Acutal Birthday Party

We almost always keep the birthday party fun going at our house.  Since we rarely get to have our parties on our actual birthdays, we almost always end up having two celebrations.  I mean, really, how can you pass up planning something special on your ACTUAL birthday?  So, just the family headed to Chuck-E-Cheese and Red Brick Oven for dinner and entertainment. 

Aaron's and my gift to Aaris was something she had requested after reading a book titled the same way: "Yes Day."  So, the concept of the book, and therefore her day, was that no matter what the kids requested the parents had to say "Yes."  Thank goodness I have a girl who would never ask for something that I would say no to.  The only thing she did that was different than normal was that she ate whatever she wanted including sugar.  She's been sugar free for about 5 months so it was a super huge treat for her.  She loved it, and I loved her loving it.

 singing "Head Shoulder Knees and Toes" with Chucky"

 Picking up free tickets thrown by Chucky

 Oh, the simple joy of being able to read her birthday cards all by herself

 New hat from Mamaw and Poppy

 New craft kit from Titus and Skylyn

 Yummy Pizza

 7 Shaped Birthday Cake

 Make your wish

Happy Girl

Can't believe my precious baby girl is 7 years old!

Aaris' Flip Flop 7th Birthday Party

Aaris wanted to have her party some place different this year besides our house.  Thinking like her parents, she did her best to think of some place that wouldn't cost a lot but that would be super fun.  We came up with the Splash Park at Brushy Creek which is a really fun free park!  We sent out her fun invitations and brainstormed for cute decorating ideas.  A flip flop cake was a must with three different flavors of cake.  We also make a home-made pinata.  Pick up a couple of flip flop plates, some balloons and some umbrella straws and you have yourself a party.  Oh, and the most fun idea:  Darling $1 pairs of flip flops from H-E-B!  The day was hot, so the water was a hit.  Popsicles cooled us all off after the pinata.  Oh, and I must say that we had the best party spot using Aaron's newest business venture, POW Trailer (http://www.facebook.com/pages/POW-Promos-On-Wheels/209636372401475#!/pages/POW-Promos-On-Wheels/209636372401475?closeTheater=1) which stands for Party/Promos On Wheels.

Titus' End of the Year Concert

At the end of the year Titus' preschool class had a concert to perform some songs they had been practicing in music class.  Titus is not quite the performer Aaris is.  He's more interested finding Mommy in the audience and shooting me big smiles.  He's a treasure and every day I find myself in awe that God gave that perfect little boy to Aaron and I.

 Titus leaning over and looking down the row to make sure I was watching him

"Orange" you just as sweet as can be Mr. Titus!

First Dentist Appointment

At the beginning of May Aaris had her first dentist appointment.  She was filled with excitement with a tad bit of nervousness thrown in.  The dentist noticed that Aaris' upper bite was smaller than her lower bite.  She had the on site orthodontist swing by to take a look.  He said he saw nothing of concern.  Whoosh!  I saw flashbacks to my extensive orthopedic experiences. 

Mother Daughter Banquet '11

Our church held it's second annual Mother/Daughter Banquet.  The theme this year was Flip Flops and Lollipops.  Unfortunately the banquet started right as our soccer game ended.  So, we wiped off the sweat, pulled the hair back and did a quick change.  Our fondest memory will probably be when we got to design and decorate our own flip flops.  So much fun with my first born!

First Girl Scout Camp

At the end of March Aaris's Daisy Girl Scout Troop attended their first area wide Girl Scout Overnight Camp.  For two nights we all slept in bunkbeds in a lodge at the camp.  Not much sleep was to be had with a bunch of giddie girls all together on the top bunks in one big room, but the experience was well worth it.  The girls were able to ride horses, try science experements, climb a rock wall, make a pudding delight for the entire camp, and lead an all inclusive performance of "There's a Hole in My Bucket."  We are blessed with a great group of girls and an equally great group of moms.  I look forward to watching these girls grow up together.

My Proudest Moment:  There were only two Daisy Troops at the camp.  The Daisy troops were in charge of saying the Blessings before each meal.  Except for one meal, Aaris ended up being the only Daisy girl who was confident enough to be encharge of leading a prayer at the meals.  Now, that is what makes this Mama think that her girl is grasping the important things in life. 

P.S. Even some of us moms to a shot at climbing the rock wall as well.  Can anyone guess who let her competitive side shine through?

The girls in our lodge

 Aaris so silly upside down

 Ready to ride

Us Mom's had to gear up to be safe in the horse arena

I'm in the hat, helping to lead the experiment

Chow Time

In her climbing gear and up for the challenge

Mom, can I make it?  YES, you can!

The only one in her troup to make it all the way to the bell at the top

Proudly ringing the bell

Jumping off with joy all the way down

Okay, I couldn't turn down the challenge

Adet and I worked together all the way to the top

It felt AMAZING to feel strength in my body again

Killing time between activities

Bubbles anyone?

Our girls leading the entire camp in a rendition of "There's a Whole in My Bucket."

Each troop was asked to make a treat to share with the camp.  Our girls made "Dirt Pudding" which was a hit since we're the only ones who didn't make Smores. 

Camp Group Shot