Drummonds Family

Noelle after winning the Reading Award for her class!

2011-11-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

Sunday Afternoon at War Eagle Mill

2011-11-04T12:26:00.001-07:00

Halloween Party

2011-10-29T18:45:00.000-07:00

The kids had so much fun at their Halloween Party today! Lots of fun songs, dancing, candy, and games! Lots of scarry and cute costumes too!

Honestly, we are making a come back!

2011-07-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

We have been MIA on blogger this year but I think we are back now. Instead of catching up since the last snow storm, we will just update you on our very low key summer. Today I snapped this picture of Noelle because I could not believe how grown up she is looking... just blew me away so i took a picture of the moment. We got tball, swimming, and a night in Branson to update... tomorrow for sure!

Snow storm of the century...

2011-02-09T17:44:00.001-08:00

This storm system was historical for NWARK, it was the largest snow fall in a single day. They show an average of 23-26" inches across our area but some areas in northern Benton County got 30". It was a ghost town today... not that I would know because the girls and I ate chili, drank hot chocolate, and watched Thomas the Train.

First Storm System

2011-02-09T17:42:00.000-08:00

Leah having fun Leah sledding in the front yard... she said "weeeeeeeeeee" all the way down.

Merry Christmas

2011-02-09T17:38:00.000-08:00

Silly Girls

2011-02-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

All dressed in their Christmas Eve best and acting as silly as ever!

Leah's Christmas Party at Tiny Tots

2011-02-09T17:17:00.000-08:00

Leah had such a great party. She was the queen in her Christmas play and did such a wonderful job. She really had fun hitting her pinata, eating birthday cake for Baby Jesus, and opening presents.

My Daisy Scouts, Troop 5415

2011-02-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

This is the night of their Investiture Ceremony, where they officially became Girl Scouts!

Happy Birthday to Noelle - Our 6 year old Girl!

2011-02-09T17:10:00.000-08:00

Go Hogs!

2011-02-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

Airshow and State Fair time

2010-11-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

The girls enjoyed a wonderful and fun filled weekend at Mimi and Papa's house a few weeks ago. They enjoyed going to the State fair for the rides, animals, and yummy corn dogs and funnel cakes. After the fair, they attended the Air Show in Jacksonville and saw all the airplanes. Leah is still talking about it and the parachutes she saw in the sky.

Leah just wanted to say "Hi"

2010-11-05T15:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloweeney!

2010-11-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

Weekend at Fort Leonardwood

2010-10-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

We spend the weekend at Papa's Reunion for his battalion at Fort Leonardwood. The girls saw the whole weekend as a big adventure and of course, time to spend with their favorite person in the world, Elizabeth! It was indeed a special weekend to be apart of this reunion with my dad and their Papa.

Our baby girl goes to Preschool!

2010-10-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Baby School (what we affectionately call Mother's Day Out), Hello Preschool! Leah loves preschool and tells me that everyday. She was so lucky to get Ms Misty again this year. This little cuddly baby was barely walking when Noelle was in preschool and now "wild thing" is going... I cannot believe it!

From Preschool to Kindergarten

2010-10-06T14:20:00.001-07:00

Our first born baby has started Kindergarten this year. This was a BIG change for all of us! I compared pictures of her last day of preschool with Ms. Tina to her first day with Mrs. Easterling in Kindergarten. Its hard to believe that little bitty sweetie is in the big school now. I got a shot of her off the bus on her 3rd day of school and she does such a good job riding the bus... again, such a big girl.

Moving On Up!

2010-10-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

Noelle completed all her requirements (and then some) for Lane 1 at Swim Ranch. She had progressed A LOT since last summer and we are so proud of our little swimmer. She officially begins Lane 2 next summer and I know she will do so well in that class too!

Leah finished her last Water Babies class and will begin Lane 1 next summer. I have her picture too but have to download it later... but it is so unbelievable that neither of my girls are babies anymore and are all ready for the big girl classes. WOW!

Little Gym Show Day!

2010-10-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

Little Gym Show Week for Spring went so well for the girls. They both had developed so much of their skills over the year. Very proud of their performance.

Baseball, Dance, and More!

