Mackenzie's 4th Bday Party

Mackenzie decided that she wanted a gymnastics party this year, after attending her friend Faith's bday earlier this Summer.  The kids got 1 1/2 hours of instructor led gymnastics (God bless the girl who led 13 excited and hyper kids).  There were obstacle courses, 2 different types of trampolines, balance beams, bars, a foam pit, and more!  They loved every second of it! 

After playing, we headed up stairs for cake and presents.  Mackenzie was not much of a fan of the singing.  (Funny, b/c last year she loved it.   Amazing how much they change from year to year).  However, she loved being surrounded by her favorite friends and family, eating cake and opening presents.  We still can't believe we have a 4 year old!  Happy Bday sweet, girl!  We are so blessed to have the priviledge of raising you!  Love ya to the moon and back!

                                        Warming up and waiting for directions

Leading the way on the obstacle course!

                                                        Down the elevated balance beam!

Over octagon mountain. . .

Even Daddy wanted to give it a whirl (luckily, Grandma signed his release form!)

the sunken trampoline....one of the favorites

                                                    waiting in line for the big trampoline

vaulting into the foam pit. . .

Weeeee!

Going through the course again...and again...and again. . .

                  Don't let Caleb fool you, he didn't just get Grandma snuggles during the party. . . .

He worked on the perfect floor routine,

practiced his balancing skills and kept his toes perfectly pointed,

and got ready for his big dismount off the beam!

He even had a little time to catch up with Owen about bottles, baby food and those darn diaper changes.

Oh, and I almost forgot his perfect 10 routine on the uneven bars. . . truly amazing!

Then we moved upstairs for some Tinkerbell cake!

Delicious, and worth the wait!

Wishing for more time on the gym floor!

...and then there were presents...enough to fill our playroom..

Happy 4th Bday, sweet girl!  You sure have a lot of people who love you!

                               Looking forward to another great year!  We love you!

1st day of Preschool!

Today was Mackenzie's first day of Preschool. It was a transitional day so it was only an hour in the morning.  She was soooo excited getting ready for her big day.  Last night we layed out her clothes,talked about what she wanted for breakfast, and how drop off would go.  She did fabulously well. She literally ran up the sidewalk to school.  I was so proud of her.  I cannot believe that my little girl is growing up so fast!  

She has the most amazing and nurturing teachers and some really sweet kids in her class.  In fact, one of the little girls in her class has 2 siblings who I taught at Indian Run Elementary.  They are the greatest family and I have no doubt the girls will become fast friends.  She is looking forward to a full day on Friday and can't wait to check out the playground or indoor gym! 

So glad I get to stay home this year to be a part of these special moments.  Happy 1st day of Preschool, Kenzie!  We are so excited for you to learn new and exciting things!

Caleb, 8 months

Don't let that sweet smile fool you, this boy is a wild man!   Aside from the fact that he could win a gold medal in Baby Olympics for his super sonic speed-crawl, he is pulling up, standing and trying to walk when holding onto a piece of furniture....oh, did I fail to mention that he is just now 8 months old?  Never a dull moment in the Buzzard household. 

* Caleb is still partying like a rock star at night.  He not only still requires an 11:00 feeding, but one around 3 or 4 a.m. as well. 

* He weighs in around 20 + pounds (probaby b/c of # 1).

* He still remains the happiest baby in the World.

* He is into EVERYTHING!

* He really wants table food.  There are few veggies and fruits that he won't eat (squash and peaches).  He still has cereal in the morning, a fruit in the afternoon and a veggie in the p.m.  I have been trying out the turkey and rice, and chicken and apples  jars of baby food and he is a HUGE fan!  I have a feeling he's going to be a meat and potatoes boy!

* He is starting to have separation anxiety when we leave a room.  He loves to be a part of whatever we are doing.

And now, some proof of why you can never leave this boy unattended for even a mili-second.

Crawling Mt. Stairs

Mmmm, these computer cords make a great chew toy!

Finally....facebooking!

Mmm, sissy's shoes make a great mid-day snack

Ready for my first house project.  Bring on the power tools!

Who needs a bottle and formula when you can drink O.J. from your sister's sippy cup?

Who says boys can't play with baby dolls?

                      

                                    Son, you look a little to comfortable behind bars....
                                              
                                  Happy 8 month bday, buddy!  We love you!

Birthday Girl!

I can't believe my sweet girl is 4 years old! Where has the time gone? Here are some fun facts and pics of the bday girl!

*Mackenzie is full of energy and is in constant motion. She loves dancing, twirling, spinning and tumbling. 

*She is very independent and prefers to do things on her own.  This can be a bit frustrating for both of us when we are either in a hurry or when a task is too hard.

*She adores her brother more than anything in this World.  Every morning when he wakes up she says the same thing "Hey Brother, did you have a good rest?"

*She is a good helper.  She loves assisting me in the kitchen, entertaining her brother and finding things I've misplaced.

*She LOVES books.  If you take her to a toy stoy she would be as content with a book over a toy.

*She is a natural born negotiator.  She can rationalize anything. I am predicting a future for her in practicing law.

*She is very aware of things beyond her age.  The week of her birthday as I was doing things around the house, she came up to me with tears in her eyes and said "Mommy, I'm going to miss playing with you when I get older."  

*She loves answering the phone and having conversations with people.  If you call, be prepared to have a a 5 minute conversation with her, where she will insist you talk to her brother....She is also very friendly when we're out in public and loves talking to people. 

*She has been speaking "whine-ese" these days.  We are working on not whining, using a big girl voice and asking for things nicely.

*She is very dramatic and knows how to self-induce tears to get what she wants.  She is a master manipulator and has us turning our heads with laughter (and sometimes exhaustion) several times a day.

*She is tender hearted and gets her feelings hurt easily.  She cares about others and doesn't like to see people upset or hurt.  

*She will be starting preschool this Fall and is very excited.  I think she will love school as she loves meeting new friends and learning about new and exciting things. 

Happy Bday, sweet girl!  We love you bunches and are so proud of you!   Thank you for giving me the title of Mommy, a role I cherish!

misc pics:

. . .  and a blast from the past.  .   .

                                                   I love you to the moon and back!