My Baby is now 2....

As of the 16th of August, my baby is now officially a 2 year-old. I know I am a couple of weeks behind in posting this, but that is life. My little trouble maker, Mikayla Ann, is growing up. We had a great family party with all the aunts, uncles, and cousins around here. Lots of kids and lots of noise. :)

My cheesy girl watching me and her sisters decorate her cake. Katelyn picked out Triple Chocolate Fudge. I was game. Love the chocolate cake.

Showing one of the presents that she got. She didn't do a whole lot of opening. She had about 9 sisters and cousins willing to help her with that. :)

We had a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme. She loves "Mouse".

The cousins and sisters gathered around the table to sing Happy Birthday.

Good big sister Megan helped her reach the candles. I don't think she blew them out but I didn't see who did. She did try to grab the flame when they were lit.

So Happy Birthday to my sweet and lovable baby girl. I can't believe how fast you are growing up. I can't imagine our family without you.

Day at Lagoon....

The day before Mikayla's 2nd birthday we went to Lagoon. It was Mike's family day there sponsored by his work, Eagle Eye Produce. It is only the second day that we have been to Lagoon. Last year was the first time for Mike's other work day at Lagoon. One thing I do like about Lagoon is the number of trees in the park. There is a lot of shade. The weather was really nice. In the 70's. It rained that morning so the kids actually started off with jackets on. It was a fun day. The kids loved it. Mikayla was old enough to go on a lot of the kiddie rides and Karly is finally tall enough to go on some roller coasters. Megan invited her friend, Hailey, and they had a fun time exploring the park for periods of time just the 2 of them.

If you look really close in the blue car you will see Megan, Karly, and Katelyn.

Karly and Mikayla on one of the kiddie rides. Karly and Monica were really good about going on rides with Mikayla.

Katelyn and Mikayla on the helicopter ride.

Hailey, Bailee (daughter of a family friend), Monica, Karly, Katelyn, and Megan waiting in line for the "Scrambler" ride. The ride is also in the first picture.

Mikayla, Karly, Monica, and Katelyn on a ride in the kiddie area. I liked it because all four of them could ride together.

Megan complains that I didn't get a lot of pictures of her there. Most of the pictures are of the younger 4. Megan was off with Hailey, so I couldn't get pictures with them. Karly also at one point went on the older rides with Megan and Hailey. The over-protective mother in me was nervous about that but it all turned out well.

All in all, a good day of family fun. You really can't complain about a free day at Lagoon with your family, can you?

School Pictures and a Cause....

I have finally updated my kids pictures on this blog. My kids pictures actually came out really cute this year. Come on, you know what I mean....it's the picture that you see and you say, "That's my girl." I was really pleased with Megan, Karly, and Monica's pictures. So I have updated their pictures to the side and here for all to see. :)

Megan looks so grown up. *sniff*

Karly usually has her eyes looking another direction because she doesn't like the flash of the camera. I am really pleased that she is looking straight ahead with a cute smile.

Monka and her crooked smile. Mike really loves her crooked smile and loves to see it in pictures.

I have to confess that one of first thoughts about the pictures is that their hair looks too long. Megan you can't tell so much but Karly and Monica you can. There is a good reason for this. They are going out their hair for the Locks of Love organization. Since Cody's death and Linda's battle with 3 types of cancer they want to help in some way. So I suggested this. We will see how they do. This last winter Megan and Karly knitted a lot of hats and donated them to a homeless shelter so now we are on to our next project. But I am sure when the cold weather returns they will be knitting again.

Back to School....

The day we have all been waiting for is here....the first day of school. I now have 3 kids in full day school. I was a little bit sad because they had almost no summer vacation but we'll survive. :) Soooo I am a little behind in posting this (what else is new). Sorry about that.

Here is Megan for her first day of 6th grade. Can you believe it?! Next year is Junior High. Now that scares me. Had to have her hair straight. She looks so much older with it straight. She has Mrs. Kutterer (pronounced Cooter-German name). Megan LOVES her and was so excited when she found out she got her as a teacher.

Karly is a 4th grader now. She is a little tired of people asking if she has started kindergarten or 1st grade yet. She has Ms. Jensen this year. Megan had her for 2nd and 4th so Karly was excited. I was, too. I already know and like her.

My Monka is a 1st grader!! Never thought I'd see the day. :) She was excited to go to school all day and eat lunch there too! She has a wonderful teacher named Mrs. Ogilvie. Monica loves her.

I am so glad that my kids have teachers that they like. They are wonderful teachers and women who work very hard to teach my children and I appreciate them greatly!