2010-10-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a while my friends. We have had a long summer, with no posts. It is not because we have nothing to report... quite the opposite. We had an action packed summer. Our computer had a virus and it just took a while to find the time to sit and fix it (AT&T issues were part of the reason). We are finally back. I had enough time to load my pictures from one camera and will complete downloading pics from my other camera in the next night or two. We will have more to share including the first day of school for both Noelle and Leah. Until then, enjoy some of our summer pictures.

It started off with Noelle playing t-ball in the Rogers Baseball League. It is a boy's league but since they have nothing for girls at her age, they play in the boys league. Noelle LOVED it and cannot wait to play again next year. She was a great 1st base player and like the pitchers mound. She loved being whereever the most action was and where the ball would go to the most. She was great at catching and stopping the ball so she did very well at those positions.

Of course, she had to have pink and white baseball cleats, Hot pick ball bag, hot pink batting helmet, pink bat and pink gloves. You had no problem figuring out she was one of the "girls" playing in the league. I think there were only 7 in the league. She made her presence known!

Look at Noelle in action, way to go girl!

Noelle knocking the ball of the tee and running around the bases! Can't miss her... look for the hot pink hat!

Yea, she is just cool like that!

What was funny, when she played on the pitcher's mound, she kept kicking the dirt like she is getting into her stance... seriously, where did she learn to do that? Maybe watching baseball on TV with daddy too much?

Dance Recitals 2010!

2010-10-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

As usual, this show was not to be missed. This was Leah's first debut with her sister. Leah was very facinated with the stage and lights... which was a shame because she really did know her routine very well. We had to wait until we got home to actually see her perform it!!! Noelle did good and tried to dance her little heart out. We love our little ballerinas.

Noelle and Leah loved that both grandparents were there to watch again. They especially loved their flowers and candy! Uncle Steve, Aunt Keri and cousin Bisbeth was there too but some reason I do not have any pics with them. Oh well, the girls loved seeing them there too!

Florida Vacation

2010-10-03T19:05:00.000-07:00

Before we met up with Mickey, we took a detour to Pensacola right at the time some tar bars were rolling up. They were not that bad, yet, but we were able to enjoy the beaches and see a beautiful surf due to storms. The girls could have spent a week just at the beach while buidling sand castles and chasing the surf.

Our first day at Disney was packed with a morning breakfast with Cinderella and her royal table. The girls met and got pics with all the princesses but nothing was more priceless then Leah meeting Ariel for the first time and getting to kiss her right on the cheek. Totally elation for her!

After a breakfast, we were off to Bippity Boppity Boutique for Princess makeovers. It was another highlight of the trips. Girls got their hair does, dresses and makeup and looked like princesses and mermaids (Leah, of course).

Work in progress.....

Fairy Godmothers sprinkling their magic dust on our little princesses....

Thank goodness, Doug wanted to ride the tea cups with them.... of course, they are in the pink cup!

We went to Seaworld one day... it was hot, but the kids enjoyed all the shows.

One fourth of july, we went to Chef Mickeys for breakfast. Noelle just loves Pluto (when she watches mickey mouse cartoons, she cannot stop laughing at him). Doesn't Noelle look happy? Doesn't cousin bizbeth look forced to take this picture?

Yep, we all got our mouse ears on!

At the end of the day, from walking and playing all day, the kids are out and away dreaming of new adventures for the next day.

Summer Camp at Fellowship Bible Church

2010-10-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

Noelle did so well in her music program at Fellowship. They had a week long camp and Noelle got to do so much and have lots of fun. She sang her little heart out and we were so proud! She is in the front middle row!

Too cool for words...

2010-05-28T19:49:00.001-07:00

Noelle making her way to Home Plate!

2010-05-11T14:11:00.000-07:00

This one is harder to see... but with the fence, it is so hard to get her running home.

Noelle making her way to First!

2010-05-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

It is a little slow the first 20-30 secs but then you see her in action! She is the first batter in the line up so she has to wait for everyone to get in position.

T-ball Princess

2010-05-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

Noelle is doing so good in T-ball and she LOVES playing... she is grinning the whole time she is out there! She played first base at the last game (they rotate every game) and she was really good at it... not one ball got past her. In t-ball, that is a very active spot. Even though her team color is dk blue, Noelle still insists on carrying a pink bag, wear a hot pink batting helmet, pink glove, pink bat, etc... you get the picture.

