Workin' in the yard...

Do you know how much I HATE working in the yard? If you asked any of our neighbors they would tell you I must love it, based on how much I have been out working in it lately...but no. We really neglected getting it in order in the Fall...and we have paid for that dearly this year! I FINALLY got started about two weeks ago. I have spent about 20 hours so far...and I am finally done!!!!!! First I got all of the weeds pulled...put bags and bags of dirt in all of the beds...and bought flowers to fill in the all empty spots. It has been so much work...but now it is worth it! We figure if the girls and I spend about an hour a week pulling weeds, that should keep it looking great. We also purchased all new cushions for our outdoor furniture...that was crazy! We had to replace 22 cushions! YIKES!!!
McKenna had drivers ed this morning, so Courtney was my only helper. She really wanted to plant the last of the flowers herself... You can't see them yet, but there are white and purple flowers in all of the gaps between the rocks that grow and spread really fast. It is beautiful within a few weeks!

Courtney trying to gross me out with a worm...

Clever girl is using one of the old outdoor cushions while she plants...

First dig the hole...then put in some plant food...

Put in a little water...

Then add a beautiful plant and "tuck it in"...

The waterfall...

Along the side of the house...

A view of the side of the house from the other direction...looking down from the front into the backyard...

The front flower bed....

My helper and her bestie... crazy as always...

A view of our front walk... from the driveway up to the front door...

A view of the yard from the deck... A tiny back flower bed...

A view of the deck and new furniture...

Same...

A view at the end by our bedroom...

A view of the waterfall and firepit from that end of the deck....

Now that the work is done... it is time to party in our yard and our deck!!!!!

Courtney's Piano Recital June 2011

Today was Courtney's first piano recital. She would have performed in December...but we were at Disneyland. She LOVES piano. If she could only do one thing, this would be it! A close up of her cuteness! Grandma and Grandpa King came with us...again a big thanks to them. They really support our kids in everything they do, and it means so much to them!

She played two songs...and did Great on both!

A final shot of her playing. Dan had a tough time getting close and having the lighting be just right... but she looks beautiful! Nice work Courtney! We love that you are finding and developing your talents!

We are really excited because McKenna was finally able to start last week too. Courtney's teacher finally had an opening! Next recital we will get to have both of our girls perform!

The Last Day of School! June 2011

Unfortunately, I was REALLY sick on the last two days of school this year. On the final morning Harvest Elementary had a "dance festival" and each grade performed for all of the parents. McKenna finished school on Wednesday, so Friday morning she headed up to the school in my place to support Courtney. What other 15 year old would volunteer to do that?! Courtney is the one with the pink hat on... She was SO HAPPY Kenna came to watch! This is Courtney's BEST TEACHER EVER! Mr. Larson made 4th grade the one Courtney will NEVER forget. Not only was he organized and tough...but he was kind and fun too! A huge thank you from a grateful mother!!!!! She was sad to have school end this year... that says it all!

Summer here we come! Bring on the fun!!!!!

Let's Dance! May 2011

McKenna and Courtney have both been taking a "Hip Hop" dance class this year. The both loved their classes and couldn't wait to show us what they had been working on... Here is Courtney dressed and ready to go! Showing off skills! This is called a "stall"...

At the performance... she is the one with her leg up really high and straight... nice work Courtney!

She is the one in the middle...

McKenna's class during the performace...

They were REALLY good!

Kenna was one of only a couple in her class that could do a "stall" too...

After the show...

Grandma and Grandpa King with the girls. We appreciate them so much! They come to everything!!!

Courtney and her best friend Camilla. We were so excited that she was able to come too! It meant so much to Courtney!

A picture of us with the girls...

Afterwards, we dropped McKenna off at a birthday party and took grandma and grandpa to lunch at Texas Roadhouse! What a fun day!

Courtney even performed for the waitress! Love that confidence! Nice work Kenna and Court!

Courtney Choir Concert: May 2011

Tonight Courtney was able to perform in her school choir concert. She worked hard all year, but missed the December concert because we were at Disneyland. She was so excited to show us all of the fun songs they had been working on. Grandma and Grandpa King came and we squished into our car for the 20 second ride to the school... Ready to sing! Isn't she adorable?!

"Radio Kydz"...

The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy...

It was a really fun evening and we are so proud of all of her hard work. A big thanks to Harvest Elementary and Mrs. Cox!

4th Grade "TREK"

In May, Courtney's 4th grade teacher Mr. Larson put together a "Pioneer Trek" for all of the 4th graders at her school. He did an amazing job....and the kids loved it! Courtney of course volunteered me to go...and I am glad I did. Here she is with one of her favorite friends as we were preparing to go... These two boys were incredible. They really stepped up the entire time. We tried to rotate the kids, but they wanted to pull most of the time. (Thank goodness!) We rode the bus from our school to this school and headed out with authentic handcarts...

The first part was on residential roads... not too tough at this point...

Then we headed down a dirt road, down into a ravine, and through a river. We ended up in this meadow where we spent the day. We had lunch and played pioneer games...

My cute little pioneer Courtney...

On the way back...

It was a LONG day....but fun! The bus ride home was a lot quieter than the ride to the event. The kids were beat! I really appreciate Mr. Larson for being such an amazing teacher and going above and beyond all year long.

McKenna...

Why do I look like this?... Because Kenna can now do THIS!!!!!!

Is it possible that I have a daughter old enough to get her learners permit?! Today we went to the DMV and she passed the test... on her first try! Most people want to know how many they can miss and still pass... she was worried she wouldn't get a 100%... need I say more? I decided on the way home to take her up to the Stake Center to practice for about 30 minutes, and then let her drive to the school so we could pick up Courtney. I of course took over when Courtney came out, but it was fun to see the look on her face when she saw Kenna behind the wheel!

She is really excited because she gets my car in on her birthday... she looks great in it!

Nice work Kenna baby! I look forward to sending you on errands in a few months!