All I Want For Christmas...

We are 1/2 way to singing the ever famous song this time of year...

"All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!"

Last Friday morning, Lauren informed me that her front tooth (which had been loose for weeks) had turned completely around. I offered to pull it, but she insisted that she would fix the situation. After turning the tooth back around, and repeating the act a second time, she took it upon herself to remove the tooth without any assistance from Mom.

Now the other one is loose, just waiting to come out in the next few weeks. Lauren did express that it is much easier, and more fun, to drink out of straws with her bigger opening.

Happy Birthday, Kate!

Happy 8th Birthday

to our beautiful Kate!

Thank you for all of your hugs and smiles each and every day. Your kind, loving, and enthusiastic personality are a blessing to all those around you. We wish you all the best in the year ahead. May you continue to follow your dreams and be surrounded by love and happiness every day. 

We Love You Very Much!

Mom, Dad and Lauren

Daddy-Daughter Dance

This past Sunday evening, Mark and Kate attended the Y-Guides Daddy-Daughter Dance held for 3rd year Y-Princesses. They both dressed up for a night of dinner and dancing. Kate had her nails done (thanks to her friend's birthday the day before) and wore a beautiful sparkly dress (borrowed from our friends) for an evening on the town. Mark looked very handsome and Kate very pretty, not to mention grown up.

 They had a wonderful time with each other and their tribe. Mark commented that the next time she gets dressed up for a dance, chances are it won't be his arm she's on! Oh how the years go by...let's hang on to them as long as we can!!!

Beautiful Girl

Dad and Daughter ready for a FUN night!

Final Picture before Departure

Kate's Y-Guides Tribe

New Family Portrait

Here's are new family portrait! (Thanks Doug/Pop-Pop) Kasey is fitting in beautifully!

Meet Kasey!!

Kasey is the latest addition to our family!

She is a Chow/Border Collie mix that we rescued through the SPCA. They believe she is about a year old. Kasey has a wonderful temperament, very calm and laid back. She craves affection and is willing to be loved by anyone. Hard to believe someone abandoned her. The girls have been waiting for this moment for years. In fact, Kate says she has asked for a dog since she was 2...6 years later, her wish came true! The girls love to take her for walks and give endless hugs and kisses.

We are so grateful and blessed to have her! Thanks to Biz (Mom-Mom) for telling us about her and to Ryan for the beautiful picture.

I'm sure you'll be seeing quite a bit of her in future posts!

And just like that...

...both of our girls are off to school!

The girls started back for another school year on Monday. Lauren has staggered entry this week for Kindergarten, so she only went on Monday. Her entire class will come together this coming Monday for the first time...22 total. We were very excited that Lauren has the same Kindergarten teacher as Kate. She has been teaching for many years and is a fabulous teacher!

Kate has enjoyed her first week and loves her teacher! Her teacher student-taught in 5th grade last year at our school and is now teaching 3rd grade for the 1st time. So far so good! Plus we've heard only excellent things about her.

Here's to another great year!

Good Judgment

Kate's school has a program that focuses on certain "Character Traits" or appropriate behaviors for all students. Each quarter, the students and teachers select a classmate that displays the Character Trait that month. Kate was selected and awarded the "Good Judgment" trait.

Lauren and I had the privilege of attending the Character Traits breakfast honoring the selected students just before school was out. Kate received her certificate and pencil while enjoying all of the breakfast treats.

We're proud of you Kate! Keep up the good work!

Kate Receiving her Award

Kate with her certificate and goodies