Easter 2010

2010-05-11T13:31:00.000-07:00

I am a little late posting these pictures but wanted to share a few with everyone. This kids loved dyeing easter eggs, looking for eggs, and eating Candy all day long... I think that sums up our Easter day... oh yea, we ate lots of dinner too!

T-Ball madness

2010-04-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

Noelle has been doing so good in t-ball. She loves to play and practice all the time and is excited about her first game. Go King Rays!

Silly Baby Leah

2010-04-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

Pictures of Leah, being silly and wild... just like her hair! Ms. Personality can't help but show out these days.

Let's go fly a kite

2010-04-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

During Easter Weekend, the kids got the opportunity to fly their kites. Papa got to show Leah how to get her kite up REAL high!

Push me one more time, Daddy!

2010-03-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

Spring has Sprung... a leak.

2010-03-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

First day of Spring in the beautiful region of Northwest Arkansas. You can see the drift on our fence. From our table, we had over 10 inches. The snow continued to fall all day to day and finally changed to freezing rain about 4pm. The kids played, built a good snow man and sledded down the drive way (little difficult since we barley have a hill). I made cookies and cocoa after they thawed out... what a way to celebrate the first day of spring!

Razorback Gymnastics

2010-03-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

We took the girls to the final night of Arkansas Gymnastics at Barnhill Arena. They competed against Oklahoma. The girls found it just fascinating and fun!

Puppet Show

2010-03-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

Noelle's preschool class put on a puppet show for all the parents. They had invitations which they handed out the week before and they put on a great show. Noelle was Pig #1 in the skit, "Three Little Pigs". She did such a good job too!

Our Baby is becoming a Big Girl!

2010-03-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

Last night was the first night our little Baby Leah slept in a big bed. She kept crawling out of her crib in the morning and after nap time so it was time to move her. She was very excited and put on her princess gown and danced around the room singing "going to bed in a big girl bed". She slept all night and did not try to get up one single time. She skipped in my room at 7:50am this morning telling me she was a big girl and a good girl. I celebrated by taking her for a doughnut after we dropped Noelle off at school. I told her if she does good for one week, then I will let the girls attempt to sleep together at night. Sigh. However, I was expecting a sleepless night last night but it went GREAT! Oh, my baby Leah is growing up. Double Sigh.

Our little Performing Artist

2010-03-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

Noelle took a drama class this past spring at Art Center of the Ozarks. We were going to wait until summer but we decided to start this spring. After 6 weeks, they put on a play for the parents and she did so good. They did some acting (like walking the dog, being cold, in a hurry, etc), dancing, and put on a small play which Noelle was a bunny rabbit. Everyone did really good and Noelle enjoyed the class ALOT. She is begging to take more drama and art this summer. Between that and swim lessons (and not possible T-ball), we will be very busy. Poor Leah, what will we do with her now... besides swim lessons!

Noelle taking a very early bow... she was very proud of herself!

Did you say its my birthday?

2010-02-15T13:06:00.000-08:00

Our little Tinkerbell is ready to Party!

Presents time!

2010-02-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

A sample of the Little Gym birthday party fun....

2010-02-15T12:42:00.000-08:00

I regret that once again I did not get a group picture for her party but we did get video sample on our camera of the kiddos. Unfortunatley, our camera was not out in time for the Happy Birthday song... I am still very sad about that!

Leah's Birthday Fun!

2010-02-15T11:51:00.000-08:00

Leah got her Tinkerbell party! She talked about having one for weeks and finally she got to celebrate with her family, friends, and baby friends (some of her Mother's day out friends) at the Little Gym of Rogers! They played, ate pizza, had ice cream cake, and have more fun! Leah is still talking about her party to anyone who would listen!

Good Start of the Year at Preschool!

2010-02-15T10:23:00.000-08:00

Noelle is off to a good start at preschool! In January, she learned her phone number and address (got the certificates in each of her hands in the pic) and got a prize in February (the 100 glasses on her head) for being able to count to 100 (or as Noelle puts it, hund wonderet). She even got a pair of binoculars for already completing all her kindergarten shots! We are so proud of our first born baby!

