Zoo Day with the Holmgrens

Mindi is one of my friends that I can go months without talking or seeing her and when we get together its like we were never apart. We laugh, catch up, and just have a good time. We have been trying to go to the zoo for a while now...like we were going to go before Lexi was born and it didn't work out but now Lexi is 6 months old and we finally went today. Initially I was worried we would be so hot but it ended up being overcast and at some points a little cool for our summer wardrobe it really doesn't get much better than it was today weather wise. We all met just in time to eat lunch. After we attempted to eat between catching up and the kids just wanting to play we ventured out to see all the animals. After San Diego I was happy to have a zoo that we could easily walk in a couple hours. Here the kids all got to see how the elephants uses it sense of smell to communicate.

All the birdies in the bird nest

The silly birdies

The river otters are so cool and are really entertaining.

Hallie kept talking about how cranky the gorillas looked. I asked her to give me her best gorilla impression and this is what I ended up with.

I love these girls of mine and all the time I get to spend with them. 

We stopped at the splash pad before calling it a day just a some pretty dark storm clouds rolled in. Just as we got to the car it started to rain. I don't think we could have timed it any better. What a fun day playing and catching up with forever friends.

Playing with Cousins

Earlier this week Nic and I decided it was time to spent some time bonding together...lol. Not really we just decided to get together to visit and play. So Thursday after the Dr. we headed to Nic's house to do just that. Nic and I sat and enjoyed the sun while the kids played on the slide, n the sandbox, and jumped on the tramp. After a short time the tramp got to hot so we decided to add some water to the mix. Gracie and Kinley weren't all that interested but Hallie and Riggs had a blast. I have started trying to take more video since the girls love to watch them over and over. I also think its another way to capture life in the moment.

                                     

Then it was time for some lunch. After the kids ate we decided to play inside and "wind down." Isn't that obvious from the next picture....oh pillow fights aren't winding down to you??? But they had a good time anyways.

This is a picture of Hallie's hat from the restaurant the day before she had to take it to show Riggs. Then we headed for home happy and tired.

 After I got the girls down for naps I also got in a good nap(love days I get to nap). It was a good day. 

Hallie's Preschool Graduation

Wednesday was a busy day at our house. I ended up working 13 hours, Hallie had dance and a birthday party, and last but not least preschool graduation. Amy was great and made sure both girls were ready for the day and made sure Hallie got to her birthday party. I got home and got ready before picking Hallie up so we could get her ready to head to Bonneville High School. Wednesday evening Hallie graduated from Preschool Express. We were thrilled to have Joy join us to help celebrate and be part of Hallie's special day. They had a cute and short program.. First they sang a few songs. Hallie has been singing them around the house and attempting to teach them to Gracie for weeks now. It was so cute to hear all of them with all their actions. 

Then they had each child come up to receive their diploma. All of the kids had big smiles and you could tell they were all very excited, proud, and/or happy to be there.

Receiving her diploma from Ms. Angie

As each of the kids came through to receive their diploma Ms. Angie asked what each child wanted to be when they grow up. Hallie a couple nights prior to graduation was telling me that they each would have a chance to speak in the microphone to say what they wanted to be when they grew up. I asked her what she was going to say and she says, "A princess, but not just any princess, a fairy princess. And I hope some day when I'm older maybe I will grow wings so I can fly." I wasn't quite sure what to say but I got a good laugh out of it. So when it came her turn I wondered what she would say. When she was asked she said simply, "Elsa." Took a slight bow and continued to have her picture taken. Seriously so genuine and cute.

    Our little graduate

Hallie with Ms. Angie

This is Hallie's best friend from preschool. Her name is Millie and she is a common name talked about at our house. She is only 4 months older than Hallie but about a foot taller its quite comical to see them together.

And of coarse with the silly face

Our little graduate family

Afterward we all headed to Buffalo Wild Wings. A couple weeks ago we were talking about our schedule coming up and asked Hallie what or where she would like to eat after graduation. I really expected her to say chinese but instead she said Buffalo Wild Wings. Matt and I were thrown off a little but left it at that. Tuesday evening we once again were discussing plans for the following evening and once again asked Hallie where she wanted to eat and once again she said Buffalo Wild Wings so that is where we went. Gracie made herself right at home with Joy's coleslaw. This girl loves veggies in about any form.

After we ordered Hallie opened her gift from us. She received a bag of cotton candy(her favorite) and a sleeping beauty barbie. She was so excited. Then to add more excitement our waitress brought Hallie a custom made hat in purple and pink that said graduate Hallie and the entire restaurant congratulated her. the look on her face when they had her stand as they announced her name in the restaurant was priceless. Now for the so sad part....while Matt was uploading the pictures he accidentally deleted all the pictures from dinner:( Oh I was so sad but Matt has tried for days now to get them back with no luck. I am so sad! There were pictures of Joy with Hallie and both girls and selfie pictures of all of us. I have justified it by thinking it could have been worse and deleted all the pictures we had from that night. But aside from the picture mishap it was a great night spent celebrating this little smarty. We are so proud of the little girl she is and wants to be. Here's to many more years of loving education. 

