Kalyn Turns FIVE

Baby Jack. Our favorite little Jack in the world. He's a JT, too. :)

Kalyn is Luci's bestest friend.  Luci is 11 months older than Kalyn, so for one month of the year they share the same age.  Luci made a card for Kalyn and dictated this (among other things), "Now you are getting older like me."

Friday night was the big party.  Luci and I both had a great time.

Luci and Kalyn

Getting ready for a fun ride

That little car jets across the whole store!

I wondered if usually-timid Luci would like this ride:

What do you think?  Did she like it?

Kalyn invited Luci to help her. This year, Luci actually let Kalyn open her own presents. A big relief to me!

Busy Saturday

First, JT had a pre-test for his black belt. Test, JT! Test!

Then we had a Chinese New Year lunch with our Families with Children from China group. There were 9 girls and one boy present, all from China, among other siblings and family and friends.

Our newest treasure, who came home in January. Here she is with her proud mama.

The line-up.

Giggly girls.

Luci and Kalyn getting silly during lunch.

JT brought his diabolo (Chinese yo-yo) and demonstrated it for everyone. It was a big hit. This little cutie kept trying to make the diabolo work.

Luci noticed these gorgeous clouds and had me come take a picture. This was at sunset.

That was not the end of the day--JT and John played paintball in the field by our house. JT's in this picture, oh-so-far away. Look near the big bush in the middle of the shot. Our house is on the far right.

John hunkered down...

and hidden by the trees.

Ready to shoot at my baby.

JT with his paint ball gear...

and ready to shoot back at his daddy.

Thirty Days of Thanks...

Today's spotlight is on the LIBRARY. Our town re-built the library sometime between JT's birth and Luci coming. Not sure exactly when that transition took place, but wow, it is gorgeous now. Luci has her "school" there once a week. Mrs. Jessica has programs for children of all ages during the week. I am thankful for Mrs. Jessica and her preschool program. Jessica is a natural teacher--it is obvious she loves the children and what she does, and the kids love her, too. Here are some highlights from yesterday.
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The letter of the day was I. Luci brought a Christmas tree ornament with Idaho on it. She was the only one with Idaho! It's fun to try to find things that are unique for the letter of the day.
Singing is part of the fun--and yes, there are 4 big trees "growing" in the middle of the children's section! Really lovely.
Luci showing everyone her item of the day.
After the show-and-tell portion, the children get a little booklet to color, all about the letter of the day.
Of course, one of the best parts of the library time is getting to be with Kalyn and Jack! Here's JT with Jack. JT is so good with him--he followed Jack all around, keeping Jack out of trouble and out of harm's way.

Waiting for My Prince....

They were really waiting for the Beast. (You know, of Beauty and the Beast.) I'm glad he didn't show up! Kalyn and her mom Kathy and little brother Jack came to visit on Tuesday. This photo was taken around 10:30 am--it was very dark and dreary day. Luci finally getting to hold Baby Jack. Yes, that's his name. "Baby Jack." Just ask Luci. He is so cute and happy. Kathy, you have a real joy-bringer!

Luci tasting lime juice. I had to take a picture of her reaction.

Birthday Party!!!!!

Woo-Hoo, Kalyn had a Princess Birthday Party today! Luci has been excited all week. The invitation is nearly worn out from Luci toting it around the house and re-reading it. Here are some shots from the party. Kathy, I need to get some good shots of Jack. The photos I took came out fuzzy. (Maybe I should wear my glasses all the time, then I'd notice before I get home.)

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An explanation of a few photos: I tried my best to get Luci to take a nap this afternoon. She would have nothing of it, and fell asleep on the way to Kathy and Greg's house. Luci and Kalyn have this ritual of a huge hug at the end of every visit. Tonight was no exception. It is a mixture of a hug and a tackle.

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Since it was a Princess Party, Luci wore her Snow White dress. Kalyn had on a gorgeous Cinderella dress that I'm sure Grandma Millie made. The girls have a blast with each other. Kathy and Greg, thank you for the fun evening. We can't wait to see you on Tuesday morning!

For Nana and Papa:

Fun with Kalyn

The pictures say it all!

Us, Lately

This week has been fun and busy. Kathy and Greg came for supper Friday and brought their kids Kalyn and Jack. Kalyn and Luci had a ball being princesses. Jack mugged it up for John--K&G, Jack is gorgeous!

Luci found John's old helmet and we all got silly.

My anniversary/birthday present is a vegetable garden, all tilled and planted. We are going to get plants tomorrow. John worked so hard this morning tilling our rocky soil. I appreciate John so much--he is a hard worker and wants to do all he can here before the second half of this trip starts.

Kalyn!

We got to spend lots of time with Kathy, Kalyn and Jack this week. Luci and I both loved it. Here the girls are on Friday. Dressed up and taking care of babies. I love that expression on Kalyn's face! She was making faces for me all day. Luci's feet look backwards.

I'm getting married!

Luci and Kalyn at McDonald's. This was the only time they were still the entire time we were there.

Baby Jack. He is a smiler! He has tons of personality.

JT and Luci at Redstone Thursday. Luci rarely hugs the boys, so JT told me to get the camera out, quick!

Library Fun

We finished up a reading program at the library this week. The preschoolers had a Snowman reading program and added parts to their snowmen with each 4 books they had read to them. Here are some shots from this week.
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Kalyn and Luci at the party (Thursday). Luci next to her snowman (Wednesday).

Singing "A Tooty-Ta-Ta". The girls refused to give up their chair!

Luci really gets into this song!

So funny!