Little Gym Show Week

2010-02-15T10:12:00.001-08:00

Noelle and Leah did so good at show week at The Little Gym. They both performed on the floor, beam, and high bars. It was so fun to watch them!

2010-01-04T14:20:00.000-08:00

Snow Monsters!

2010-01-04T14:09:00.000-08:00

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2010-01-04T14:05:00.000-08:00

Ralphie and Randi... I mean Noelle and Leah enjoyed our first real snow of the year yesterday. They made snow angels and attempted a snowman (snow too dry and powdery for snowman but would have been great for sledding). After fun in the snow, we came in and made hot chocolate to warm up our insides!

Leah's own big girl chair!

2010-01-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

Since last Christmas, Leah has wanted her own Justice for Girls big girl chair. Noelle got one last year and Elizabeth has one at her house... Leah will take over the chair and not allow its rightful owner to inhabit it. So this year, Uncle Steve and Aunt Keri got Leah her very own chair for Christmas. She is happy as a pea in a pod now!

A work of yummy art!

2010-01-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

The girls did sucha great job constructing their annual gingerbread house. Leah was a such a big help this time and did as good as the big girls did!

Dear Santa...

2009-12-22T14:19:00.000-08:00

Ok... the fake Noelle smile and the "you can't make me smile if I don't want to" look from Leah. They told Santa everything they wanted and feel they are now ready for the big day!

Lights of the Ozarks

2009-12-22T14:07:00.000-08:00

We all had a wonderful time at our annual trip to the Lights of the Ozarks on the Fayetteville Town Square. The kids enjoyed the pony rides, a walk through the lights and wonderfully mild temperatures! After a trip for some Gusano's pizza, the kids were out like lights before we left Fayetteville. Now that is my kind of excitement!

It's starting to look a lot like Christmas.... la la la la

2009-12-22T14:01:00.000-08:00

The tree is trimmed (in a matter of speaking), the lights are hung, a few gifts are wrapped, everyone is in their Christams best.... I think Christmas is right around the corner!

A Christmas Story.... told by Ms Tina's Tiny Tots class

2009-12-22T13:53:00.000-08:00

Noelle's preshool had a Christmas Program for their families on Friday. They performed a play about the birth of Jesus and Noelle played the role of Mary. They sang lots of Christmas Carols (which Noelle sang so loud she drowned all the other kids out but she sang loud and proud). We all celebrated with a birthday cake for Jesus and had lots of wonderful gifts for the kids to open. Noelle, being the performer she is, had a great time and the party was a hit!

Happy Birthday to our First Born Baby!

2009-12-22T13:45:00.000-08:00

Our first baby turned 5 years old on December 12th. Thanks to our wonderful family and friends, she had a terrific birthday. She had a great Scooby Doo party at Borders with her friends and cousins. Then she spent a girls day out with Mimi, Elizabeth and Mommy getting a big girl haircut (at a haircut place, not mommy doing the cutting), pedicure and manicure, a movie and then finished it off by having a small party with family at her house. As you can see she upgraded and got a brand new big girl bike... she adjusted so quickly and is so proud of it. Maybe this summer, we can attempt no training wheels! We love you Noelle! Happy 5th Birthday!

No Way!

2009-12-22T13:43:00.000-08:00

Quick look... our darling babies sitting next to each other, getting along, no fighting, no stealing toys away from each other... just enjoying Rudolph on TV... rare moment, indeed.

Trip to Mimi and Papa's House

2009-12-22T13:38:00.001-08:00

We went to visit Mimi and Papa a few weeks ago and had so much fun! We went to a play at the Children's theatre in Little Rock called a Christmas Mouse (as you can see Noelle posing below in front of the posters). The kids loved it. We then headed over to the state capitol for the lights and lots of Christmas action (carolers, fireworks, and general chaos). We missed most of the action but did hear the choir and see the lights.

5 little, 4 little, 3 little indians....

