First Week of Summer Vacation

Our first week of vacation started off with a bang because it was Ashton's official 6th birthday! We had told her a long time ago that she could choose anything she wanted to do as a family to celebrate her big day. We gave her lots of ideas- miniature golfing, bowling, a favorite restuarant. She knew exactly what she wanted our outing to be...a trip to Golden Corral!!!! So that's what we did! Surely this idea has Iowa roots because back in the day when we first moved there, the hockey team Tod worked for had a deal where you could go to the "Corral" for 2 bucks! For two seasons, we really took advantage of the offer...and Ashton remembers those days. Ever since we moved here, she has been asking to go there again. I didn't think she would actually remember and choose this as her b-day activity. But she did! We had a lot of fun- she loved the food, the other 4 of us tolerated it! Right as we were leaving, the power went out, so we were glad we had already eaten. I think she would have been so disappointed if we wouldn't have been able to go there. She got the High School Musical dolls that she really wanted, so all was well!

Also, this summer I found these awesome lesson plans on sugardoodle.com, so we have been doing those each day. Last week we studied the story of Jonah and the Whale, along with the ocean. It has been very fun and entertaining. The pictures are from the day that we make soft pretzels for one of the activities.

We are leaving for Utah in two weeks and are getting so excited! It has been far too long since we saw many of you!

Purple Picnic Pizza Party

For Ashton's birthday this year we had a purple-themed party at the park. It was a lot of fun...very hot, so we planned water games and also a treasure hunt. We had pizza and purple cupcakes, along with purple soda and purple Kool-aid. I was so thankful for the wonderful friends Ashton has made here in Texas. It was a really good night.

Happy Birthday Ashton Kim!!!!

Ashton is six years old today! It is hard to believe how fast the time has flown. I remember the births of each of my babies, but there's something so amazing about that first experience. I will never forget the moment Ashton was born. I was overwhelmed with the idea that this beautiful little girl was mine. I have loved getting to know her and having her in my life!

Six things about Ashton at age 6-

1. She is a social butterfly and can make friends very easily. She loves to play with everyone of all ages.

2. She is very creative and good at using her imagination. She has a silly sense of humor.

3. She is becoming an excellent reader.

4. She is sensitive and dramatic- lauging one minute, sobbing the next.

5. She is a good sister and is concerned about others. She always watches out for her sisters.

6. She is fiercely loyal and gets her feelings hurt when others aren't that same way.

We love you sis! Happy Birthday!

Good-Bye Twin City All Stars

This year, Ashton and Jordan took cheerleading/gymnastics at Twin City All Stars Gym. Wednesday was their last day so I snapped some pictures of them at the end of class. Now, if you have ever seen any TV shows about Texas cheerleading, you'll understand when I say, it is serious business! The girls went from not being able to do somersaults at the beginning to now working on back handsprings! I was amazed at the committment level. It was quite something. Even though the coaches were strict, I can't believe how much more confident the girls were at the end of the year. They also have bigger muscles!

Kindergarten Graduate!

Is it possible? We have a kindergarten graduate! Ashton finished her year last week. She did very well and had a lot of fun. We are proud of her!

Weekend Getaway!

Over Memorial Day weekend, Tod and I drove down to Hunstville, Alabama to check out the area where we will be moving at the end of the summer. His parents flew down from Missouri to watch the girls so that we could go by ourselves. And I have to say, it was heavenly! I have never really understood why people would want to go on vacations without their kids...we have never left our kids since Ashton was born. Well, now I am a believer!

Tod and I had such a good time together, away from all the pressures of life. I was reminded of all the similarities that we have and what really brought us together in the first place. He and I share the same quirky sense of humor. We both like to accomplish things quickly and efficiently and have little tolerance for indecision! (You should have seen us driving around Huntsville and the surrounding areas and checking places off or circling them on our maps!) We like the same kinds of restaurants and the same kind of junk food! The list goes on and on. It's important to reconnect sometimes. (And actually have an uninterrupted conversation?) Anway, we loved Hunstville and think it will be a GREAT place for our family. The growth there is amazing and the housing options are endless, so we are excited and looking forward to it.

I just have to say how thankful I am that Steve and Cindy came to be with the girls. The second that we found out where we would be moving, they offered to come stay with the girls so that we could visit our new area. I didn't worry about the kids at all which is huge for me. And Regan was even good for her grandparents- less fussy and slept both nights. They took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese, miniature golf and garage sales. So of course, the kids had a grand old time! All in all, it was super weekend for everyone involved, and I'm so glad we had the opportunity.

Field Day at Pleasant Grove

The last two weeks have been so busy! Here's my attempt at a quick recap, mostly so I can remember all the events that have been going on. Last Friday was field day at Ashton's school. Now I've been to several field days in my time...and never has one even compared to this! It was amazing! The entire family was invited and they let siblings participate as well which was great. They have probably 30 different activities and the high school students helped run the games. They also had 5 jump houses and concessions! It was a lot of fun!