Happy Birthday, Anna Kate

Happy 5th Birthday, Anna Kate. You are such a loving, caring and funny, funny child. We NEVER know what might come out of your mouth....but we know it is always followed with a hug, a kiss and/or an I love you!

Anna Kate chose to have a small birthday party at the American Girl Store in Chicago (in July). Of course, we could NOT let her birthday go by without some type of celebration. On her actual birthday, she decided she wanted to go to the pool, order pizza and have a Princess cake.

Emily and Anna Kate tubing at the pool

Anna Kate eating cheese pizza and cheetosA princess cake for a curly-headed princess. AK opening presents...her wishes this year consisted of American Girl, American Girl and more American Girl.....Oh and "I'll take some Polly Pockets too".

Happy Birthday to you! Hope you had a great day.

We know you are so looking forward to the American Girl party in July.

Chicago ~ June trip

We had the opportunity to visit my sister and her peeps in June. They live in Chicago. We did very little site seeing ~ it was just a trip to be with family and take care of some family business. The girls had such a wonderful time with the Chicago peeps.

The Chicago Peeps welcomed the DPGang with big smiles and warm hearts (if I didn't know better I would think they were born and raised in the south)....
We spent time at the local park, in their backyard and at a water park...

Lou Man and Anna Kate coming up with some type of game to play....The trampoline seemed to be a favorite meeting ground....

The temperature was unseasonably cool but we had one day where it was warm enough to go to a water park in Orland Park. It was such a great place and the peeps had such a fun time!

Emily & Gracie in the Lazy RiverAnna Kate has NO fear....I was scared to death Louis had the biggest smile when he jumped off of the platform (and I just about had heart failure)Anna Kate was Charlie's buddy...aka partner in crime!

A great time was had by all. We will visit again in July. We can't wait to see "y'all" again!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Today is Dan's Dad's Birthday. Happy, Happy Birthday to you! Hope you had a great birthday!(this is a picture of Jerry and Anna Kate on Grandparent's Day @ AK's school)

A tumbler you can't live without!

Have you ever had a Tervis cup? If not, you just don't know what you are missing. These have to be the best thing since sliced bread. They come in different sizes and you can get a variety of designs on the cups. Swoozie's (one of my most favorite stores) carries them now. I just couldn't resist and picked up one with my initial on it.

These cups do not sweat and will keep your drink ice cold in the hot sun! I use mine at the pool and when playing tennis. The lids and straws are an added bonus PLUS these cups fit in my car's cup holders. Can you tell I just love them?

Dance Recital 2009

The girls danced with Praise Him With Dance this year and had their dance recital on Saturday, May 30th. They performed at the Woodlands Performing Arts Center @ Woodlands High School. Emily performed a hip-hop/jazz routine and Anna Kate performed a ballet routine to Jesus Loves the Little Children. They both did a great job.

(excuse my pictures....I have dropped my camera two different times and in need of a new one...plus we couldn't use flash to take pics)

Anna Kate was most excited about getting flowers.....had I only known before the monthly dance fees, costume fee, recital fee, tickets, multiple pairs of tights....I could have purchased her a well established rose garden! :)

Emily really liked her flowers too. We are proud of both girls but Emily is just not as "showy" as Anna Kate....Emily did a great job on her routine! She really did enjoy dance this year.

The girls were happy to have their Grandmother & Poppa (my parents) and Mimi & Grandpa (Dan's parents) come watch them perform.

They are already planning for next year....Emily has decided she wants to take tap plus jazz/hip hop. Anna Kate says she wants to take ballet, tap & hip hop! Oh my.....what's wrong with just clogging?

Last Day of School ~ 2009

The end of this school year was bittersweet....Emily finished 5th and will be going into Middle school in the Fall. Anna Kate finished preschool and will be going to Elementary school in the fall.

Anna Kate's last day consisted of watching movies and playing with her friends in her PJs. She thought she was really something to leave our house in her pajamas.

Emily's last day of 5th ended with the "5th Grade" walk. All the 5th graders walked up and down the hallways of the school. They walked thru the hallways with pomp and circumstance playing. Em is so ready for Middle School...I just hope and pray that it is everything she thinks and hopes it will be!

Emily wanted to ride the school bus home. Most of the neighborhood kids got off at the pool. They were welcomed with silly string and water balloons. Most headed straight to the frigid waters of the pool to open it for the season.

School's out for Summer......YEAH!

Awards Day ~ 2009

Emily received an Outstanding Academic Excellence Award for the school year. You had to receive no more than 5 B's during the school year (w/ the rest being A's). She did it and was so proud of herself. This is extra-special this year especially after having such a rough year, in general. Anna Kate received two awards: Best Dressed and Most Dependable.

This is Anna Kate's translation:

"Best Dressed means that my mommy makes me match and put my clothes together so my Daddy can make me match too."

"Most Dependable means that I'm the best friend."

We are so very proud of both Emily and Anna Kate.