2009-11-23T17:42:00.000-08:00

Noelle's preschool had a big pow wow and they made all their own Indian costumes. We got them posing (sort of) in front of the Teepee and beating their drums. This was the one event Noelle remembered the most from last year... I think because she loves making all the stuff for this.

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-03T08:27:00.000-08:00

Noelle was the very powerful Starfire from Teen Titans and Baby Leah was the cutest scarecrow in Arkansas! They had a ball going trick or treating and it just stopped my heart every time Leah walked to a door and said in her sweet baby voice "twick or tweet".

Pumpkin' Carving at Elizabeth Roses

2009-11-03T08:12:00.000-08:00

Friday night, we headed over to see Elizabeth and carve pumpkins at their house. Unfortunatley, the kids were only interested in pulling the "guts" out. They spent the rest of the time playing in Elizabeth's room. However, Uncle Steve and Daddy spent their time carving. Noelle and Leah picked out a puppy dog design (looks like Blues Clues) and Elizabeth picked out a kitty kat. How appropriate... the dog family vs the cat family!

Decorating for Fall

2009-11-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

The kids were helping with our Fall decorations in the yard. They love the scarecrow sign and begged for their pics... because we just do not have enough of pics of them... of course!

First Camping Adventure

2009-11-03T08:05:00.000-08:00

The kids got their princess tent out and had a backyard camp out in mid September. We cooked out hamburgers, smores and played in the backyard. They actually made it until 9:50pm. They would have slept out there if we let them but we made a decision that maybe their beds would be best for the first camping trip.

Leah's Turn

2009-09-09T13:38:00.001-07:00

Leah got to start her first day of Mother's Day Out today... or what she likes to call, "Baby School". She would not put her arms down or keep or shoes on... other than that, it was a good first day.

Let's Call Those Hogs!

2009-09-05T20:01:00.000-07:00

We could not go to LR but we did watch the Razorbacks on PPV at Uncle Steve's house. The girls were ready to wach us win!

Our newest Ballerina!

2009-09-05T11:59:00.001-07:00

Leah started dance this year and she is already such a twirling natural. Her favorite book to read before bedtime right now is "I wear my Tutu"... and she does wear her tutu all day long! We got her a new dance bag with her name on it... with of course a little girl with crazy blonde curls on the front. I love the pic of her when she first check out herself out in the mirror... I have one of Noelle trying to touch the "other" little girl in the mirror on her first day of dance in 2006... but she was a 1 year younger than Leah's age now. Leah knew it was "her" but could not believe the size of the mirror. So cute.

First Day of Preschool

2009-09-05T11:56:00.001-07:00

Noelle started the first day of preschool on Friday. This year she is in Ms. Tina's class for the 4 yr olds and goes every morning at 8:15am-11am. This is a BIG adjustment for Noelle, Leah and me. I was lucky to get a few pics without Leah... as she was literally standing in front of Noelle trying to hog the camera. Noelle just LOVES school though... the big advantage of going everyday is more field trips. Next Tuesday, they get to go apple picking and the following Tuesday, they go to the gentry zoo. Already a full agenda for the rest of the month.

End of the Summer Bowling

2009-09-05T11:42:00.001-07:00

We took Noelle and Leah for a bowling night at Fast Lanes. They seemed to have fun until about the 8th frame and then they were done. But it was a fun 20 minutes while it lasted!

Leah and Daddy night at Chuck E Cheese

2009-09-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

Daddy took Leah to Chuck E Cheese last month for a little Daddy and Baby Daughter fun. Mommy had a few friends over for some fun herself so Daddy took Leah out to none other than Chuck E Cheese... needless to say, it was a big hit! I assure you she was on a Carousel in the top pics... no pole dancing... I promise.

Frisco Festival

2009-09-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

It is definitely the time of year for festivals and fairs! Frisco Festival in Rogers kicked it off this past Saturday. The girls had fun walking around and seeing the firetrucks, playing games, and general people watching (well maybe Mommy and Daddy liked that part). Noelle even tried her hand at rock climbing.

