Addie's Prince and Princess Birthday Party

Adelyn had a very special 4th birthday! We celebrated by having a prince and princess birthday bash with lots of friends and family. Here's Princess Adelyn with her princess cake.

When the kids first arrived, we put crowns on their heads then played "The Prince and Princess and the Pea," where they took turns guessing which of three pillows a green ball was hidden under. Then we headed downstairs to the playroom for balloon volleyball.

After volleyball, we did a cake walk to Disney princess music, then had the children take turns hitting the princess crown pinate (Ryan had to finish it off). Next, we went back upstairs for a clue hunt: "The Quest to Find the Missing Cupcakes." We ate cupcakes, then finished the afternoon with Adelyn opening her presents.

Adelyn with her good friends Jaron and Jaxon.

One happy little princess.

Adelyn, surrounded by presents and friends. All the adults had a blast watching ten excited three and four year-olds having such a great time. Thanks to everyone who came and celebrated with us. Adelyn had no idea turning four could be so much fun!

Adelyn's Favorites at Four

Favorite Foods: macaroni and cheese, stew, salmon, enchiladas, fish sticks.
Favorite Snacks: fruit snacks, pretzels.
Favorite Candy: Christmas Santa Claus chocolate.
Favorite Fruits: apples, oranges, strawberries, grapes.
Favorite Treats: ice cream, cookies.
Favorite Vegetable: carrots, broccoli, green beans.
Favorite Songs: I am a Child of God, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, Jesus Wants Me For A Sun Beam, and I Love to See the Temple.
Favorite Flowers: "Pink flowers that are roses and red flowers and teensy purple flowers and weensy yellow ones."
Favorite Trees: apple trees, orange trees, and popcorn trees.
Favorite Insect: butterfly.
Favorite Holidays: Valentine's Day, Easter, Christmas, Halloween.
Favorite Season: Spring time.
Favorite Shows: Dora, Maggie and "Fergocious" Beast, anything on Noggin.
Favorite Movies: Madeline, Veggie Tales, Signing Time.
Favorite Colors: Pink, purple, and yellow.
What she wants to be when she grows up: "A mommy that feeds her children and puts them to bed and drives them to places like grandma's house."
Best Friends: Eliza (cousin), Amber (Ryan's sister), Kiley and Savanna (cousins), Preston, Daddy, Mommy, and Jaron.
Favorite Books: princess books and fairy tales, the scriptures.
Favorite Things to Do: dance, play with dress-ups, watch shows, sing, play with Pollies and Build-a-Bears, play at the park, make cookies, do preschool books.
Favorite Animals: Cats, horses, and lambs.
Favorite Disney Princesses: Ariel, Aurora, Belle, and Cinderella.
Favorite Sibling: Preston and baby sister in Momma's tummy.
Things She Can't Wait to Do: learn to jump rope, start school, go to Disneyland, learn how to read, ride bike down driveway by herself, drive.

Dying to go Digital

So for all of you scrap-happy mommies out there, I need some advice. I have been a devout scrapbooker for quite some time now and through much time and toil have managed to keep mostly up to date. . . until now. I try and try, but I always seem to remain 6-9 months behind. My kids just grow up way too fast and paper scrapbooking is a very time-consuming process. And with baby #3 on the way, I fear that things are only bound to get worse.

So, here's where you all come in. I need some advice on digital scrapbooking software. Tell me about the different ones you've used, how to get them, how much they costs, and WHY you love them (or hate them). I want a program that is easy to use, has LOTS of variety and lay-outs, and doesn't cost too terribly much. I am still having a really hard time letting go of my paper ways, so please feel free to present your most persuasive case. :) Thanks for your help.

We are Having a. . .

BABY GIRL!!

We had our ultrasound for baby #3 and found out she is a girl! We are SO excited for Adelyn to have a little sister. I am still in shock, though, because I have thought it was a boy this whole time. Adelyn has always been 100% positive that the baby was a little sister, but I kept reminding her that it might be another brother, just in case. She watched the ultrasound very confidently and intently, and after a little while the ultrasound tech was pleased to tell Addie that she was right--it was indeed a little sister. Adelyn just beamed with joy and pride.

More importantly, the ultrasound all looked normal and the baby looks healthy and is growing well. My due date is still August 6, so I am now officially half-way. The pregnancy has gone by really fast. I still have so much to do to get ready, but hopefully everything will work out well. I still cannot believe I will soon be a mother on three! It's crazy! Most days I can barely handle two, but hopefully things will get easier or I'll get tougher in the mean time. We cannot wait to meet our second little girl. We feel so blessed!

My Little Wonders

Preston: 18 months old. He looks like such a darling little man in this picture. I love it!

A nice close up of his cuteness.

Adelyn: 4 years old (almost).

Such a little sweetheart.

Nearly the same as the first pose, but she liked this one more and insisted I buy it too.

P.S. This week was MUCH better than last week. Ryan was able to go back to work on Wednesday and is even able to walk without crutches most of the time. The kids are also being a little bit more cooperative. :) Hallelujah!

Hard Week

This picture about sums up how I have felt all week. As most of you know, Ryan had surgery on Monday. It went well and he is recovering, slowly but surely, but he still needs a lot of help around the clock. The kids have also chosen this week to set some new records of misbehavior, whininess, and obstinance. I am seriously considering checking myself into the hospital (probably the hospital for the mentally ill). :) I'm really hoping next week will be a little easier.