Memorial Day and Random May

We made it back in time for Kylee's last kindergarten field trip of the year and we were both happy that I got to tag along on it. I have loved volunteering in her classroom every other week and being a part of different events...and she has LOVED having me there...may this continue when she is older as well. I do worry at times with how much she wants me around making our moves and adjustments even more difficult. I still can't believe how shy she is in most situations cause it is just not the girl we see at home or with friends. However, for now I will just continue loving being loved. We had a good time at Camp Albemarle on scavenger hunts, painting, going down by the river eating and being together. I LOVE this girl!

Alexis loves this girl too or should I say Kylee loves Alexis...well it goes both ways! I need to do a blog on their personalities soon and the crazy sister relationship/manipulation that is forming! A common phrase heard in our home lately is "SLEEP IN CHOTHERS BEDS" as we cater to Lexi's cute voice and now we all say the same thing instead of, sleep in each others beds. These girls beg to sleep together but rarely ever can fall asleep. They enjoy their so called "chit chat time" We love it too and are so happy they have each other. One night they actually succeeded and we got this image in Ky's bed.

Don't mind Lexi's chin, that is the leftover scar from the stitches she got the last night of our Disney trip walking home from the pool. She was in the dreaded flip flops with her arms tucked in her towel and my concerned thought didn't come fast enough. As I was walking to her to unwrap the towel I watched her fall. It made for an extra memorable last night with Skylar and her in the ER and Ky and I packing and cleaning up the place. It could of been way worse and we didn't let it ruin our great memories. Lexi was a trooper and even fell asleep during the procedure probably due to lack of sleep during the week and the peace she got once she left my frantic worried side that never stays calm in these situations. Thank goodness for Skylar's help.

Our first weekend back Sky and I headed down to the Virginia Beach area AGAIN trying to make some final decisions and concluded we are just going to rent a nice home for the first year till we have time to figure everything out and get to know the area. We are thankful Skylar's Mom was able to come and stay with the girls. Then our next weekend we had our neighbors kids helping make it a crazy party at the Alsop's house. This was a sleepover all the girls had been waiting for. I'm impressed they all even had princess sleeping bags leaving no one feeling left out. The kids had a blast as you can see and it has been such a blessing having such a fun family to hang out with only 2 doors down.

We kicked off Summer right with a hot Memorial Day weekend making us want to get in the water. As I remember from being a kid the pools would always open this weekend and we were often freezing or waiting for things to warm up....this has not been the case in Virginia and the heat is still going strong. It has been in the upper 80's or mostly 90's since. We had a fun weekend with my parents who were good sports tagging along with us to a new splash park with our neighbors and then later a great ward picnic that included some more swimming. If I haven't mentioned before we have loved our ward for our 1 year in Charlottesville and have the best neighborhood filled with kids for the girls to play with that we will sooooo miss. Kylee drops in on our neighbors all the time and they have provided hours of her kind of perfect entertainment.

Lexi got so cold but refused to get out as she didn't want to miss out on anything. Once she gave in you can tell how nice the double towel and snuggle from Grandma felt...this was definitely enjoyed by both and a moment I'm glad I captured.