Washington County Fair

2009-09-02T16:28:00.000-07:00

We took the girls to the Washington County Fair last night. It had just opened and it was a BEAUTIFUL night in the lower 70s. Hardly anyone was there and the kids' rides were wide open. Of course, you had the usual toothless families and the scary carnies... but other than that, not much of a crowd. The girls played games and ate funnel cakes and corn dogs (not a fair without it). They saw all the animals (piggies, cows, sheep, bunnies, chickens, turkeys, and goats). It was a fun night!

Leah's First Movie

2009-07-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

Leah got to attend her first movie at the theatre. Daddy picked the movie G-force. Next time, Mommy will pick the movie as I think a 2 year old attending her first movie should at least see an animated film!!!!! Leah did good but some how I had to wrestle her the whole time while Daddy and Noelle ate, drank, and merrily watch the movie in peace... how does that always happen?

Bye Bye Tonsils and Adenoids!

2009-07-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

Noelle had to stay overnight at the hospital after having her tonsils and adenoids removed July 14th. She loved her princess/fairy themed room and had the cutest tinkerbell TV to watch Huckleberry Hound, Yogi Bear, and Tom and Jerry. For some reason, she requested CDs of those cartoons so leave it to grandma to drive everywhere and find them at Cracker Barrel. She even loved her wheelchair ride to the car... I think she was getting to used to the 4 star treatment!!! She has her follow up in the morning to see how she healed up. However, so far her sleep apnea is totally gone, her voice has changed and now she sounds like a squeeky little girl, and no more night accidents. Mommy and Daddy are so far very pleased with the choice to have her tonsils and adenoids removed... now lets hope she is all healed up!

SDC - The first time

2009-07-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

We took a mini-vacation to Branson and did the "usual" that Noelle and now Leah boldly insist we do... SDC, White Water, Mini Golf, and See the horses at Dixie Stampede. We accomplished everything on their checklist.

Is it time to swim yet?

2009-06-18T11:03:00.001-07:00

Noelle loves to wear swim goggles... she started swimming with her face in the water when we got her a pair! Now they are her new fashion statement.

Swim Ranch

2009-06-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

Both of the kids finished their swim lessons at the swim ranch again this year. Leah did the water babies safety class and Noelle finished her first year in Lane 1 with the big kids. After they successfully complete their lessons they get a certificate and a cookie. They are another year closer to earning their fish!

Swimming in the Summer!

2009-06-18T10:45:00.001-07:00

We did not get many pictures of Mommy and Leah in her class because Mommy had to be in the water with her but we got a few shots of Noelle during her lessons! She did so good and made such great progress in her first year in the big kids class!

First Haircut for Baby Leah!

2009-06-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, my little wild and curly headed child is just getting her hair in but with the curls comes wildness and frizz so I officially trimmed her ends. Hopefully this will help the curls stay tighter and not fuzzy. She did GREAT... she really did not mind it at all.

Batter Up!

2009-06-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

Here is the other video of the activity Noelle did at the game. Poor Noelle did not know they were intentionally throwing the water balloons out of her reach so they could hit the coach behind her. She was swinging so hard and was so upset she did not hit one water balloon.

Sunday we went to Target and ended up getting her a Tball kit to practice at home... she LOVES it!

San Diego Chicken and Noelle as the littlest chicken

2009-06-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

We went to Arvest Ballpark last night to watch the Naturals beat the Travelers in their final game of this series. When we got there, the promoters for the San Diego Chicken stopped us and asked if Noelle would like to participate in the game night festivities with the chicken. Of course she said, "YES"! I included a clip of one of the activites... it is so HILARIOUS. Just keep you eye on the littlest chicken at the end of the line, which is Noelle. We did not know she would be doing this so we did not have a video camera but I did have my point and shoot camera with video capability. It was really hard to get the shot but in case you miss some of it, when they come out the first thing they do is slap the catcher on the butt, they then walk to the Travelers dugout and wave their hands and boo. Finally... well, I let you watch the finale yourselves. Also towards the end, watch as the big chicken gets Noelle and has her retry one of the stunts... too cute! The whole place was rocking in laughter! Of course, during the game, she got to hang out in the dug out and do other fun things. I will post the other funny video later. This one was just too funny!

