Piano And Violin

The girls had a Spring recital this past weekend. It was so fun to watch them perform and I know they really enjoyed playing on their music schools beautiful Steinway. Since Ryley already had the opportunity to perform with Dad she was on her own for this recital, however, Kadyn got to experience her first duet with Dad by her side. It was a very enjoyable morning!

I also added a pic of Kadyn and her violin. There hasn't been a recital recently but she sure works hard and enjoys that instrument as well.

Azure Turns ONE!

Azure turned the BIG one this past Saturday! We cannot believe our baby is already one. It's all downhill from here....drivers license, boys, college!!! Alright, perhaps I'm overacting just a bit. Maybe the next step would be to ween her from the bottle, however, you must admit there is some truth to my fears. Life continues to fly by and one day I will have to accept that their baby toes and baby rolls must come to an end. Azure has sure blessed our lives with her "toothy smile" (Thatcher's words) and her constant happy countenance. Happy 1st Birthday sweet girl!

Summer Time (Week 1)

St. Louis Science Center 

St. Louis Sports Fusion

Water Fights

$1 Squirters at Walmart - highly recommended

L.O.V.E'.S

I L.O.V.E summer! No worries, no specific schedules, and no one to answer to for three whole months! We get the kiddos all to ourselves and I truly savor every moment. When Fall returns again, I also L.O.V.E the one on one time that is offered to me with the younger kiddos who have not yet entered school. Since those days will be placed on hold for a summer of fun, we decided to hit the mall one last time to play, enjoy the carousel, and enjoy TWO of their favorite mall treats.

To this post I have also added a video. My hope was to "tempt" Azure to walk by placing a few M&M's on the couch by me. Here I have two separate videos spliced together, however, each of my attempts ended the exact same way. Watch and see what this little smartie does!

Spoede Elementary 2011-2012

We all know the worries that parents have for their children, one of them being their experiences within the school system. With our frequent moves this particular worry has been a large one for Steven and I, as each year we hope and pray for yet another great school with great individuals to surround our children. I can't begin to explain the deep gratitude I have that this desire of my heart has been continually answered. The teachers, staff, and students were absolutely incredible and welcomed our family for this one short year with open arms and hearts - not to mention their academics, daily routine, and structure was unbelievable. Spoede school will always hold a special place in our kiddos hearts and we'll not soon forget the amazing experiences that were had during our time here. Go Turtles! :)

Ryley and Mr. B

Kadyn and Mrs. Decker

Thatcher and Ms. Davenport

Spoede's Spring Carnival

Spoede held their annual Spring Picnic this past Saturday. It was three hours filled with games, prizes, food, and fun. The kids lasted the entire time, and then some. Everything was free - except for the water balloons that you could purchase and throw at fifth graders. They probably took in more money with that one fundraiser alone than anything else throughout the entire year! We had a fantastic afternoon and returned home with happy and exhausted kiddos. No better combination than that, right!