4th of July 2011

We had a fun 4th of July complete with sparklers, a pool party, a parade, and free hot dogs at the community pool. We are so grateful that we live in a wonderful community and have so many family friends. The kids just soak up the community activities and enjoy hanging with their buddies.

Camp Bette Perot

Raegan went to Girl Scout Camp at Camp Bette Perot (about 2.5 hours away). She went with her friends Madeline, Rylan, and Abigail. The camp was 4 nights and 5 days. The girls had a great time but Raegan didn't think there was enough action with the horses. She thought she would be riding everyday, when in actuality they only rode once. She was quite bummed about that but still had a blast with the other events. I missed her terribly but it was good for her to spend time without us and with friends. I know Raegan wants to go again next year but she wants to go to the camp that focuses on caring for the horses.

Raegan's Family Birthday Party

As always we held 2 parties for Raegan's 8th birthday. The family party included Grandma and Grandpa Sharer, Aunt Carole, Jean, Bubbie and Grandpa, and the Johnsons. We bought a blow up slide prior to Ellie's birthday so we got it out again for Raegan's party. The kids had fun playing on the slide and jumping on the trampoline. Raegan got several nice gifts and everyone enjoyed cake and dinner.

Raegan's Birthday Donut with Ms. Jamma

Keeping with our family tradition, we headed to the donut shop to have a birthday donut with Ms. Jamma on Raegan's 8th birthday. This year Aunt Carole, Jean, Bubbie, Grandpa, and Grandma Jane joined us. The girls just love Ms. Jamma and we all love her donuts :)

Raegan's Birthday Party

Raegan had her friend's party this year at It'Z. It's basically a big game place. The kids played a few games (limbo, hoola hoops) before eating dinner. When they were done and cake was eaten, they headed into the game area for a friendly game of laser tag. From there they had free reign in the place and access to bowling, go-carts, bumper cars, laser tag, and all kinds of games. The party was LONG but the kids all had a blast! She had several friends from school there as well as a few of her old buddies from the Odyssey soccer team. Raegan had a great 8th birthday!

Ellie turns TWO!

Ellie turned 2 on May 27th. To celebrate, Aaron and Noreen hosted a pool party at the house, complete with a blow up waterslide that we purchased between the families. Ellie had a great time along with all of her friends and family. Fun day!

First time on the diving board!!

I am so proud of the girls. They did swim lessons in the month of May and learned absolutely nothing. Seriously, they would barely put their heads under water. It was very frustrating because I knew that they were both swimming around 10 feet at the end of the year last year. But all it took was one day in the pool with mom and now they are doing great! They still will not come up for air. Eventually they will figure out that it's easier than holding your breath so long. But they are rocking it out in the pool. Yesterday they wanted to go on the diving board so badly. So I waited until the pool cleared out a bit. I didn't want to be the crazy lady jumping in after her kids drowning in the pool. But they both jumped off the diving board with no fear and swam like rockstars to the ladder. Then they did it over and over and over again. I was so proud! Raegan was going off the diving board just before she turned 3. She was coming up for air though. But it looks like my sink or swim method of teaching them how to swim has truly paid off. I will be able to relax a bit more on the side this summer. And we all know it's all about me :)