DIANA'S PRE-SCHOOL GRADUATION...5/24/11

Little Miss Diana graduated from the Robin's Class at Minik@ni. She will be moving onto PK next year. I was very hesitant about sending Diana this year (she was 2 and a half when she started) but she did great even being the second youngest in the class. She always looked forward to her two mornings per week at school.

The morning started out with an apple juice toast at Starbucks in a real coffee cup.

Miss Karla helping with the graduation cap.

Mommy & Diana before the ceremony.

Walking down to Council Bluff to the graduation song. I caught this photo when Diana found where we were sitting. She's peaking out from under her hat & tassle.

The whole class - look at my little Diana.

Singing the song "You always start your letters at the top, top, top!"

Diana did not walk or run to get her diploma. She hopped the entire way there! The video I have of this is hilarious. She was so excited to get that diploma.

Shaking hands with her teachers - she was still bouncing up and down full of smiles and excitement.

The Robins Class graduate - on to 3K!

The after party - chatting with a friend, eating ice cream, and hanging out with Daddy. It's alway special when Daddy's there.

WHERE DID MICHAEL SPEND HIS 30TH? - 5/20/11

In PK of course...

Davis was so proud to have his Dad visit his class on his day off from work - he even made Daddy a birthday crown that said "30".

The day was lots of fun including monkey bar time...

...and of course gym class.

After school we got to stop and see Aunt Virda (Michael's sister) who was in town for work. Michael is still waiting for her to buy him a Harley!

Davis and Diana love their Aunt Virda..

MOTHER'S DAY AT THE ZOO - 5/8/11

I was able to spend Mother's Day with the people I love the most - my husband, my children, and my parents. Every single one of these photos brings a HUGE smile to my face. What a great day!

MOTHER'S DAY AT SCHOOL - 5/5/11

Davis had a wonderful Mother's Day Celebration at school. His teachers put a ton of planning into the day - it was very special. All the kids sang songs including the M-O-M song. I have been hearing it daily since May :-) Davis and his classmates made and painted all these clay pieces so we could make a wind chime together. He was very proud..

We cannot escape without the goofy face - it's a big part of our househould right now - being goofy that is.

Davis also did a drawing and had a few words to say about me. Per Davis - "Well my Mom, she plays with me! We play cards and games and sometimes she lets me play in her bedroom! In the morning when she drives me to school we listen to the radio. We like K-Love! Allison plays on K-Love and we sing the words! My Mom is pretty because she has earrings. I like her blue eyes. Sometimes she wears dresses when we go to church or when she goes out on a date with my Dad. I like when she wears dresses! When we don't have school we go to Minnesota and go to Madison's and Grammy's house. Sometimes we go to the waterpark and sometimes we go to the libary and sometimes we go to Generations at Play. My Mom is the best..I just love her so much!!

Some behind the scenes preparation shots...

Planting a flower for Mommy..

Painting a picture of Mommy...

MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND...5/7/11

Grammy & Bumpa stayed in a hotel near our home over Mother's Day weekend. We surprised Grammy with cards and balloons from all of us in her room before she checked in. Within minutes of getting there, my kids had their suits on and were ready to venture down to the pool.

You can tell how much they love Grammy. Diana is picking up on all her brother's new goofy faces. We live with two comedians in this house. The latest joke around here..."Why did the bee go to the doctor?"...."Because he had hives!!!"

The pool has a special kids area - pure happiness...

Swimming in the big pool with Daddy..

Carefully checking everything out..

Diana giving her Daddy her "sweet" look - this pretty much gets her whatever she wants. When you see the her chin approaching her shoulder and her eyes start fluttering it's all over..

Yep, this is normal stuff with Michael and the kids - they are both going to grow up to be professional stunt people..

My children also figured out that if you blocked one of the spraying fountains with your foot the other one would get really, really big - again only my children would feel the need to do this - too smart for their own good. Diana is amazed in this photo..

And of course, Davis found another boy to be goofy with. Not sure what they were doing but lots of laughing was involved.

FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE - 5/6/11

Diana attended her second father-daughter dance this year. It is held each year on the Friday before Mother's Day. She was so excited for the big night with her Dad.

Of course Davis had to drop her off to meet Daddy matching tie and all. Davis and I went to visit my friend Crystal and also had a mother/son Toys R Us adventure. He got a car wash that makes the cars change different colors - very exciting stuff!

Her beautiful flower...

Such a nice picture of my husband even if the kids are excited about something elsewhere. What is the optimal age for photographing children exactly??

Getting on the elevator to go upstairs...

Picture time with Daddy - after this Davis & I left for the night.

Popcorn and apple juice in fancy cups with straws...

Heading out to the dance floor - go Diana!

This picture is so Diana - swinging her arms and dancing with full confidence right in the front of the room..

Diana and her friend Shannon discussing dessert options..

The party is really going now - Diana loved dancing with Shannon and Ana Maria. She also saw a few girls there from last year. I hope she remembers this for years to come.

BROOKLYN'S THIRD BIRTHDAY PARTY...5/1/11

Brooklyn, fondly referred to as Diana as "my sister", had a bowling birthday party to celebrate turning 3. It was lots of fun and my kids are turning into quite the bowlers!

Brooklyn greeting Davis...

Diana running to her Daddy after her turn of bowling - she loves to jump up on him.

The two little sweethearts getting their bowling balls..

My two goofballs - apparently they get sick of me taking photos for some reason...

Davis bowling while Daddy cheers him on...

Singing Happy Birthday - of course Diana is clapping with excitement and Davis made his own megaphone to amplify his singing!

My beautiful little lady eyeing up the cupcakes...

Diana was first in line to help "her sister", as she calls her, open up her presents. She got her a book called "Sisters"...

Diana saying goodbye to Brooklyn who is now a big 3 year old too!!

Posing on our way out - love doesn't describe how I feel about these two. No words do - they are such a blessing in every way!