{Lots}

We have been doing lots of bike riding. So much that Maisey replaced the bike below (only 1 yr old), with a new magenta colored mountain bike. She spent her own money on her new bike so she could experience the ease of having gears which are a must on the hills! The only downside to all the riding is that Ryley falls asleep when he isn't supposed to be napping at all.

But, it's worth it even if he stays up a little later on those nights.

{Recital 2011}

Maisey performed another great number for us this recital. She had tapped for 5 years now and is always fun to watch.

She wants to do "company" but has yet to decide on giving up other activities which occupy every day of the week with the exception of Sunday's (church). Maybe after this next year but she is already enrolled in fall club soccer (3x week), Girl Scouts, and she will have activity days, and 2 dance classes. We shall see what talents she hones in on in the future, but for now she is enjoying being great at everything. That may sound conceded, but honestly, she is going on 6 years in dance and sports and she was a natural from the start. I am just a bit jealous!!!

The finale.

{8}

Maisey turned 8 on Monday!

We had a super fun "American Girl 1/2 Sleepover" party on Saturday night with makeovers,bracelet making,cake (which turned out horribly in color and taste, no thank you Fred Meyer),and an "American Girl" movie.
The girls were so cute in their pj's, with their dolls. I think everybody had a great time! The birthday girl
Of course her favorite gift was a look-like me American Girl. Only, we ordered it before she cut all her hair off!

I painted this wood bed and sewed this pillow and blanket for her.

She named her doll "Maise."

{Little Helpers}

In Eugene this past weekend the kids enjoyed visiting Grandma's school and helping her in the library. The funny thing about the below picture, is that Ryley wouldn't pose until he was done putting all the books away. Now he's ready. A job well done!

{Graduation}

My sister graduated from high school this past weekend. We weren't able to be at the ceremony, but we enjoyed celebrating with her at her graduation party. A silly cake in school colors...

It sabotaged my eating plan, for sure.

{Park Stop}

Maisey's birthday was a beautiful sunny day. After bowling we had to make a made a stop at my favorite childhood park, Emerald Park in Eugene.

One tired boyA boy who doesn't nap, but couldn't help himself (the middle of the kitchen floor). A happy boy after his nap (who doesn't love the Papa's Pizza and their toys?)

{Incredible John's Pizza}

A new pizza place opened up in town and we went to check it out. The kids loved it!

Here are some pics to help you decide if you want to visit.

Note: the pizza is like any buffet if that means anything. And yes, I went off my diet and ate it. While working out all week I moaned, "It's not worth it!" Unless they start selling ride bracelets, we won't be visiting much!

{BirthDAY Bowling)

Maisey wanted to go bowling on her birthday while in Eugene. Our kids love to bowl, and they get it from their dad (Chad use to be on a league and is still a good bowler). The bowling alley didn't have ramps. Needless to say, Ryley didn't last as long. He had just as much fun pretending to shoot guns at an arcade game. Us

{Saturday}

Saturday, as you may know if you live in the Portland Metro area was BEAUTIFUL!

We spent 3 wonderful hours at beautiful Rood Bridge Park for Maisey's annual end of the year Girl Scout picnic.

(I'm sorry about the pics, I cannot get them to rotate once I go beyond a certain point)

I guess I was so distracted by the sun that I forgot to take pictures of the troop. But then again, they were to busy playing on the toys anyway. Maisey was given some end of the year patches she recently earned and now I need to sew them on (oh, the joy)!
Maisey HAD to have a sash when she saw it instead of the traditional vest. We soon found out it is more of a supplement to the vest when the vest is full. SO, we will be getting a vest by fall when things start back up. She is quite the little earner.

***

Afterwards Maisey and I took a jaunt up the Gorge to see Ruby in her recital.

She was a beautiful ballerina and watching her got us really excited or Maisey's next week! Maisey loved going out for frozen yogurt afterwards... And Elliot loved it too! The boys stayed home.

***
Today was another warm day and we had a great family bike ride after church.
Oh summer, I can't wait!

{So BIG}

Doesn't this little girl look SO old?
She definitely thinks so!
She LOVES to shop (for herself), and she is constantly changing her earrings, doing her hair, painting her nails, and driving me crazy!
At least she looks perky, right?
Just kidding... But, she definitely tests my (and Chad's) patience every day!!!

{Wavering }

6 weeks ago I made Maisey an appointment for a haircut. Today was the day and I wasn't sure what way we were going. She kept wavering back and forth on whether or not she was cutting it all off to her ears in an a-line, or whether she was going to get a trim.

Regardless, she was getting a cut because my hair dresser doesn't do kids (with the exception of Maisey), and we weren't going to mess it up by cancelling when the appointment was made 6 weeks out.

She kind of went for the middle of the road. It seems so short to us because it was to her bum. Along with curling it, see previous post, she was also started braid it. Now the possibilities are a little limited (don't even ask me how I am going to get all the layers into a bun for her upcoming recital), but I think it will be for summer.

I miss it already, although I wanted her to go shorter. And, you should have seen all the hair on the FLOOR. It was crazy!!! Luckily, the hair dresser is good with her razor and took TONS off!

{Curls}

I refuse to curl Maisey's hair (although I will give my time and straighten it everyday), because it is so long and heavy that it falls out immediately.

So, she now puts her own hair in sponge curlers some nights!

On rare occasions I've gotta love her style! She is trying to grow up a little too fast, and asks for make up EVER DAY. 99% of the time the answer is "No," but occasionally I spring for blush and clear mascara.

I can't blame the girl, I wore the same plastic nails at this age that she loves to buy (only they didn't have peace signs on them- another thing we don't agree on)!

{Sunshine}

We have had some beautiful weather lately.

The kids have been loving the parks and are excited about the water fun this summer.

As I've mentioned, it is nearly impossible to get a picture of this boy!But, he is warming up to the camera and trying to give me something other than a cheesy grin!

I just wanted everyone to know we still have our sweet little Ryley!And, this little girl sure looks sweet!And, she definitely keeps us on our feet!

Nearly 8, going on 14!

{Fishing}

Maisey was out of school two days last week and she jumped at the opportunity to go fishing with her dad!

Chad only uses a fly rod, but it made him want to try a spinning reel.

Maybe some day but spare time isn't a word we really know right now.