Happy 7th Birthday, Lauren!

I realize this post is VERY, VERY, VERY late! (As my loving brother pointed out in one of his previous posts.) So better late than never...

Happy 7th Birthday

to our kind, loving, sweet,

energetic, zebra-crazed, and beautiful daughter.

Your smile and laughter brightens our day

and your lovable personality touches the lives

of those you meet.

We wish you only the best life has to offer

in the year ahead!

We LOVE You, Lauren!

Mom, Dad, Kate and Kasey

Happy 9th Birthday, Kate!

Happy 9th Birthday

to our fun-loving, enthusiastic, friendly,

thoughtful, jump roping, beautiful daughter!

We are so proud of the wonderful person you are

and look forward to all you will accomplish

and experience in the year ahead.

May all of your dreams come true!

We Love You!

Mom, Dad, Lauren and Kasey

(Sorry for the late post...it was a weekend of parties! More pictures to follow!)

Cake Decorating

A week and a half ago we celebrated Biz's (Mom-Mom's) Birthday. I was in charge of fixing dinner and baking the cake. I made a chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting (from scratch!!!). The girls asked if they could have the task of decorating the completed cake.

Here's what their efforts produced! Very colorful and artistic!

The Finished Product

Happy Birthday, Mom-Mom!

Everywhere Fun Fair

The first weekend in August, our entire family participated in Vacation Bible School (VBS) at our church. This year's theme was Everywhere Fun Fair! The theme focused on 5 different countries (Japan, Zimbabwe, United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan) and how we're all neighbors.

I was on the committee that helped organize the event plus volunteered as a Crew Leader the entire weekend. The girls were participants while Mark helped with one of the stations.

Kate invited 4 of her friends from school and Lauren invited one friend. The activities throughout the weekend included Bible stories, crafts, science experiments, food, music, and a Midway with games and popcorn!!

Although exhausted after 3 days, we all had a ton of FUN!!!!

Kate's Crew

Lauren and Dad at the Midway

Our State

Kate came home the 3rd day of school with her first project assignment. She had to make a 3D map of North Carolina showing the 3 regions and labeling the major cities, lakes, rivers, landmarks, and historic sites. Her grade will be based on her creativity (materials used) and meeting all requirements. After several weeks of work, her project is complete!!

She said her teacher loved her "Fun Fact" about Hertford...that's where she was born. (It's always nice to highlight the teacher!)

The Start of Another Year

It's hard to believe we started another year of school last week. Kate has begun 4th grade and Lauren 1st grade. Only 2 more years at the elementary school and then Kate joins her Dad at the middle school.

The girls were nice enough to take their annual picture for mom before heading off for their first day.

Here's to another great year!

Reflections

The girls participated in an art program called Reflections that involves several schools throughout the state. Each child can select as many catergories as they wish and produce a piece of art for that medium. Both girls chose Visual Arts. The theme for this year's competition was "The Magic of the Moment."

Once the artwork is judged at the school level, the selected pieces then advance to the county level, the district level, and finally to the state level. For each category, the pieces are divided by grades K-2 and 3-5.

A reception was held at our school last week for all of the participants. We were very proud of both girls. Lauren received 1st place in visual arts for K-2 at the school level and Kate received 3rd place for 3-5 at the school level.

Looks like they may have some artistic talent in their genes!!

Blue Ribbon

Kate competed in a county-wide competition called First in Fitness a couple of weeks ago. There are a total of six different events. The top boy and girl from each grade (3-5), in each event, are selected to participate. Kate had the highest score for speed rope at her school for 3rd grade girls.

She trained 3 mornings a week for over a month. The day of the event she competed against girls from over 20+ schools in the county. Although it was cold and windy, she still managed to tie for 1st place!

Her score...204 jumps in 1 minute!!!!! We're very proud of our daughter!!!

The photos below show her jumping during the competition, her teammates and coach from school, and she and her coach.

Way to go Kate!

Let's Roll

The girls each received a pair of inline skates and the proper padding a couple of weeks ago. Kate has been invited to several birthday parties at the roller rink in the past few months. Since they also allow inline skates, we felt it would be more beneficial for the girls to have those as opposed to roller skates. Below are photos from their first attempts. With a little more practice, they'll get the hang of it...even if their mother never has!

Fun in the Winter Weather

Although we didn't get snow accumulation, the girls took advantage of the sleet and freezing rain...perfect for ice sledding! After getting out of school 4 hours early yesterday, Kate and Lauren ventured out with Dad into the wintry mix. (Kasey and I opted for the warmth of the house.) The slick sidewalks and driveways were perfect for sledding!