Rindlisbachers

We love when family comes to visit.  My kids look forward to it and never want our visitors to go home.

This was definitely the case when The Rindlisbachers visited us a couple of weeks ago.  Amy fearlessly bundled all four kids into the car and made the trek down here.  That is no small feat especially when the oldest is 7 years old and the youngest is 4 months old!    Steve had to be out of town for a week and she was on her own. I am so proud of her.  There is something great about being able to accomplish traveling on your own.  It allows you so much more freedom.

While Amy and the kids were here, we swam and swam and then swam twice on one day and then probably swam a little more.  All thanks to Ted and Debbie.  They are so generous in extending their pool to us. 

We hung out at home, played some games, and swam.  We didn’t do any other outings with the kids.  It was probably the most low-key get together that we have ever done. 

And it was awesome!

Some of the kids took a minute to decide how much they really wanted to jump in.

Other kids decided that even though it’s a pool, there is no reason that water should touch your face!

There were a few moments of despair.

But all in all the kids got along great and really had fun with each other.

Brooke is doing so good swimming.  And she loved that Aunt Debbie took time with her and helped her really get it.  I think Brooke’s swimming confidence level really improved.

Proof of a lot of swimming!

And squishy little adorable Ryan like it too.  It was so bright for this poor little baby that it was easier for him to keep his eyes only partially open.  I love his rolls!

I am really glad that they came because I didn’t feel like I knew Ryan very well.  The last time I saw him, he was 2 weeks old.

He is still such a good little baby.  I loved it every time I got him to smile. That is actually very hard to capture on camera- especially when you are laughing at him laughing, all while holding the camera one handed!

(See what I mean? great smile-blurry pic!)

But I just love slobbery fat little baby fingers!

By the end of the trip we were best buds. We can’t wait till we get to the see them again next month in Utah.

The Fourth.

The first couple of days of July are always busy ones around here.  We just finished Allie’s birthday and then we get to have another party the very next day.

Grandma Johnson had 3 extra tickets to watch the Summerlin Parade so the day started with Paul, the girls and Grandma at the parade.

We had a BBQ at Grandma’s house later that afternoon.  The kids always love going there in the afternoon/evening because usually the golfers are off the golf course and they can explore the hills behind her house.

We were watching Ted and Debbie’s  dogs for them while they were out of town so we swung by to visit them again on our way home.

People really get in to firework displays in our part of town and even though it wasn’t quite dark, there was plenty of people already starting.

Poor dogs were not liking it at all.  There were a few overhead loud fireworks and one of the dogs got kind of worked up.  We sent the kids into the house so we could secure the dog run and make sure the dogs would be safe.

They were not happy that they couldn’t be out with the doggies.  They were really scared for them.  One of the dogs was hiding between the wall and ac unit.  I think it was a long night for them.

On the way home, Paul drove over closer to one of the hotels that he knew would be having a good show.  These 3 liked it.  Cass stayed in the car.  That was close as she needed to be.

Then we had our own little show at home.

What a cute little winker!

She was trying to be much braver at home…..at the top of the drive way, no where near the fireworks!

She did however take a liking to the sparklers.

We sure are proud to be Americans and we love the Fourth of July!

Allie

We celebrated Allie’s birthday at the beginning of the month.  I was particularly excited about this birthday because of a special surprise Paul and I had for her.  Turning 11 is a very big deal!

Because this was supposed to be our off year for friend birthday parties, we were just going to do something small, with maybe a friend or two.  However, in the days leading up to her birthday I could see some serious emotional issues going on with this soon to be birthday girl.  I couldn’t put my finger on it exactly.  It was just that I knew something was bothering her and it was showing in her overall attitude.  How could I tell, you wonder?  MODINESS!  What?  Isn’t that not to be for at least another year?  Apparently not!  Poor thing didn’t even know herself what was going on.  Finally on the day before her birthday, we had a really big blow up and everything came to a head.  I spent close to 45 minutes (much to her total dismay) sitting with her and trying to talk with her in her room. 

But we were finally able to talk about some of the things she was feeling and had a really good talk.  I feel like it was really important that this happened because I am POSITIVE that this is just the beginning of things to come.  Heck- there are still plenty of times that I can’t quite put my finger on why I am feeling certain ways.   It’s just the beginning for her.

So we put some plans in motion, called a small handful of friends, did a really late night run to Wal Mart for supplies and we got ready for a party.

We spent her birthday day getting everything ready for her party.  But not before she got her surprise.

Allie opened one of the gifts and found a couple of pairs of pierced earrings.  She looked very confused because she doesn’t have her ears pierced and we had decided that the girls would wait until they were 12 before piercing them.

She kept looking at them and turning them over and was saying that they were cute but that she couldn’t wear them for a year.

That’s when I said,  “Or how about today?”

Cooper captured this picture of her face once she figured out the surprise.

Paul and I decided that since Allie will be starting middle school and because she has to wait until she is 12 to wear makeup, that this would be a good time to do the ears.

I am not sure if she was more surprised or more nervous!

Kara and I went with Allie to have her ears pierced. 

I love this video Kara took of her.  Especially the big breath she takes right at the end.

Right before she get’s her ears pierced.

Last shot of Allie with no earrings!

The Big Moment!

She did it!

A little watery eyes but other wise no issues!

I am so surprised at how I reacted.  She went from little girl to this pre teen in a matter of seconds.  Suddenly she looks so much older!  She is thrilled!

So after our Ear Piercing Escapade, we headed home to finish up our birthday party preparations.

If we had sent out invitations it would have said: “Allie’s turning 11 and we’re cooking up a party!”

The girls all made their own homemade personal pizzas.

We were very fortunate to have my friend Rachel here to help with the party.  She is multi talented and so helpful and wonderful.

She played double duty at the party.  First she was Sous Chef Rachel.  Which is very appropriate because she is a really great cook.

And the girls all got to make their own aprons.

That is when Seamstress Rachel assisted them.  Which is also very appropriate because she is great at sewing too!

Here’s our final product.

These two have been friends since they were 5.  One of them recently had a growth spurt! 

Cass loved hanging with the girls!

These three have been friends since the first day of Kindergarten.  I can’t believe we are about to send them to Middle School!

These are our ‘sister’ friends.  We have known their family for the last couple of years.  Kara and Alyssa were in first grade together.  And she actually shares the same birthday as Allie does.  We felt very honored that they came to celebrate with us.

Kara got to have one friend come since we only did family time for her birthday. She picked out matching material so they could have twin aprons!

Allie’s not a huge fan of cake so we went with Donuts!  EASY!

We planned on watching a movie outside but it was taking for ever to get dark.  We improvised by throwing it up on the wall and getting comfy with lots of pillows. 

Because her birthday is the day before the 4th of July, it was only natural to finish off our celebration with a few sparklers.

The day was full of a little drama, excitement and fun- just like Allie!

Allie is such a sweet girl.  She is so motivated by people and relationships.  She makes friends easily and loves to play.  Her number one passion is music.  Allie went on a trip at the beginning of the summer and I didn’t realize how much she fills our home with music.  Whether it is singing, humming or whistling, she is ALWAYS making music.

To add to my point, she is singing in the other room right now as I type this post!

Allie is a great big sister and we are so glad that she is part of our family.

We love you Alls!