What's Been Happening

These three beautiful kids have been so great in 2015!

 

 

Levi found out that his Captain America helmet can shoot out little darts.  I have been hit a couple times.  Those things shoot far!

 

Erika has a writing assignment for school where she keeps a journal of all the fun things she does with her Flat Stanley.  It is a lot of fun to read her writing style....she is quite creative!

 

It has been sunny (but cold) most days so we get to play outside after school.  Levi made stripes in the yard.

 

And Erika cleaned off the patio.

Parties

We celebrated Laurel's sixth year over a period of a week.  Starting with a celebration at Grandpa and Grandma Hammar's house.

 

They bought the birthday princess a special ribbon to wear all day.  Which she did.

Levi loved playing with Ezra and the train set.

We were blessed with a  beautiful day so the kids got to play outside for a while.  A ride in the wagon for the birthday girl.

Cupcakes.

Laurel and Levi were the only ones who got the "silly face" message.

New bears, clothes, and Calico Critters!

 

On her actual birthday, Laurel wanted two friends to come over after church for a little party.  She wanted it to be a "Frozen" party.  So we decorated with snowflakes and icicles and played Pin the Nose on Olaf.

 

And ate cupcakes and cookies.

 

And opened presents!

 

Erika got to hold the youngest party guest.

 

Laurel and her girlfriends putting on makeup.

Perfect parties for our special 6 year old!

Six

 

Our beautiful, confident, funny, little girl turns 6 years old today!  Laurel is so much fun to watch turn into a perfect young lady.  She has more confidence in herself than most adults do.  She loves the people she loves with such passion.  Because Laurel is in half day kindergarten, she and Levi get to spend a lot of time with each other and they are the best of friends!  She is a great big sister....just the right mix of nurturing and bothersome toward him!  Laurel participated in her first organized sport this year (soccer) and proved that while she is a naturally talented athlete, if she doesn't want to do her best on a particular day, there is no amount of coaxing to get her to change her mind!  In school, she has plenty of friends to play with, but she still loves to be at home rather than anywhere else in the world.  Laurel loves hamburgers and dancing and playing in her bedroom with her brother and sister.  She does not like loud noises, sweets (other than ice cream), or walking to school in the rain.  She dissolves into tears if she is falsely accused or if an angry outburst comes out of her.  She is quick to react, but has a conscience that makes her feel bad for her initial reactions.  Laurel has the biggest heart, however, and is the first to try and make others feel better....whether it is running to get a Band-Aid or ice pack or making silly faces to someone who is sad.  She continues to amaze us with how quickly she grasps things....everything from basic addition and subtraction and reading, to different sports she tries, to helping around the house and in the garage with Daddy.  Laurel is so steady with her emotions.....her excitement is never as exuberant as her siblings, but she also doesn't seem to get as upset as they do.  She listens and obeys very well, and although she will complain about having to pick up her room, her results are sometimes better than if I were to pick up myself!  Laurel is one of the taller girls in her class, but is still very tiny and easy to pick up and cuddle with, which is something she loves!  We are so blessed to parent this super easy-going, loving, crazy, talented, beautiful little girl!  We love you so much Lolie Annie!

1. What is your favorite color?  Gold
2. What is your favorite toy?  Calico Critters and Barbies
3. What is your favorite fruit?  Watermelon
4. What is your favorite TV show?  Movie?  Super Hero Squad / How To Train Your Dragon 2
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch?  Sausage
6. What is your favorite outfit?  Rose shirt and grey pants
7. What is your favorite game?  Dominoes
8. What is your favorite snack?  Homemade granola bars
9. What is your favorite animal?  Reindeer
10. What is your favorite song?  One Direction and Let It Go
11. What is your favorite book?  Lego Friends comics
12. Who is your best friend?  Jessie
13. What is your favorite cereal?  Cinnamon Toast Crunch
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside?  Swim
15. What is your favorite drink?  Root beer
16. What is your favorite holiday?  Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night?  Rosie (stuffed bear) and Brownie (stuffed dog)
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?  Cereal
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday?  Hamburgers
20. What do you want to be with you grow up?  Work at a pizza shop