Summer Kick Off at Rogers Activity Center

2009-06-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

We all went to the Summer Kick Off Party at Rogers Activity Center last week. It is a free event to the public. They had free hot dogs, chips, popcicles, cotton candy, and lots of bouncy houses. They had a cute little dance floor for the kids and Gentry Safari brought out some of their animals. However, we could NOT drag Noelle away from the bunnies. She held one of the bunnies for nearly 30 minutes... so sweet. Leah enjoyed the bubble station and the music. They had so many things for the kids to see and do and they love that summer is finally here!

Hello Beaver Lake!

2009-06-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

With summer, comes lake fun! We managed to get our boat cleaned up in May so now we can just grab and go on weekends to the lake with the kids. We have been riding on the lake, BBQ on the boat and swimming/floating on rafts at Beaver Lake. Our swim rats just love it! They even get to help daddy drive the boat.

Summer Nights

2009-06-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

We absolutely love summer time because we get to spend so much more time doing fun things with our kids. The days are longer, the BBQ is always going, and the weather is great! The kids pose for a picture on their bike and trike. Also, Noelle gets caught teaching Leah bad habits (ringing the doorbell just to hear Berkley go crazy). So many activities to do that is just wears a kid out... and mommy and daddy are happy because they are always ready for bedtime :)

Noelle's 2009 Dance Recital

2009-06-08T20:50:00.001-07:00

We are so proud of Noelle! She did so good at her dance recital and gave it her best! She did 2 routines: tap and ballet... and she got to wear hot pink with foo foo feathers all over! Lots of Pink! Mimi and Papa, Uncle Steve, Aunt Keri, Elizabeth, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Darla, Uncle Dwayne, Aunt Lana and Bella all came to see her dance. She was so happy to see everyone! Noelle looked out at us in her play googles and waved at us every chance. Between all the dances, Leah was cat calling for Mickey Mouse. On the way home (see pic), Noelle was out cold when we got home... all that entertaining sure exhausted the little diva. But... almost everyone got to come over afterwards and grill some steaks that Papa got us and play on the trampoline and play equipment. It was so fun and we are so appreciative that our family came out to support Noelle... she loves you all so much!

Pony Rides!

2009-06-04T20:49:00.001-07:00

Some of Mommy and the girls' friends met at Party Time Ponies to ride with the Ponies and play in the barn. They had such fun! It was such a beautiful day and lunch at Hot Rod Mike's topped it off... yummy! The kids got to ride a sweet horse named "Buttons" and loved every minute of it.

Prima Ballerina

2009-06-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

Noelle is so excited about her Dance recital this Saturday. Last week, they took their official dance pictures. As you can see the pink ballerinas stand waiting patiently for their turn, then they try so hard to all pose and smile at the camera at the same time (yea right... like that really happened)! We know she will do so well and shine like a dancing star on Saturday!

Show Day at Little Gym for Leah

2009-05-30T01:16:00.001-07:00

Leah is our little dare devil or should I say monkey. She did great on her routines and showed everyone all the little tricks she learned... and even though she is 6 months younger than most of the kids, she showed them who the "queen of the gymnastic bars" really is! We are so proud of her and, of course, she laughed all the way through it!

Show Day at Little Gym for Noelle

2009-05-30T01:08:00.000-07:00

Noelle did so great at her Show Day at Little Gym. She did her whole routine (floor, beam and bars) with a smile and was so good! She has come a very long way since September and is doing some really big girl stuff in class. In the fall, she moves up to the Giggle Worms and will learn more new tricks and we can't wait... she just loves gymnastics!

Preschool Graduation

2009-05-30T00:38:00.000-07:00

Noelle graduated from the 3 yr old class last week. She loved school and will miss Ms. Misty, who she also adored. The kids did such a great job on their program for school and got a graduation certificate and a special gift from Ms. Misty... a big matted collage of pictures from all the fun events throughout the school year. Noelle sang a solo and did so GREAT... she just stood up and belted out her song to the backrow... we were so proud of her. If only Mommy can figure out how to turn the video around so it is upright... so turn your head to the right to see my big performance.

Papa drove all the way up from Little Rock just to be there for my big day and Grandma Judy drove from work to watch me too! Papa suprised me with a big bouquet of roses and I got $20 from Grandma to go shopping. When it was all over, we all went to have a picnic in the park and play!

