Happy 6th, to our baby!

Taylor's birthday fell on a Monday, which she was so excited about! She couldn't wait for us to bring a treat into her class and get to wear the birthday crown! Mrs. DeHart was out that day and had a sub, so she didn't get the birthday crown, but I think she was so happy that day, she didn't even realize it! Conal and I went in before the end of the day, with treats. This was one happy six year old!

She asked her friend Olivia to help pass out cookies

We went to Red Robin for dinner, of course!

And then to Baskin-Robbins. We ended up at the park...

In hopes of running off some sugar buzz!

Happy Birthday Taylor, we love you more than words could ever describe. Or as you say, "..as much as a hundred. Is that the most?!"

Tay's Family Party

After her friend party, we came home and had our family over for dinner. It was a big day, but a fun one!

Taylor turns 6!

Taylor celebrated her sixth birthday with a fabulous celebration at Girlie Girlz. She invited her friends Olivia, Molly, Emily and Lexi. Big sister was allowed to join, too! They got to pick out hairstyles, nailpolish and lipgloss colors and walk the runway! We finished next door, at Paradise Bakery with a big cookie and lemonade. She thought it was the perfect way to ring in the big number 6!

Taylor, Lexi, Molly, Hayden

Taylor, Lexi, Emily

Taylor, Olivia, Lexi

Emily, Olivia, Taylor, Lexi, Molly
Amy, Hayden

Nana's 77th Birthday!

We picked Nana up and took her to Buca di Beppo for her 77th birthday!

Hayden's Valentine

Hayden came home from school on Valentine's day with her very first box of Valentine chocolates from a boy. A boy named Michael. 

Running Club

Both of the girls participated in running club this year. 

This was Hayden's second year. She still insists she doesn't like and is begging not to do it this year. The problem is, she's so good! She ribboned in every race this year except for one. She got 2 second places and a fourth place for 2nd grade girls. I think she's a runner, she thinks different! 

Taylor had a blast in running club. She's not a runner, but she sure has heart! The very first race, I think she thought every finisher was a winner, because she cried when she didn't place. We had a great pep talk with her on the way home, and her next race she placed fifth and got a ribbon! I think that may have been one of the highlights of her Kindergarten year!! 

Unfortunately, I had to miss it as I had my knee surgery that day, but  Conal, my parents and my sister were all there to cheer my girls on..with balloons and all! (I do have to say, I have the most supportive family a girl could ever have!)

Uncle Bubba

He's just cool. Hayden has loved him since the day she was born!

Christmas 2011

One week post ACL blowout...my sister helped salvage Christmas for me! She took my gifts home and wrapped them. Luckily, I had most of my Christmas shopping done. But I tell you...if it weren't for her wrapping, my kids would've had no surprise at all! They had a fabulous Christmas morning!

 Knowing it would be easier on myself to have people over then to go somewhere, I hosted the extended Marquette family here for Christmas brunch. It was so much work, but Conal was a great help. I was already in enough pain that I'm not sure if I would've noticed if it wore me out or not!
I'm glad the kids had a good Christmas, but I sure am looking forward to being mobile and healthy next year!

Christmas Card Pics

The older the girls get, the more time seems to get by me. I didn't send out Christmas pictures last year, so I really wanted to this year. In a last ditch attempt effort to get a card in the mail before the end of the year, I got the girls ready on a whim and went to the Gilbert water tower to snap some pictures. Unedited and with my camera that doesn't always like to work...I think they came out semi-decent. It made me feel good too, since I didn't have my sister take any pictures for their 5th and 8th birthdays.

Winter Showcase and Chandler Parade

The first Saturday in December has turned into a shuffle for us the last couple of years. The Dads' Club puts a float together, that all their children get to ride on, in the Chandler Parade. And The Dance Loft has their Winter Showcase that day as well. This year we lucked out a bit, as dance ended before the parade started.

It was a wet, cold, dark wintery day...which was so awesome, since we don't have many of those. The not awesome part of that was the kids sitting on a float drenched, and us following behind on foot! We were good sports though...it's not often we get to feel like it's really the Christmas season around here!

The best part of all that is that it falls right around my birthday. So afterwards, the Houses came over for birthday desserts to help me kick off my celebration month!

Patient dance spectator waiting for her turn at the parade!

Polar Express Float

Whirlybird Wednesday, Part 2

The Fox 10 news/weather crew came out to Sanborn again, for another Whirlybird Wednesday. The chopper was hit in the windshield with a bird on the way to the school, so there was no helicopter this time. The kids still had fun, and Taylor was on the news!

Taylor, Ali and Tessa

Addie, Sadie, Mrs. DeHart, Taylor and Mollie

Christmas Tree Helper

Hayden helped fluff our Christmas tree this year. Fluffing the tree earned her the honor of putting the star on top!