Dynamic Duo

For the first time ever, Aubrie and Ellie were able to play on the same soccer team!

These girls have both been playing soccer since they were tiny, but with three kids playing all at the same time at different fields across town and Dave coaching Teyah, we were unsure we could have them all play this year. So, we received permission to have Ellie play up with Aubrie.

It took Aubrie a while to process the fact that she was the oldest on the team and wasn't sure if that meant she wasn't 'good' at soccer. But once she got over that, they both had the funnest time!

Interesting to note the height differences at this age! Check out Ellie (No. 2) and the white No. 10!

Ellie is definitely a striker! She sure knows how to score!

We aren't sure they will ever get to play on the same team again, but it was a memorable, fun and convenient experience!

Enjoy their little highlight video.

Lighting the sky for a special friend

Recently, a good church friend of Aubrie's (and who also happens to be her piano teacher's daughter) was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma (a kind of bone cancer). Aubrie and Ellie have both been so worried about their friend and immediately wanted to do something to help. Selling Kool-Aid and  then donating the money to Anya was completely their idea.

The same night of the Kool-Aid sale, the community that Anya lives in put together a special evening to celebrate and support Anya.

Everyone in attendance purchased a lantern, and we all lit them at nearly the same time. The heat causes the lanterns to float --just like in the movie "Rapunzel!"

The wind, weather and evening were perfect, and it was a beautiful, spiritual experience. It was a sight I have never before seen, watching all the beautiful lanterns gently bob to the heavens.

This evening happened just as Anya was starting her first round of chemo. Cancer is ugly, and it is frustrating that a sweet 9-year-old should have to even know what cancer is. We are all learning through her experiences. Nearly every prayer said at our house includes Anya. Our heart's ache for the trials this sweet family has to endure. I hate cancer!! But for one summer night, the hope and light of a community seemed to completely overcome the pain and fears of these events.

Ellie the American Idol

For weeks, we were treated to several mini performances by Ellie of "You're a Grand Old Flag" in preparation for her big spring performance at school.

Days before the big performance, she had her special patriotic outfit picked out and ready to go.

Although Aubrie is usually the one to take center stage and grab the spotlight, this was Ellie's special day and she did not disappoint.

Kyler enjoyed the performance as well, but not as much as he enjoyed gathering up everyone's guest "musical" label badges.

Happy sandwich

 

A little Saturday morning sibling fun never hurt anyone!

One, two, three... everyone pile on me!

Four, five, six ... Quick take the pix!

Seven, eight, nine... Get off, you are breaking my spine!

Photo fun

Dave and I don't have a whole lot of pictures of the two of us together as of late. One of us is usually the photographer and the camera is generally aimed at the kiddos. So, when we were made the official photographers for a church dance for adults, we made sure to get a few pics of ourselves!

And we snapped a few of some friends in our church congregation who were in attendance.

Can't forget the dip.

The purpose of this post is to show that we actually do exist as a couple!

We just celebrated our 12th anniversary! For some reason a dozen years of marriage seems like a very long time! It has been an eventful and wonderful 12 years!

Birthday Treasures

Best birthday ever! I love these birthday treasures from my kids! Notice the "trofy" for "best mom ever." I also loved the 'bouquet' of flowers in the middle of the picture. Of course the leftover easter candies from our pantry are always a treat too.

I love the random Post-it note and label that I can take off the card and use as I wish.:))

The poems are always special too. My kids love acrostic poems and write them whenever they have an opportunity. The free verse: "Everything I speak is true! I love you, my family does too. Without you, there's nothing to do. If you want, I can buy you a shoe! Cow's go moo!"

I love being in my 30s, with a wonderful husband and four beautiful children who love me unconditionally!

Happy Easter

Easter is one of our favorite family holidays as it reminds us of the hope that we can be with each other for the eternities because of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

This year was especially fun as we were treated to a Grandma Taggart visit.

The highlight of Saturday was the annual dyeing of the Easter eggs. Kyler is looking extra suspicious in this picture!

Aubrie was all business as she attempted the perfect look for her eggs.

Here are this year's beautiful results! These kids are getting so good at decorating eggs!

Not quite sure what caused this reaction! In real life this look comes when they are trying to be weird. Perhaps they are just reacting to one of Dad's 'great' jokes.

Forced smile...

The annual Easter egg hunt was extra fun this year because of all the new hiding places in our new house.

This year saw the introduction of the first ever "boy" Easter egg basket. Kyler loved his Spiderman basket. (Notice the still unpacked boxes in the background ... ughh.)

Here is the sweet big sister in her Easter Sunday best. 

The cute middle sister...

The darling little sister....

And....Kyler...."Kyler! Look here! Stop playing with your candy Kyler...Kyler look up for a second." No chance on getting his attention away from the huge supply of candy on his level!

We are so grateful for these precious children that our family has been blessed with. Every Easter we are filled with such happiness, hope, and gratitude that Easter brings.