slumber-less slumber party and more

Lexi turned 7 on September 5, school began a few days later, so we decided to hold off on her friend party until the year was a little more established and she could pass out invites. So, we had her slumber party-friend birthday party a few weeks later...

Here she is all ready to party!
She and I. (thanks to Kyler for snapping this)

Ari Jade.

I surprised her with her cake. When I was 7, I had a ballerina cake and my first slumber party, so this was special to me to pass down. I explained my reasoning to her (plus, she is taking ballet) and she seemed to really enjoy the meaning (Kyler did, too).

One layer was strawberry, one was funfetti and they were covered with home made whipped cream.

Ready for friends arrivals.

I was surprised Ari left the hat on long enough for me to snap this.

Pizza time.

(Some of the photos turned out too dark, but these girls were too busy to let me get a good shot.)
Present time!

Such cute girls!

Sasha and Rylee playing with Arilyn through the window. Ari loved having a house full of girls!

One friend only stayed for a few hours, the other 3 spent the night.

Facials and nail painting! The girls were acting spooky here, lol.

The next morning--cinnamon rolls and Mexican hot cocoa. Yum!

The slumber party was a hit! I think all of the girls had a blast, I know Lexi did as she exclaimed it was "the best day of her life!" Of course, sleep was sparse that night--but that is to be expected. All of the girls played wonderfully together and were cracking me up all night. Lexi is already planning next year's slumber party. Thanks to the moms for letting us borrow their girls for the night.

Ari is a crazy climber. She climbs toys, furniture, people, etc. She climbed in the dishwasher as I was unloading it. She was so proud of herself!

My little ballerina on her way to dance. Thanks Sam for her dance bag--she loves it!

Trying a fun new hair style.

On Saturday Kyler had 2 soccer games. He tried SO hard and did so well. I couldn't be any more proud of him!

They were exhausted...2 games in the 80+ degree heat. Poor guy. He played his heart out and was really happy with himself.

Arilyn is a walker! It's hard to believe in less than 2 weeks she will be 1. Where has this time gone? It's been an amazing year, to say the least.

Happy fall everyone!

Soccer!

Saturday September 10. Kyler's first soccer game. The Kickerz vs The Aliens.


Kyler is number 7, which is the number Jared always used. As team parent I was able to grab it, in hopes it would be special to Jared and Kyler.




They didn't win, but showed a ton of improvement throughout the game. Most importantly, they all had fun and tried hard.

Arilyn discovered her belly button!


Kyler was able to do the school flag put up and take down on Friday. I asked him if it would embarrass him if I came to take pictures. Luckily he said no.

Back to school!

First day of 4/5th grade and 1st grade! September 7, 2011.

Alexia--1st grade, 7 years old.
Kyler, 4/5th grade blend, 9 years old.
Walking in fear-less!
When they returned, Ari was so excited to see them! She misses them everyday they are off at school.
I have to say how proud I am of these kiddos. They do so wonderfully at school and I couldn't ask for more. Here's to a wonderful school year!!

Lexi's 7th birthday!

Lexi's birthday started with our special birthday breakfast of choice. This year she chose blueberry muffins, fruit salad and Mexican hot chocolate.
Her birthday balloons and very own mini rose bush.

She decides to spend her day at a local pool:
Ari munching on a cracker.


On the way home, she and Kyler got to ride with grandpa with the top down.
Present time!



Cake time! Her cake was a simple triple chocolate Bundt cake (sugar-free for my dad). I will make her fancy cake next week for her friend party-sleep over.
Giving grandpa kisses

Singing on her new microphone.
Thanks Endos!

Hard to believe our sweet Alexia is 7! She is such a joy to have and we are truly blessed. Thanks to those who helped make her day special, it means a lot. Next weekend she will have her friend party/slumber party. She is so excited! Here's to a beautiful 7th year to a truly beautiful girl. We love you, Lexi!!