Random May First Half

So, here's a random collection of life over the past few weeks. For the most part the weather has been very nice, warm and sunny during the day and cools off at night. We finally had to put the air conditioning on but then last week we had a few days that got down into the 40s so we had to put the heat back on. That is spring in Northeast Ohio. We've also had rain on and off, mostly on the weekends, which didn't help our garden plans. But no worries, it is all planted and hopefully starting to grow. I'll have to take some pics to show before and after again.

Here are the girls enjoying a snack in the sunshine after Pepper got home from preschool.

Hazel thinks everything Pepper does is hilarious and that suits Pepper just fine.

Hazel's nose was scabbed over from a runny nose and too much rough wiping from Mommy.

Pepper trying to model with my one red tulip that keeps coming back every year.

This girl is too cool!

We were enjoying lots of after dinner walks until the trees started to blossom and the pollen drove us inside. Poor Morgan and Pepper have really been suffering but hopefully the end is in sight.

On Saturday, May 4th, Pepper's little friend, Isla, celebrated her 4th birthday. She had a ladybug picnic party after dance class. All of their friends from church came and had a fabulous time.

Playing with their ladybug capes, Stephanie Staheli (the mom) made for all of them.

Making caterpillar rings.

Their personalized lunch baskets.

Dessert of dirt cups with ladybugs and candy leaves.

Isla was so excited about the Tinkerbell music box that Pepper picked out for her.
We are sure going to miss this sweet little lady when they move this summer.

Last fall, as we were practicing for the Christmas program during choir rehearsal, Vanne, who always sits next to me, told me she was getting married in May. You could tell she was very excited. I congratulated her. Then she told me that she wanted me to sing while she walked down the aisle, because they were getting married in the chapel. I was completely stunned and very flattered. I agreed thinking it was so far away, who knows what will happen. Well, nothing happened besides the wedding being planned and me forgetting all about it till 2 weeks before. We all finally figured out the song a week before and I managed to finally practice with my pianist three days before. Luckily, the song she finally chose was, "Where Love Is." This worked out well since I already knew it quite well and it was in the perfect range for me. I was nervous but mostly excited to help them have the beautiful moment they had been dreaming of. I think you can tell by Vanne and Pat's faces in this picture that all went very well.

They were seriously so cute and their vows to each other made me cry.

My goodie bag from Isla's party.

The last time Morgan got his hair cut at a Great Clips they really hacked up his hair. I was frustrated that it was already in his eyes again and always looking crazy because he never cooperated for brushing in the morning. So I borrowed some clippers and took matters into my own hands.

It was all smiles at the beginning.

Quickly over the whole process.
I really considered doing something funky but decided it was getting too hot and I should just cut it all.

He was not happy with me!

One evening for our after dinner walk, we decided to make the kids some ice cream cones. Hazel was pretty sure she had died and gone to heaven. There was no way she was going to give it up and was having a grand ole time. Cody went crazy taking pictures of her but they were all so awesome I couldn't decide on one.

Those cheeks!!!

Her innocent look!

Here's a video for good measure:

My happy, goofy family.

Hooray, for sticky fingers!

Hazel discovered the photo booth app and was greatly enjoying herself.

Here's some photos and videos of Pepper being her crazy, cute self. I love watching her dance and play by herself. If she knows I'm watching or taping she starts to get self-conscious but it is pure magic when she's in her own beautiful little world.

Here are some videos:

Someone has a very hard time not picking and scratching at things.

Yep, that's how we entertain ourselves during quiet time.

Family movie/pizza/Friday night.

The test kitchen sent home some turkey cookies they made with Pepper's hand print.

"I want the camera!!!!!"

Morgan took my camera and I found all of these pictures later. Not sure why Pepper has no shirt but I thought they were a fun look at a 6 year old's life.

There you have the first few weeks of May in our everyday lives. It's not always rainbows and fairies around here but man I love this crazy life!