Hello Kitty Birthday Girl

We celebrated Abby's birthday a week early because we will be traveling on her real birthday.

I know what you're thinking: not enough sweets.  Or: not enough pink.  If you're Abby, you can never get too much of either.

A little pre-party modeling shoot of the birthday girl. 

And a best "Hello Kitty" buddy.

Now, for the water slide fun.

I'm only including this picture to show that I did actually serve something besides sugar.  Although I'm pretty sure that Abby was the only taker.  

Water friends!

Big brother is getting some air on the water slide.

And Daddy brings some hose action to the party.

Time for cupcakes. 

"Happy birthday to you..." 

Lining up to get their ice cream...and toppings!

Stand back, everyone, the birthday girls is getting her sweets ON!

mmmm... 

Presents!

At the end, Daddy had enough of watching the kids have all the fun.

And he tossed my "no pushing" rule out the window as he tossed the children down the slide. 

Abby enjoying her after-party gift sorting time.

Me: "Abby, did you like your party?" 

Abby: "Yes!"

Me: "What was your favorite part?"

Wait for it...

Abby: "The CANDY!!!"

Happy birthday precious baby girl.  I still refuse to allow you to turn 5, but it was so much fun celebrating you, Abby-style.

Preschool Graduation

Last week, Abby finished up preschool and we got to see her sing with her classmates.

They had a slideshow of what each kid wanted to be when they grow up.  

Ryan:

Micah:

Abby:

Isaac watching (mostly goofing around) in the audience with Ryan's sisters, also some of his best buds.

The "graduates" arrive. 

Traditional mass picture of lots of kids on stage.  

Friends with Ms. Dori.  

Now I have a kindergartener and a 2nd grader!

How Does Your Garden Grow, Part 2

Here is the update on our garden:

Adel using the new grill for the first time.  It's not fancy, but it sure beats the little camping grill we've been using for a few years.  

The purple trees showing off their blooms. 

 Abby showing off our first flower bloom a few weeks ago.

And now, the garden is full of yellow and orange blooms, and GIANT sunflowers.

I'm pretty pleased with the burst of color for my first try, but I have a few things I would do differently next time...

Since the sunflower leaves are so dominant, I would plant the sunflowers in a separate section.  That would allow the other flowers a better chance for the sun.

I also wish I would have saved the packets so I would have some clue what kind of flowers these are! 

Sunflower bud...they haven't bloomed yet.

Pretty little scene.  Makes me happy. 

 We have 2 different flowers blooming (and sunflowers on the way).  

This one in orange and yellow.

And this one just in yellow, with a maroon center.

I planted about 10 different varieties so I'm still hoping for other kinds to bloom.  But the sunflowers and other 2 flowers are so much taller, I'm not sure the others will ever bloom (although there's quite a variety of plants/leaves growing down low...no sign of buds on them yet).

And my lemons keep growing.

And even some new blooms there too. 

It has been a very rewarding project and the kids and I still go out and check on our flowers every morning.