Colton's 5th Birthday!

Colton turned 5! on May 13.  This boy has grown leaps and bounds this year and I don't mean just in height.   He has matured ten fold and is such a great big brother.  He looks out for his sister and loves spending time with her.  Colton is a smarty pants.  He has grown so much academically.  He will be more than ready for Kindergarten in the fall.  Colton loves puzzles, playing Angry Birds and now Minecraft (heaven help us :).  He has taken karate, soccer and swimming this year and have loved all three sports.  Colton has really excelled at swimming in the last few months.  He went from still using floaties in February to no floaties and swimming all over the pool (even the deep end) all day long.  He is now learning the breast stroke and how to swim on his back.  At pre-school, his teachers described him as quiet and observant and a friend to all.  I don't think we will ever have to worry about hearing from his teachers that he is a talker and disrupts class.  Colton will start Kindergarten in the fall at my school, with Mrs. Dahl.  It's such an advantage to work at a school and know the teachers.  She will do wonders with him....she is simply amazing.  Colton can be shy and a tad introvert, but we've seen a huge growth in this area over the last year.  Having Kinley, who is completely outgoing, has helped him, oddly enough.  Colton is 46 1/4 inches tall, in the 96th percentile and weights 48.6 pounds, in the 88th percentile.  This boy is tall and skinny.  He will be one of the tallest, if not the tallest, in his class. 

I took a half day the day before Colton's birthday and took him out of school early.  We met Eric for lunch.

Afterwards, Colton wanted to go swimming, just he and I.  

Making a basket!

Enjoying some mommy and Colton time.

Colton standing by his presents in the morning.  He opened them after work.

Having fun with friends at his babysitters.

Getting ready to blow out the candles.

Time to open presents.

Afterward opening his presents we headed to Applebee's for his birthday dinner.  I swear he picked this restaurant for the simple fact that they come over and sing to you (see cute video below).

We celebrated with cake the next day as we were all too stuffed from his birthday dinner for anything more.

Having Applebee's servers sing to him is a dream come true....seriously, that is why he picked Applebees....to hear the "Happy, happy birthday" song! 

Kinley's 3rd Birthday!

First of all, I cannot believe that my baby is 3 years old!!!  Crazy how time flies.  Kinley turned three on May 4 and we had a fun weekend celebrating her.  Enjoy!

Kinley was able to celebrate her birthday at her babysitters as well.  Here she is all dressed up for the occasion. 

Celebrating with her friends and some yummy cupcakes.

On her actual birthday checking out her presents.

This is our big three year old!  Kinely is 39 1/4 inches tall, which is in the 90th percentile.  She weighs 34.8 pounds, which is in the 80th percentile.  Kinley is kind, loving, spirited little girl.  Speaking of girl, she is ALL girl.  Kinley loves clothes, shoes and accessories and, even at three, tells me that everything has to match in order for her to wear it!  Yes, at three years old, this girl is a budding fashionista!  Kinley has no fear and tries everything that she can.  I can't tell you how often I hear, "Isn't she adorable!"  She's cute and she knows it :).  Kinley loves music and can often tell you the name of the artist and can sing each word of the song.  She is also loving dance and gymnastics right now.  Kinley is a great helper and loves to do whatever I'm doing, she's become by little shadow.  Kinley LOVES her older brother, Colton.  They play really well together and it's fun to listen to their conversations, especially when they don't know I'm listening. Colton is very patient with her and she looks up to him in so many ways.  I've heard from more than one person that Kinley is a leader and doesn't follow the pack.  She has the personality, at three, to draw people to her because of her spunk, fun attitude, and kindness. I can't wait to see what this little girl does in the future....I'm sure it will blow my mind!  Happy 3rd Birthday Kinley!!!

Kinley had fun opening her gifts.

The one thing that she asked for was a princess bike so that she could ride around like her brother.

We let the kids tell us where they want to go for lunch on their birthday.  Kinley is still in the Chuck E Cheese phase (no longer Colton, thank heavens) and wanted to go there.  Here she is with Mr. Cheese.

Dancing to the "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" song.

Trying to catch free tickets.

Not sure where she picked up this fun face, but this is what we have been getting lately when I take her picture.

Nice smile Colton.

Getting ready to blow out her candle.

Happy 3rd Birthday darling!

Colton's Karate Presentation

Colton has been in karate since the start of the school year.  This presentation was a accumulation of what he learned in karate.  We are so proud of him and his accomplishments in this sport.  Way to go Colton!  Enjoy!

Kinley and daddy waiting for the show to start.

First, the kids showed off their gymnastic skills.

Getting a better view.

Now onto some karate.  Waiting patiently for instruction.

The next several pictures are of their punches.

Gettin low.

 

Time to practice with a partner.

Awesome kick over the chair!

Getting his medal of completion.

All of the kids together.

Such a proud moment for this kid....and his first medal!

Here are some videos from the presentation.

Kicking over the chair.

Punching through the wood.  Took a couple of times, but he did it!