Disney Part II

After those long exciting days we still found time to chill at the pool and were sure thankful for our few earlier days after Epcot and Animal Kingdom to recover a little.
I love that despite how much time may have passed cousins know how to pick up right where they left off. Uncle Skylar had them all laughing hysterically as they wondered who was going to get thrown in next.
Lexi has learned to trust Daddy and became comfortable in her floaties. She loved paddling around all on her own but was willing to let Kylee be her own personal swimming instructor at times. As usual Skylar and I loved watching them be sisters together. These two as I mentioned before were inseparable and I was pretty impressed by even their surfing timing. I sure wish we lived closer and as always hated having to say good-bye but thanks guys for helping make the week even more fabulous and full of unforgettable memories. After Kevin's crew left we did fit in a day at Sea World which was a definite must especially with Kylee's love for dolphins. We had a fabulous time but do feel like it kinda got shafted. The kids were pooped and missing the cousins. They hung in there and had a good time but were ready to pack it up early and wanted time to hang out at the pool...both awesome things.We enjoyed the exhibits and seeing the shows which always touch your hearts. Each animal is truly magnificent and we can't wait to go back. The girls loved getting a chance to feed and touch the dolphins. Ky was shocked as she replied with, "Whoa, they are slimy!" She carried her souvenir dolphin around with her all day and can't wait to swim with them one day....we shall see! They had a great time hanging out by the tank with the baby dolphins and watched their own little show for awhile. The trip was fabulous and left us wanting more. The girls constantly ask to go back and are still talking about memories or little things they remember. When Alexis saw a picture of the temple the other day she asked, "Where are the fireworks" Gotta love that my little girl thinks a temple is Cinderella's castle and wants the firework show again. Ky has loved this and continues to show Lex her temple picture trying to explain...my solution, let's just go back.

Finally Our DISNEY Trip!!!!!

I can't believe I haven't posted in so long. There has been a ton going on but I first must recap our amazing Disney trip which was in the works for so long. Like I had remembered as a kid it was "Magical" and the girls loved this magic and being with some of their cousins. We had the hardest time leaving and really did enjoy every minute despite the HEAT!!!

To start off we had to make a scene which is always oh so fun. We sure got heads to turn with this one, all at my expense! I injured my foot a week before the trip...after many ice baths, hobbling around, praying and purchasing some super nice running shoes my foot came through for me. We were still hesitant the first day but didn't want to waste time with a wheel chair so for long distances and to start off down mainstreet this is how I was found. Most would just stare but one worker had the guts to say, "Now I've never seen that before!" The kicker was watching the kids walk along side.
We conquered a park a day and started with Magic Kingdom and then returned there at the end of the week to hit our highlights again. Kylee was all about hitting as many rides as she could with her cousin Easton and Lexi was all about seeing as many princesses and characters that she could while getting her arms around them. Kylee's all time favorite ride from the week if she had to choose was Splash Mountain which we successfully got her on several times thanks to fast pass and kid swap plus g-ma's help. Thank you Mom for always coming through. Lexi's favorite ride was "It's a Small World" which she is still found singing at home and finally has bumped Hershey Park out of her mind. Disney has become the talk. I just printed out pictures of her with each princess and character which she carries around with her everywhere in a little book.

"PRINCESS MANIA" We definitely got our princess fix and even enjoyed lunch with them. Kylee loved getting autographs and Lexi enjoyed twirling for each one of them and steeling as many hugs as possible. She literally almost knocked Mini over when she came charging in for that hug.

Sky and I were amazed at how well the kids did. We ended many days looking like this but when moving through the park they kept up and maintained their energy. Having family with us helped a ton and was a blast as it had been almost 2 years since we had seen my brother's family. The girls work before the trip paid off and Kylee was determined to get the souvenirs she wanted. As you can see they did. The heat did get to us all especially Alexis as we know how sensitive she is but as she would leave each building she would quickly say, "I sweaty, I need the spray bottle!" "I'm dripping sweat"...and proceed to spray herself down. We all laughed every time.

Pictures like these help put the ! on the statement, "This trip was totally worth it!!!!"

Kylee posing with her sidekick...TINK!

Lexi getting some classic one on one time from princess to princess.
Lexi and I laughing hysterically on Toy Story Mania...another favorite ride for all!

Kylee and Easton anxious to ride together and all of us thankful they were tall enough for almost everything.

Fully engaged and captivated by every show. They were all fabulous. This one is Beauty and the Beast and I loved it when Lexi shouted to the beast, "You meanie, I'll get you with my fan!" She then realized on her own, "now he's nice!"
Feeling like we were on Broadway several different times.

Special Cousin times, even with little Gracie.

