friend! She barked at it as it hid in its shell. She walked around it and tapped it with her little paw. I got a video of it, but I think it takes up quite a bit of memory. I'll see if I can get it on here, though. Well, guess who wanted one, too? Hayden! As soon as he heard about it, he was wanting one, too. So, PopPop found him one on Sunday and I picked it up on Monday. His had orange spots all over it. He was super excited and named it Wiggily. They made them a "habitat" out under the fort of the swing set where it used to be a sand box. It is just dirt and grass now and the kids dug a few holes and put some water in them for the turtles. They fed them lettuce leaves, apple pieces, nightcrawlers (guess who did that?...Brian goes out and feeds them after the kids go to bed. I guess PopPop will have to find him one next! Haha!). Anyway, they have been great with them. The funny thing, though, on Sunday, Hailey took it upon herself to clean out the bucket that her turtle came home in. It was soooo funny! We got home from church and she went and changed. She came out wearing a surgical mask and carrying a pump of antibacterial soap from our bathroom! I was cracking up! I asked her what she was doing and she said, "Cleaning our my turtle's cage". Well, Hayden's ended up getting away. He was very sad. PopPop and Hayden have been on a couple of turtle hunts since but so far, no luck.

Last Jump Rope Performance

Hailey had her last jump rope performance at Baptist Hospital in LR on Friday. I rearranged my whole work week to be there. She was very excited. Brian, Nana, and Aunt Kim came to see her. Thanks for coming guys, I know it meant alot to her. Afterwards, I went with her and the team to McDonalds. I asked her later what her favorite part of the day was, and she said me eating with her at McDonalds! We did have a great day together. I'm sad that her performances are over because I love to go and watch them. I guess we will have to wait until next year! Great job this year, Hailey! We are so very proud of you and all of your accomplishments!

Hailey's Ball Game

Well, I said I would try and get a short clip or two of the kids playing ball. I haven't gotten one of Hayden yet because I wanted him to get a chance to get a little more "experienced" so maybe there would be a little more action. Hopefully, I will get one up of him soon. Anyway, here is Hailey getting a single and then scoring for her team.

Here are some pictures of Hayden in his baseball pants. His little butt is just the cutest little thing. He thinks he is "big time" in this outfit. He didn't have his cleats on because we actually had just gotten home from the game and he has to take them off to come inside. Then I remembered that I wanted to get his picture before he took everything off!

Mother's Day

Well, I had a great Mother's Day! I woke up to some very excited kids who couldn't wait to give me their gifts. I took turns opening them. Hailey had a picture of her in a picture frame that she decorated at school. It was really cute and is sitting on my night stand now. Hayden, of course, already gave me his at the Mother's Day Tea so he had come up with some more "gifts". The next one I unwrapped was from him and was an old duck call! It was so funny and I tried so hard not to laugh. It was very cute. Then I unwrapped an old matchbox car from him. He just likes to see me get all excited about his gifts! He even wrapped up a hat for frosty for Mother's Day! After opening gifts, we finished getting ready and headed to church. After church, Brian and the kids went to his mom's for a cook out. My mom and I spent the day together. It was so nice. We went down to LR and ate lunch at Mexico Chiquito and then headed to the movie theatre to watch Made of Honor. It was really cute and we had the best time just being together the two of us. I love you very much and you are the best mom ever! I hope all you mom's had a great day, too! Happy Mother's Day!

Kuddo's to Brian!

Brian was out of town one night this week for work. He had to go to Tulsa to the annual Brick Layer's Competition where mason's gather from all over to compete in a brick laying contest. His company sponsors the competition. The mason who wins for most bricks laid and best quality moves on to nationals in Las Vegas where they have the chance to win a truck and over $100, 000 dollars in cash and prizes. It is apparently a very big deal. Well, Brian was asked to be the emcee. If any of you know Brian, you know this is right up his alley. His boss told him he was also in charge of Marketing, since that is what his degree is in. Well, Brian had called the week before to let all the news channels down there know of their event the following week. Out of 4 stations, 3 showed up so he was very excited. He cut a CD with music that contained the words "brick", etc. in them such as "Brick House" and others. Brian was interviewed by all the stations and was told he did an awesome job. His boss said that the event had never been that great before. I know he will be embarassed me bragging on him, but we are all very proud of him. He did a great job! Here are some links you can check out from the stations. I think he is interviewed in two of these listed. Check out this hottie!!!!

KTUL – Click on watch video
http://www.ktul.com/news/stories/0508/518408.html

Fox23 – Click on link “Bricklayers go head to head”
http://www.fox23.com/mediacenter/local.aspx

News on 6 – Click on link “Masons stack for success” ****Probably the most informative video****
http://www.newson6.com/Global/category.asp?C=121535&nav=menu682_4

Hayden's Mother's Day Tea

Hayden's school had their annual Mother's Day Tea on Friday morning. It is very special and they work very hard all week to prepare. When you arrive, you wait outside the door in a line and the teacher announces you. Your child walks up and gives you a flower and escorts you to your seat at tables decorated and containing placecards for you and your child. Then the children gather at the front of the room and sing several songs. They were so cute! After the songs, they join you at the table and then go get your food and serve their moms. We had chicken salad sandwiches, fruit salad, cookies, and lemonade. After we ate, they presented us with our gifts. They were super cute. They gave us canvas tote bags with their hand prints like flowers on them with a card they made and their own wrapping. It was very sweet and meant alot!

Momma & Hayden


My flower and our place cards

Hayden bringing me my food

My super cute bag! He was so excited to give it to me!

What a great day!

Friday, was also PopPop's birthday. After a busy day at work, we headed out to their house to cook out some hamburgers and hot dogs. Happy Birthday, Daddy! We all love you! Hope you enjoyed your day! After we ate, we headed back home to get to ballgames...Hailey at 6:00 and Hayden at 7:00! Whew!!!!!!

Stephen Fite Concert

Tuesday I went on a field trip with Hayden's school. We went to UCA for a concert by Stephen Fite. He is a "one man band" kind of show like the wiggles. It is very interactive where the kids get up and dance and follow along. It is always sold out and lots of fun for the kiddo's. We had

a good time. Here are a few pictures of Hayden doing the moves along with him.

Toad Suck Daze

Hayden's frog face painted on!

Dinner Time

Whee!

The crocodile roller coaster was a favorite

Daddy & Hailey jammin' to some

rock-N-roll

Momma & Hayden with their frogs they

both won on their own in a cork gun shooting

contest. They were pumped up!

The cousins

Jeremy & Hayden

Hailey & Hannah

The tilt-a-whirl

Hayden and his massive corndog-Yuck!

Saturday was a busy day for us and an exciting one! Toad suck daze is a favorite each year for the kids. Lots of good carnival food and snacks along with rides and music. It's fun because we see lots of people we went to school with and other friends that you may not have seen in awhile. The kids and I headed out early around 2:00 so we could go watch Hannah perform with her cheer squad. She did a good job and was sure cute! Then we headed to another stage to watch Hailey perform with her jump rope team. They did good but had to make some changes due to the stage they were performing on...it was too small for them. After that, we headed to the rides to let the cousins ride one ride together before they had to leave. They chose the swings and loved it. Brian got there shortly after that ride. He had been at a wedding in LR of a coworker. They rode several more rides and we ate and ate and ate!!! We didn't leave until 7:30. It was a long and tiring day, but fun.