Avery's Birthday Party

 

Avery was wanting to do a Hawaiian birthday party. But after I finished Austin's party just the friday before, I decided it would take too much planning. I stuck with the scavenger hunt, but through in a couple of Hawaiian things. One of the things Avery really wanted was the fun drinks with the umbrellas.

 

Luckily the weather was nice, so this party went much more smoothly. They were able to take their pizza and play outside for a while before getting started on the scavenger hunt.

 

This was our first picture from our scavenger hunt. All the rest was outside. I had the girls all do the hunt together instead of splitting them up, and I also had more activities afterwards. There was a hula hoop contests, toe nail painting, and frame decorating which we put this picture inside. Luckily for Avery we had a trial run with Austin's party!

 

And here is a collage of some of the scavenger hunt activities. I think the girls all had a great time! I know Avery did! This time we barely got the cookie cake and presents opened before parents started coming!

Avery's Baptism

 

I can't believe Avery is eight years old. In our church, when you turn eight years old you have the opportunity to choose to be baptized. Avery couldn't wait for this day, she was so excited!

 

Avery's Nana (my mom) made her baptismal dress. She looked like an angel. My mom spoke on the subject of baptism and Randy's mom spoke on the subject of the Holy Ghost. It was very special to have both grandma's there to be part of the program.

 

Needless to say, Randy and I were very proud of Avery and her decision. We love her so much and feel very blessed to have her as our daughter.

 

I always tell Avery that there was a reason why she was born first. She is such a big helper and such a great example to her brother and sisters. They really look up to her. Austin was very proud of her, he kept asking if she could get baptized again. Once he realized you only get baptized once, he couldn't wait for his turn. We had a lot of family and friends come from near and far. I know it really meant a lot to Avery to have all the support!

Snow in March!

 

I know in some places of the world, snow in March is no big deal. But for us in Oklahoma, to have snow at the end of March was a HUGE deal. In fact, it was on the record books. This was actually the day after Austin's birthday party, so now you know why we couldn't go outside!

 

Randy took the kids to go sledding down one of the hills in town. I sent him with the camera and my well-wishes... I was not about to go! I think I've mentioned before how much I hate the cold!

 

The kids all had a lot of fun... at least for the first hour.

 

I love this picture Randy took of Addie. I think you can tell who she takes after! She was ready for a nice warm bath!

Happy 6th Birthday Austin

 

I'm way behind on my blog! Life has been so busy! Austin is now 6 years old! Wow, has time flown. I remember when he was first born and I just couldn't stop kissing those big fat cheeks of his! His cheeks aren't so chubby anymore, but I still like to kiss them! Austin took cupcakes to school for his birthday.

 

Austin had a birthday party this year and around 11 kids came. Here he is getting ready to blow out his candles. Hope your wish comes true, buddy!

 

I don't think he had a favorite gift this year, they were all good! He still loves his Spider-Man guys! I think he's up to about six now, and he plays with all of them!

 

I had planned a scavenger hunt, but the weather turned bad on us so I had to be creative in doing it all indoors! The kids had a lot of fun. They had to go to different areas of the house and do some crazy activity while we took pictures. Special thanks to Julie and Derek, and Kevin and Kelly for helping us with the pictures and with all the kids! Word to the wise, never plan a 3 hour birthday party for 6 year olds at your house if there is a chance for rain! Whew- it was crazy!! But Austin had a blast... and we survived!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

 

Wishing everyone a little Irish luck today!! From the four little leprechauns at the "O'John" home!!

More Pics from Austin's Spring Concert

 

We caught up with a few friends before the concert so I snapped a few pictures. Here is Austin with his friends Logan Vaclaw and Claire Confer.

 

And here is Austin with one of his and Avery's friend, adorable Addison Peck.

 

And of course we had to grab a picture of Austin with his teacher, Mrs. Johnson!

Austin's Kindergarten Spring Concert

This concert was so much fun! The theme was 50's rock n' roll. The Pre-K sang first and then the Kindergarten kids. This song was one of my favorites. They also had a guest singer come and perform with the Kindergarten class but I decided to put this video on because it was the Kindergarten singing. Austin's teacher said he looked like he should have been born in that era... my little John Travolta!