A Big Girl Haircut

London has been asking to get her hair cut for months.
I didn't want to cut it because I was afraid it would make her look even more like a big kid.
But she kept asking and asking and asking.
And then I cut my hair for Locks of Love and she said "Mommy, PLEASE can I cut my hair like yours so we can be the same-same!?"
She is very into being the "same-same" as me.
I know that one day she'll want to be the opposite of me, so for now I bask in the glory of her affection.
How could I say no to that?
Also, her hair was getting to be impossible to keep brushed out and tangle free.

So here's my long-haired beauty...
 

And here's my short-and-cutie! 

I love it.
I had to walk away while she was getting it cut because I could feel the tears coming.
She was so proud of her new haircut. I think its safe to say she felt as cute as she looked.
And its MUCH easier to care for.

Vacation Bible School

As always, our church put on a spectacular VBS for the kids in our community. And I'm not just saying that because I was a director. ;)

It was a great week and the kids had tons of fun.

 

 

The theme this year was Everywhere Fun Fair. We had a lot of fun decorating for it.



 

This was London's first year in the preschool room. She had the best time and thought that she was big kid.
 

 

 

One of my favorite VBS moments is when all the kids take stage on Sunday morning to sing the songs they learned during the week. There is something special about kids singing praise to the Lord. 

I also love the picnic that we host for all of the kids and their families that Sunday. 

We love our church and I feel so blessed to be part of such an awesome community. 

Dance, Dance Baby!

London has been a dancing queen this year! She LOVES to dance. Anytime the intro song to her favorite Disney channel shows come on, she jumps up and dances her heart out. And she loves her dance classes. She took two days a week this year. We added Hip Hop to the mix and its safe to say that was her favorite.

Can you believe how grown up she looks?


Miss Priss

I took all my pictures at dress rehearsal. The same rehearsal in which I forgot her hip hop shoes. So please ignore the fact that she is in ballet shoes for her hip hop number. I'm sure it doesn't bother you nearly as much as it bothers me. 

 

 

 

During the actual recital, the audience would burst into cheers when something cute and exciting happened and when special tricks (is that what they are called?) were performed. Several times during the little girl's hiphop number the crowd would get excited and every time I would tear up and get chills because London's face would just light up. Her ballet number was precious and got lots of cheers too.

She loves dance class itself but ask all year long "When can I get on the stage?".  What can I say... like mother, like daughter.

 

 

 

How cool does this guy look?


Since he was already having to hand around the studio and there was already a boys hip hop class at the same time as London's class, Dylan decided he would try it out. Daniel and I thought it would be great for him. I think dancing helps develop so many skills, from confidence to motor. It was indeed great for him and it turns out that this dude has some pretty sweet moves. 

And we already knew it, but this sweet little apple doesn't fall from his mommy's stage lovin' tree either. 

I had chills from the moment he took the stage until the number was over. Everyone LOVED the boys' number and went on and on about how cute Dylan was. 

 

Between the two of them, they danced in three numbers. I bought the DVD and can't wait for it to come in. I know they will watch it over and over and over and over. Luckily, all of their dances were in the first half and we were able to hug and kiss them and shower them with treats during intermission.


Daniel is the biggest teddy bear when it comes to this little girl. 

 

 

Grammy gave them cute cups filled with treats. 

I didn't know what to get Dylan. Girls are easy, you give them flowers! But what do you get a boy!? So I made them both candy bouquets. Thank the Lord for Pinterest! 

 

 

 

It was a great dance year and awesome recital. I pinched myself several times during the day because I felt so blessed. I've always dreamt of having a little girl and going to her recital. And I've always dreamt of having a boy that is super cool and isn't afraid to try anything. I can't believe these two kids are mine and they are so much better than anything I ever dreamt of. 

We already can't wait until the next recital..

Field Day 2013

I remember Field Day being one of my favorite days of the year when I was in elementary school. One of the coolest things about having kids is that you get to relive all the fun (and to keep it real - some not so fun) moments of childhood, but through the eyes of a parent.

This was actually Dylan's first real Field Day. In Kindergarten, it got rained out and in 1st grade we had to keep him home because of asthma. To say he was excited was an understatement.


 

I think he had a smile on his face from the moment his class walked outside to the moment the last whistle blew.

I volunteered to help, so London Loud came with me and got to participate with the big kids. She was so excited you would have thought we were at Disney World. 

 

 

At one station the kids were really encouraged to cheer for their team. So I taught them a few cheers that I remembered from camp, like "We've got spirit yes we do... we've got spirit.. how about you!?"  The kids were all  really into it! It was so fun!
 

It was so fun to watch all of the kids playing the games. They were all smiles. There is something special about the pure joy of a child. 

 

A couple of the games were maybe too big for London, but she wouldn't have that. She did every single thing the big kids did. She's a mess, that one! 

 

Dylan even made sure she got a popsicle at the end. He's the best big brother!