A's Annual Ballet Performance

...lasted about one minute, during which time the camera AND video camera ran out of memory. So, while Clint & I frantically fumbled to delete unnecessary pictures & videos, we were still able to notice how much she has grown since last year's performance. She was very poised and graceful; don't know where she got that from, but it was very sweet to watch. What made the experience sweeter still was the fact that her three brothers were in the audience, captivated during the performance and cheering her on afterward...before being whisked away to arrive a little late to J's soccer game. This girl is definitely loved!

Autumn's Birthday

We made a deal with our kids long ago... a friend birthday party every other year, and a simple family affair otherwise. Somehow, A didn't get her friend party last year (perhaps someone forgot to remind her?? oops.) Consequently, she was overdue this year.

She had 6 guests (including little brother, who filled in for a missing friend) and enjoyed a very low-key, cat-themed party at our home.



Autumn thoroughly enjoys any girl time she can get, and seemed to have a great time with her sweet friends.



We enjoyed showering her with gifts, pizza and treats later that evening, too.

She's my sweet, girly girl. She's had her heart set on an American Girl doll for quite some time. I've been reluctant because it's just a lot of money for a doll, but we finally said she could save half of the money herself (from her allowance for weekly chores). Then our gift would be the other half of the money. The idea came to me a few months ago, and I really didn't think she'd be disciplined enough to do it. But she was more motivated than I realized and had the money together the day before her birthday.

I made them matching pajamas (which should fit A for the next couple years at least... I purposely made hers big.)


I'm so grateful for my daughter. She changes the dynamic of our family and life just would not be the same without our little bit of sugar & spice! :)