our three

I realized today that I hadn't taken a good photo of all three kids together since Thomas was a month old! Oh how the time flies. Thomas went for his first canoe ride this week, learned to sit up and started eating Cheerios!

Ella has only 4 days left of 1st grade. Tomorrow, she's the "Beary Royal Reader" at school. As she was practicing tonight, I found myself in awe of how far she's come in her reading this year!

Claire wore her favorite tye-dye skirt and t-shirt to preschool today and a rainbow silk headband with long ribbons on it. She put the headband on herself, so it looked a bit odd to say the least:) Her teacher said, "Claire, did you do your hair again today?" She proudly said, "Yes!" and proceeded to play with her buddies. Teacher Rhonda and I reflected on Claire's "flair for fashion." I laughed as she said Claire reminded her of "Punky Brewster." Ha! She was riding her bike after school and got her skirt completely tangled in the wheels. So much, in fact, she had to take her skirt off so Tom could get it free! The hazards of wearing a skirt while riding bike... I've tried to teach her how to roll her waist up for "safe skirting" on the bike. She came upstairs in her underwear and said, "I was so embarrassed, mom!"

dad's digs

Grandma Sheryl sent this great sweater. It was Tom's and he wore it when he was a year old. Since I'm not sure it'll still fit Thomas in November, thought I better get some pics today just in case. Precious!

it's time!

Well, last week I decided it was time to get the highchair out! The big nudge was seeing Thomas SIT straight up in the bouncy chair at supper. Ok, ok! I love the character of our high chair...it's an antique wooden chair that was used by Tom's grandad. I refinished it before Ella arrived and all 3 have used it. The babies this chair has held...

thanks taylor

Taylor stopped by last week with a birthday surprise. She gave her bike to Claire! She had outgrown it and Claire had been wishing for a bike "just like Taylor's." The smiles tells it all...She loves her new bike!!! Thank you Taylor!

Happy 5th Claire!

Claire turned 5 on Friday and oh what a fun day she had!

We had lunch together at McDonalds, went to the library, took time to pick dandelions, & registered her for kindergarten. The finale to the day was her "12 Dancing Princesses" party. She planned the party and her invitations read, "I want boys & girls to come to my party. I want the boys to dance with the girls. I want the girls to wear dresses please." Aimee polished all the girls' fingernails, the girls danced...or should I say twirled in their dresses... while the boys watched from the corner:) Then, they all went outside to play. What fun! Paul...the doll diving into the cake is just for you! Tom put a baggie on the dolls head and told Claire we needed a picture that way. She wouldn't do it until he said, "Come on...let's take it for Paul" You bring out the best in her:)!!!!

loved how the princesses' found so much joy in digging in the dirt!

Claire was constantly twirling in her dress..it was hard to get a picture!