Take me out to the ball game, take me out to the crowd.

2009-05-30T00:33:00.001-07:00

We took Noelle and Leah to their first ballgame to see the NW Arkansas Naturals play last week. Of course, the highlight of the kid's time was eating all the ballpark junk food and playing in the kid's area. Noelle thinks baseball is neat and is already wanting to play Tball next spring. It is really amazing that Noelle actually shared her M&Ms with Leah. What is more amazing is Leah did not get sick from eating Cheetos, hot dogs, MMs, Popcorn and Orange Drink... she looked like she was going to blow for awhile but she held it in and was soon bouncing off the walls. The fireworks were a hit at first but after they got too loud, Leah buried her head into my chest and kept saying, "Mommy, turn on the lights peazzz".

Leah also enjoyed the music as she ate and danced between the seats.

Visiting our sweet Mema

2009-05-30T00:30:00.001-07:00

We are so thankful for every moment we can spend with Mema. She is such a wonderful lady and we love her very much. The top picture is Mema with Grandma Judy and Uncle Dave and the bottom picture is our Motley Crew with Grandma Judy.

Yes, we took the kids to Fun City to meet SpongeBob Squarepants... but we do not know why?

2009-04-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

This is by far the most stressful thing we did for the kids... we could not get out of that place fast enough. However, the kids loved meeting a celebrity. Leah ran up and gave him a hug and then ran as fast as her legs could take her... we had to force her to stand for a pic. She was so bashful, she could not even look up. Noelle took right to him.

Farm Friends

2009-04-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

Noelle and Leah went to Farm Friends last week and got to hold, pet, and feed many different farm animals. They even got to milk a cow (not real but they did milk it like a real cow). They had a yummy beans, cornbread, ice tea dinner with ice cream. The kids had a blast. Leah remembered what all the farm animals say and Noelle helped Leah do it! We had done this last year and the kids loved it... so we decided it was worth it another year! Yeeeeehaaawwwww!

OKC Half Marathon

2009-04-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken about 5-10 minutes after Mommy crossed the finished line. I was still very red and hot from the 13.1 mile run. Mommy did very well and ran it (don't have chip time yet) around 2:15 to 2:20 min. It was so fun and the crowd gave you so much energy as they cheered you on! It was AWESOME!

Mommy cannot wait to run White Rock Half Marathon in Dallas this December. Mommy and several of her friends are doing the Tulsa Route 44 Full Marathon Relay in November. I know I need to take a break and rest for summer... but I cannot wait till I race again! I guess all summer I will spin, yoga, and muscle train!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

Nothing beats an Easter Basket full of goodies... especially a chocolate Easter bunny and stupid Peeps!

Coloring Easter Eggs with a little extra mess

2009-04-16T20:20:00.000-07:00

More soccer action? Or is it pouty action?

2009-04-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

Look at her kick that ball... so much enthusiasm in her arms. Then look at her pout later?

I guess she did not get her turn.. or is it she wanted to play on the playground instead?

Are we two peas in a pod or what?

2009-04-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

How do I look?

2009-04-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

First Soccer Practice

2009-04-06T11:05:00.000-07:00

Noelle had her first official soccer practice on Saturday. She is playing with Rogers Activity Center for the "little kicksters" league. She was sooooooo excited. After the game, she wore her soccer outfit ALL DAY. In the pictures, she is the one in the pink cleats (of course), and the black soccer shorts and black jacket with hot pink (of course). She did so good too!

Me too! Me too!

2009-04-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

Leah wants to play too! The first thing she did when we put her on the ground is run straight to the field with the big girls and the pink soccer ball. We had to hold to her back for 5 minutes because she wanted to play so bad... she kept yelling "soaka, soaka daddy" and pointing her little finger at Noelle and the big girls on the field.

Happy 14th Anniversary to Mommy and Daddy!

2009-03-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

Doug and I went to Hot Springs and Oaklawn for the weekend to celebrate our anniversary (which was actually on 18th but Doug was out of town). We actually had a rockin' good time! We came home a little richer from the horse track, stayed at the Arlington and had a couples spa treatment, and did a little shopping. Of course had a nice dinner and wine at Belle Arti!