My 2 Favorite Girls

While I was getting a last day of preschool pic of Hallie she insisted on having pictures with Gracie and also of Gracie alone. 

Hallie attempted to pose Gracie as I just stood by and waited for her to let me know she was ready. Gracie was so funny and acted really excited to be a part of a photo shoot Hallie had put together for her. It was all quite comical and cute at the same time.

I wish I could only show and express how much these 2 really love each other. The other day I heard them laughing hysterically in the kitchen I went out to see them "wrestling" on the kitchen rug. They did this for a good 5 minutes before they even noticed I was watching.

Preschool Start to End

This is Hallie's picture from the 1st day of preschool back in Aug

And this is this week on the last day of Preschool

I love to look back and see how much she has grown and changed. I had very mixed feelings about her finishing preschool. She is so excited for kindergarten and is completely ready for it. I'm so excited for her to move on and continue to learn and grow but so sad to watch this little girl that made me a mom grown up.

Performing Arts Day 2014

Every year a couple weeks before the recital Chalee sets up the performing arts day to give the kids some practice before the actual recital. After a morning full of her last soccer game, yard work, and nap time Hallie was super excited to get all dressed up and head to her performance. I can't believe how big our little girl is getting. She looks so grown up all dressed up. Isn't she beautiful...inside and out? 

 Matt started his weekend class so it was just the girls and I before the show. Hallie really wanted a picture with her sister. Words can't explain how much these 2 love each other and it melts my heart. Gracie completely looks up to Hallie and wants to do everything she does.

Just as we got to the amphitheater she told me she was nervous she wouldn't remember her dance. I told her to do her best and that would be enough. She gave me a huge hug, told me she loved me, and went to line up with her class. I want her to realize that no matter what she does with life as long as she does her best I will be so proud of her and will love her always. A couple of our neighbors girls dance with the same company and they were nice enough to save us some seats. Shortly after the show started Matt showed up having ditched the last half hour of class. I was so glad he had made it and in plenty of time before Hallie performed. Gracie was so good. It was hot in the sun and very little shade to hide under. She was content to sit on my lap and eat snacks while being mesmerized by the dancers and music.

Once Hallie got on stage her smile never left her face. Set in her starting position.

Her final pose....couldn't be more perfect look at that smile and those straight little arms!! So in love with her

 Her whole class and teachers

After she was able to leave her class she ran over and hugged me she said "Mom I did it! I did my best and I remembered the dance! I did it!" We couldn't be any more proud of her and the little girl she is and is becoming. I'm so proud to be her mom. Here is the video of her performance. I was really impressed she remembered a lot more than she did last year and has improved.

After the show we did some visiting with our neighbors while the kids played or more like climbed

 Gracie was being so silly and full of giggles it was hard to get her to focus so here are the family pictures we got....feeling so blessed!

 Then it was off to grab some dinner we were all starving seeing as it was after 7pm. One of our neighbors(the lindsey's) invited us to dinner at Pizza Pie Cafe. The food was good but the company was great. Our family mostly knows Cierra, their oldest, from her babysitting our girls but we found we have a lot in common and had plenty to talk about. The kids became fascinated with the amazing balloon artist and were antsy waiting for their turn to ask for the animal they wanted. Gracie wanted a caterpillar...ok...but she was super excited about it. It was even perfect size for her to tuck under her arm and carry it around 

 Hallie and Olivia both wanted ponies they turned out really cute and the kids were thrilled with them.

 And of coarse the silly face...lol

I was a great day/evening spent making memories and new friends. Matt and I feel so blessed to have 2 healthy and wonderful kids. Hallie did such a great job and we couldn't be prouder of her. Hopefully this is the beginning of many more years of dance performances and making new friends.

Soccer & Vanilla

With spring soccer coming to a close(Hallie played her last game Saturday)we finally found a good deal on some soccer goals. We have been looking for some since the season started and last week KSL ran a deal so we jumped at the opportunity to buy some. Im not sure who was more excited Matt or the girls. We are excited to use them and get Hallie more ready for soccer next season.

Team soccer picture

 On to another topic...back in October I saw an article about vanilla and the varying qualities out there on the market. After reading it I became interested in finding out how to make my own vanilla. I did quite a bit of research, found a recipe, and put my plan into action. I ordered the bottles and vanilla beans online and all that was left was to get the alcohol. Funny enough I decided to take the girls with me to the liquor store I had no idea what to expect but it went fine. What was really comical was when I told Matt....pretty priceless.

I originally started them in October to possibly use them for Christmas but after doing more research I found the longer it sets the better so I decided to let them sit longer. It has now been 6 months and from what I'm told it is fabulous. I have never made and don't claim to be an expert but I will totally do it again. Key to success with this is patience!!!