Jenks West had an end of school carnival and the girls chose to spend the whole time we were there (2 hours) in line to have their faces painted.  They are becoming good friends as you can see in the picture...when they aren't fighting.

Mallory often asks "is it tomorrow?" when she is excited about something happening that I said would happen tomorrow.  That is such a funny question to me and a good example of the way toddlers will make you feel crazy.  

Josh and James went on a campout the last day of school.  They went to Lake Keystone and canoed to an island and camped there for the night.  James was in heaven.  He and Josh had some great conversation and male bonding.  Josh was able to share a little about his relationship with God and how he prays which has ended up really helping James learn how to go to God when he is scared or angry.

 James is playing basketball this summer with some church friends and he loves it.  He is growing in is ability to dribble and keep up with the fast pace of the game.

 Josh and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary June 5.  Our friends kept the kids for the night and we got to go to a nice dinner.  We are so amazed at what God has done in our lives through our marriage and we are so thankful for all of His provision and care.  

 We go to Big Cedar every other year with the Morris family.  Below is Ezra, Jason and Emily's son,  and Mallory being hugging cousins.

 They had the best time together.  The big four slept in a room together which they do anytime we are all together.  They fall asleep giggling and wake up giggling.  

In June we attended the Edward Jones summer regional meeting in Kansas City.  We have done this every year for the last 9 years.  This was the first year we felt like it was actually fun. The kids are finally old enough to sleep in a hotel room and eat at a hotel buffet without any major issues.  We were able to go to Legoland which made all of James' dreams come true.  He is very into legos right now.  

 We also got to go to the King Tutt museum.  James was really interested because he has been studying ancient egypt in school and he is obsessed with gold.  The girls couldn't have cared less about the artifacts but like the audio guide which felt a bit like a cell phone.  When my mom asked Mallory "what was the guide saying to you?"  she responded "blah blah blah blah!"  At least we got out of there without causing any major damage.

 James and Kinley are so close it's sweet.  They love sharing a bed on vacation.  Below is one afternoon in Kansas City after a full morning of swimming.  

My baby girl turned 6!!  She of course chose a Frozen theme for her party.  She invited 11 of her closest friends or as she says "everyone she knows".  We played pin the nose on Olaf, had a dance party, and played with fake snow.  It wasn't pinterest worthy but it was so easy.

Amazing Aunt Jen made the beautiful cake!  Kinley is reading pretty well on her own.  She loves music.  She is the one who most readily chooses to sacrifice what she wants for what one of her siblings wants.  Anytime we talk about being like Jesus she is ready and willing to do what He would do. She has such a kind passionate heart.  She is very excited to start kindergarten at Jenks West in August.

 

The biggest news of spring is Hank the Double Doodle.  He was born March 27 and come home with us May 22.  Below his is the fat little tan one on the far left.  

 It's a good thing he's cute because he is a pistol.  Actually I hear he is a really good puppy but is just a puppy.  He is potty training pretty well, except for last week when he had diarrhea.  

 He does several "tricks" and is learning more all the time.  The kids love him and seem to forgive him quickly for biting them.  He gets in moods and chews anything within reach.  He is sleeping through the night now and that is nice.  

 He loves to lay on hard cold surfaces.  Below he found the fireplace hearth to take a nap on.

Our dear friend Ed Wagner is Hank's vet.  It has been fun to see Dr. Wagner in his work environment.  He lets the kids be a big part of the appointments so that is fun.  Hank was 6 lbs when we got him and is up to 13 now.  He should grow to around 30 lbs.

This was the day we got him.  Can you believe I'm holding a dog and smiling?!  I'm trying really hard to like him but it is requiring a lot of self sacrifice :(.