It has been over a month and we still find Kylee singing Zippity Do Da, Lexi singing It's a Small World and the entire family breaking into "Celebrate a Dream Come True"...the song from one of the Parades. Lexi's favorite movie currently is clips we finally put on DVD from the trip...she begs for the "parade" and each time I watch it, it brings tears to my eyes as I just want to be back and not thinking about some of the day to day stresses. WAY TO GO DISNEY!!!!

Fairies FAIRIES and more Fairies

Things discussed or made frequently between Kylee and her friends or Kylee and me...:)
-Goblin stew
-Rainbow Magic
-Did the fairies leave me something last night?
-Fairy habitats
-Goblin Traps
-Jack Frost
A month or two back, Ky and her good friends on the bus began talking about fairies a ton and anytime they found a little speck of glitter they knew a fairy had been there. I at one point was worried about Ky's imagination and wondered why she always questioned if things were real and got way excited to run with this. Miraculously on the same night "fairies" left some of their fairy dust on each of the girls windowsills. The jaw dropping moment was priceless and watching them all discuss it was awesome. !
She is now often found making goblin stews. This is just one of her nasty concoctions she came up with. All with an attempt to poison those nasty goblins trying to capture the fairies!

Our "Fairy Habitat" and "Goblin Trap" Builders. A current favorite past time in the backyard which has provided hours of entertainment. Anytime things are messed up outside you often here one say, "I bet the goblins or Jack Frost were here"

On one playdate Ky and her friend made these tissue paper flowers and it still sits on her nightstand in hopes that a fairy will visit. Numerous notes to the fairies have been left inside and sometimes those notes remain there for days (oops) I'm trying to be the best fairy possible. One time she was even left these little fairies as apparently Fairy talk has spread to many of the girls in her class and they all mention what they have received...pretty crazy...are we out of control? I'd like to be a little ant listening to some of these conversations and Ky apparently understands that they can't bring HUGE things!!!
This is a sample of some of the notes she has left and is always so quick to say thank you :) When a note is taken or a little something is left behind the pure excitement is just awesome as Sky and I eagerly listen and she explains all that they must have been up to.
Most of this comes from the Rainbow Magic book series and whatever else her and her friends come up with. I can't complain as I enjoy reading to her in the evenings and she thinks it is awesome each time we finish what she calls a "chapter book".
Kylee's fairy collection. The large one and flower were left by the Easter Bunny and the little ones have been left over time by the fairies in her hand made flower.
So the moral of all of this...anytime you see a little sparkle or hint of glitter, there must be a fairy near by. Keep your eye out!!!! Second, let your kids imagination go wild and aren't you all eager to go read RAINBOW MAGIC...you will be surprised at how many fairies there really are and how much the same plot can repeat itself over and over again.
*We are excited to see Tinker Bell and her friends in Disney

"Mom, What JOB can I do today?!"

6 days to go and counting... The girls are in a total count down mode for Disney and my little plan has worked like a charm! It is often like pulling teeth around here to get any help so the girls decorated Disney containers a few weeks ago and we told them they could earn money to buy their own souvenirs at DISNEY! Kylee thought this was awesome and it is now very common on a daily basis to here, "MOM, WHAT JOB CAN I DO TODAY?!" I was the happiest lady around for awhile but now I'm trying to use it to stop whining, arguing and even homework...I guess I've pushed it a little too far. I should just be happy that the dish washer gets unloaded when I ask, laundry gets put away, dishes are cleared, beds are attempted to be made and I'm left trying to come up with little jobs I can give Kylee...may this continue forever!!!!! You'd think our house was spotless but some how it still looks like a pig sty.

