Kindergarten, Hooray!!

This day has come ... and now past. I can't believe Annika started Kindergarten already. She was so excited because it meant the bus, the big school, and a new adventure. She loves her teacher, Mrs. Haeckler, and is meeting new friends. Every morning, we race down the street for the bus and it's a thrill every day. The kids run around the tree while waiting, then they cheer for the bus, say good-byes, blow kisses, and wave out the window. Annika is five and growing up so fast. Now, we just need to work on her listening skills .... but that's another post.

Cookies for HAITI

Every year my Dad asks his kids to do some type of service project for his birthday. He doesn't want a gift, just for us to serve others. So, I wrote down a few ideas we could do as a family. I got one idea from Andy's cousin who did this a while ago. Cookies for Haiti. I explained to Annika what this meant. At first she was confused. She thought we were going to sell cookies for "Katie" (her friend across the street.) Then, I showed her pictures of the earthquake and we talked about the aftermath. I told her that they are so hungry that people are eating mud cookies! Of course this was the project Annika wanted to do. So, we took advantage of our community garage sale last weekend and sold the cookies. Annika and her friend helped make the signs. I baked a ton of cookies. Annika wore her princess dress and we were ready to raise some money. She did everything -- collect the money, pass out the cookies, and wave like a princess when cars passed. Annika raised $23 in a few hours. She did great! I know a lot of kids in Haiti will be grateful for her hard work and people's compassion.

I LOVE READING!

A few weeks back, Annika had an awards night for preschool. She received a trophy for being an ABC Super Reader! Her goal at the beginning of the year was to read 10 books. In February, she was given her first BOB books. Annika was to read an assigned book at home and then when she could fluently read it, bring it back to read to the teacher. Annika didn't read 10, she read 32!! We are so proud of her. Way to go Annika!! Annika is definitely ready for Kindergarten. (The above picture is of her with her two teachers.)

True Love

I just had to post this picture. Isn't this the cutest? They are Andy's Grandparents who live in Utah. Andy received the photo from an Aunt. I find it very endearing. (The photo is better when enlarged.)

The Grilling "Incident"

I was so excited for dinner tonight. No matter rain or shine, I was going to try a new recipe on the grill tonight. I was excited because it was so simple and the picture looked good. It reminded me of our girls camp tinfoil dinners we would do with the hamburger patty and potatoes and carrots, but better. Smoked turkey sausage, peppers, carrots, onion, potatoes, fresh herbs, etc. Wrapped them up and I then waited for Andy to get home from a meeting. I waited and waited, but couldn't wait any longer. In my head I thought, "What's the big deal? I don't need to wait for him to start the grill." So, I put up my hood (drizzling rain) and turned on the propane. The light trigger is broken so I had to use a lighter. I didn't think I was too close to the grill, but quickly found out I was. Poof! A ball of fire and the smell of burnt hair, which smells awful by the way. I quickly touched my hair and the "oh, no!" feeling came over me. I went straight for the bathroom mirror and started to laugh. What else was I going to do?? I ran my fingers through my singed hair several times and bits of burnt hair fell in the sink. The flame got my bangs, front sides, and right eyebrow (luckily no other damage). Andy came home and couldn't stop looking, and laughing. I quickly called Stacie, a friend who is a hairdresser, to help me. She saw me that night and did a great job fixing the damage. I wasn't planning on cutting my hair short, but it had to be done. She took 2 inches off, trimmed the eyebrows, and the bangs are short and thinned. I just have to laugh, and be thankful that hair does grow back. It looks great and no one would know ... unless they read this blog. : ) Oh, and by the way, dinner was delicious!

Mothers Day Weekend

Mothers Day weekend was fun and beautiful. My request was to spend time as a family and we had a great weekend. Saturday I got to sleep-in until 8 a.m. then we headed to the zoo. Annika got to ride a camel and we fed the birds. I was amazed how well Gavin did holding the stick for the birds, but knew I couldn't trust him long when he started poking at a bird on a tree stump. After the zoo we went to the Tacoma waterfront and ate ice cream cones on the pier. Then, off to dinner and ballet pictures. Sunday was nice and relaxing. Went to church, took an afternoon nap, and spent the evening at Uncle Ned's for a family dinner. No cooking, cleaning, or diapers to change (on Sunday). I think once a month should be mothers day instead of once a year!

Ballerina

This is mainly for Grandma Merrill so she can see Annika. She is wearing her costume for her performance in June. Pictures were today so I thought I would take some of my own too.