Let's Play Music

Sophie participated in a music program called Let's Play Music this past year.  It's a three year program where the kids are taught how to read and hear music and by the end of the third year they are playing the piano.  I loved it and thought Sophie learned a lot this past year.  Here are some pictures from her year end recital.

Sophie's teacher Miss Annika is amazing and Sophie loves her!

Sophie playing in the recital. 

She played "Bill Grogan's Goat" on the autoharp and "I am Learning How to Skip" on the tone bells.  She did such an amazing job!  She is excited to start playing on the piano in the fall.

Catching Up

Here are some random pictures that highlight the past few months...

Cuddling on the couch

In January, Sophie received the Principal's Pride Award at school.

Lily and Tyler being silly

Lily and Zoe hanging out on Zoe's bed

Passing time coloring on butcher paper.

Lily's hang out spot for a couple of months.  Zoe was never too happy about it.

Getting the most out of a visit from Grandma Cheryl, got to get those cuddles in before she goes home!

Getting some energy out of our systems with the bouncy house from Aunt Natalie.

"Success!!!  I can finally climb onto Sophie's bed and get at all her treasures!"

"Now no place is safe, all is within my reach!"

As you can see we had a fun couple of months. Let's just say I have been ALOT busier since Lily learned to climb.  And believe me when I say she can get to pretty much everything now!

Zoe's 4th Birthday

Zoe turned 4 this past March.  I can't believe how fast time has flown with this little bug.  She is truly a joy and is my little sunshine!  She has a smile that is contagious and big puppy dog eyes that will melt your heart.  I just can't get mad at this girl, at least not for very long.

Here are some pictures from Zoe's birthday that pretty much sums up her personality:

This girl loves to color and play on her own. Some days she will slip into her room and play without any one even knowing.

This girl LOVES dresses and skirts.  If she doesn't have any clean it results in tears and me finally digging one out of the dirty clothes.

Zoe also hate anything scary.  So as you can imagine our movie viewing options are very limited.  As you can see from the picture, Veggie Tales are about all we watch lately.  That or tears ensue and she will retreat to the other room during the non Veggie Tale movie.

Zoe LOVES chocolate and grandpa Danny knows it and uses it to his advantage.  A king size chocolate bar for her birthday, an occasional one left on the front door, pockets being stuffed full when we visit...

For those of you not familiar with Veggie Tales, this is Junior Asparagus.  Her favorite Veggie Tale movie is Lyle the Kindly Viking.

Stickers...all over. On her arms, legs, clothing, me, and her sisters.  She just can't get enough of them.

Happy Birthday Zoebugs!  We love you!

Christmas

I'm finally sitting down to blog about Christmas.  We started off the month of December by decorating the tree..

Zoe was brave and tried to put the star on:

Next on the list of Christmas activities was making gingerbread houses.  The girls look forward to this every year and this year was no different. 

Me and Lily (she was a bit hyped up on sugar and didn't want to sit in the high chair anymore).

 Zoe and her house:

Sophie:

We gave them their own bags of icing this year and they sure made good use out of it.  I think the houses ended up being more frosting than graham cracker.

On Christmas Eve we made Santa some jammie bodgers (his favorite treat).  The girls wanted to make sure they tasted good enough for Santa!

Smiles and enjoyment all around!  Santa and Mrs. Claus sure enjoyed them!

Lily was very efficient at un-decorating the tree....everyday....multiple times...

She especially loved eating the glittery balls!

Christmas morning was filled with excitement and fun.  The girls were excited with what Santa brought them. Sophie got an American Girl impostor, Zoe got a Rapunzel toddler doll, and Lily got a large My Little Pony stuffed animal.  They were definitely spoiled this year!

Happy, Happy Birthday Lily Dear!

Last Saturday we celebrated Lily's 1st birthday.  I can't believe how fast this year of her life has passed by.  It is bittersweet to see her growing up and becoming more independent.  Here are some pictures from her party.

The Birthday Girl!

Lily wasn't very happy we kept taking the toys away so she could open another present, she just wanted them out of the packaging.

Finally on to the cake.  She was quite excited and happy to be eating her first real cake.  While we were singing to her and dangling the cupcake in front of her, she wasn't too happy.  As soon as I gave it to her she shoved it right in.

AND finished every last bit....she even ate half of a second one.

Happy Birthday baby girl!

Lily's Favorites:

Book:     Go, Dogs Go!

Food:     Graham Crackers and beans of any kind (pinto, black, etc.)

Lovey:    Giraffe

Word:     Boo!

Person:   Mommy

Game:    Peek-a-boo