We also made a count down chain at the beginning of the month and Kylee thought it was way too long. She has been shocked at how quickly it is coming to and end though and diligently rips one off each morning on her way out the door for school. Alexis is busy naming each one of the princesses and continually talks about how she is going to get hugs and sit on their laps. Kylee is the most excited to see her cousin Easton who she hasn't seen in 2 years and Skylar can't wait to try out every ride possible in the quickest amount of time as he works on mapping out the parks. On the other hand, I am about to approach my week of planning out every little thing everyone is going to need and figuring out the necessary entertainment for our 12 hour car ride. The excitement leading up to it is almost as fun as the trip or at least helps cushion the cost!!!! We've decided to splurge and finally take a real family vacation that is going to cost us some serious cash but know it will be well worth it. No matter what the age DISNEY ALWAYS FEELS SO MAGICAL!!! If any of you have any tips on the order to do things in or stuff to be sure and see in the parks send them our way. We are eagerly anticipating Saturday when we will hit the road.

Easter Weekend ReCap

Better late than never! My parents and sister endured the 6 hour trip down to be with us for the long Easter weekend and we were sure glad they did. I was spoiled seeing them more often when we lived in Hershey and I miss spending time with them.
My Mom joined us for a "Welcome Spring" picnic at Kylee's school and got to see Ky in action with all her friends. We have loved her kindergarten experience and have been spoiled this year as I begin to research stuff in the Virginia Beach area....may I be wrong! We all know how skeptical I was for this year and look how it turned out...oh why do I worry so much.
We have been spoiled with beautiful Spring weather and on Saturday enjoyed the outdoor downtown Charlottesville Mall and sitting outside for lunch finished by a fun ice skating event. Kylee has been taking ice skating lessons and poor Alexis is left being the longing spectator all the time...so we finally go her out on the ice and Ky enjoyed practicing her moves. It was quite the event as my sister Heather showed us her stuff on the ice and even Grandma got out there too. We sure know how to get the most out of our free coupons and both girls were feeling proud. Easter festivities included: coloring eggs of course, a fun Easter egg hunt with the neighbors in the adjoining backyards and with out a doubt an exciting visit from the Easter Bunny. Lexi sure got into hunting for eggs this year and did a great job watching over them. "mom, make sure Ky doesn't touch mine." Hot and cold was always a fun one growing up which grandpa put into practice for Ky this year.

The girls found their Easter baskets in the van at the end of their scavenger hunt and the excitement in their voices, especially Kylee as she pulls out and explains how awesome each item in the basket is is just priceless and sure makes the Easter Bunny feel really good. Highlights were, Lexi's swimming barbie (just like Ky's and now she has her own), fairies with their own flowers, pez, flip-flops and flowers to plant...kept them busy for a little while. Oh and I can't forget a yummy prime rib dinner by my parents and Conference.Before our good-bye Kylee had some great Grand-ma moments as G-ma worked on teaching her how to sew. Kylee has been dying to get the chance to sew on her own and this is just something her Mother CAN'T teach her. It cracks me up that even when she gets a hole in something she will ask me to set it aside till Grandma comes and can fix it!!!!! Ooops.
She was in heaven as she helped Grandma make her a new BIG Silky and one for Lexi too. She caught on quick and had some serious concentration as you can see. I love her proud and amazed facial expressions and really got a kick out of listening to her explain to me what to do as we attempted a little pillow in the morning before Grandma woke up. I gladly let G-ma take over as they got back to work in the morning making a Silky for Elizabeth (her baby doll) and one for Alexis too as she tries hard not to leave her out or knows if she has her own maybe just maybe she will leave her stuff alone...worth a try. Kylee couldn't get enough and wants Grandma to bring her sewing machine back again next time which will be a must anyway since I always have some project for her. This time we even tailored a swimsuit for Ky so it will fit her the way she wants. I loved watching them work together and can't believe how grown up my little girl is getting.
Thanks for a great weekend with tons of memories even seeing DUKE advance to the championship game...what a thrill for all of us except Sky who stayed upstairs for the game. Alexis even got in a few laughs with Aunt Heather and has learned quickly to cherish the fun moments with her when we get them:)

I'm truly thankful for family and over Easter enjoyed reflecting on the resurrection of our Savior and thankful for all he has done for me making it possible for me to be with this family for eternity.