2 parties, 2 wishes

Now that Barrett is in Kindergarten, she was granted two birthday parties this year. One with her friends. A super-fun cosmic bowling party with all the girls in her class. And one with her family. A great gathering of just about every one of her grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. 2 parties. 2 cakes. 2 wishes. And TONS of presents. She was a very happy birthday girl this year.

Happy 6th Birthday, Barrett!

Today when the girls woke up, we immediately started talking about how it was Barrett's 6Th Birthday today. Peyton asked "Barrett is SIX today?...TODAY? Barrett stand up and show me six!" Barrett stood up in all her glory. Peyton said "Six looks the same as 5 to me!"

Dear Barrett,

I can't believe you are six today! You are such a big girl. You have already learned so much this year. You are so enthused about school, especially reading. I marvel at your accomplishments so far. You have also learned so much about Jesus already at school -- it is really neat to watch. Your manners and thoughtfulness have really come a long way. Most of the time, you are a fantastic big sister! You really care about your family. And you are really talented. You are such a sweet girl...and a very fun girl...and a very smart girl. I am so proud of you and I am having the best time watching you grow into yourself. I love you.

Love, Mom

Our Christmas Tree

Make a Smilebox slideshow

One Little Indian...

Peyton had her first public appearance at preschool today with a Thanksgiving program where she and her classmates were all dressed as Indians and were to sing an array of Indian and thanksgiving songs for the parents. That is what was suppose to happen...

Brad and I geared up the camera and video recorder to see our little star shine. At home, all Peyton does is perform...singing, dancing, constant chatter of movie and TV lines. People are constantly remarking that we need to get our little entertainer into acting or something.

So we anxiously awaited her presence on the stage. "Here she comes!" She looked out at the crowd with a 'deer in the highlights' look. And that look remained...the entire performance...not a peep came out her mouth. She only sat and looked around marveling at all the people in the room. Who would have thought...my little star...stricken with stage fright. I was shocked.

It is so amazing how a child can be one person in one situation and change completely with a different environment. They have so many facets to their personality. I learn so much about my kids from day to day. And oh how they change! Barrett, my shy girl is really starting to come out of her shell in Kindergarten and the activities that come with it and my extreme extrovert is now only playing private performances!

a natural...

Barrett just keeps getting better and better with the skating. Her coaches often tell us how proud they are that she keeps up so well with "the big kids" (because they keep moving her up)and how much potential she has. It is so neat to see someone of her size so at ease on the ice. On Sunday, our family went ice skating together, and she sure had a thing or two to teach us! And as you can tell by her smile -- she loves it!

A Great Review...

This week we had a Kindergarten parent/teacher conference at Barrett's school. We knew that she was doing okay because we hadn't heard any complaints, but we were pleasantly surprised at how well. Her teacher threw out comments like "a teacher's dream", "an A+ student" and even included "if I had a daughter..."

She let us know that Barrett is a really hard worker, a very quick learner and now that she is getting comfortable in her environment, is showing traits of leadership in the classroom -- where in the pass she kept reserved and introverted. It's so great to hear that Barrett seems to genuinely like school -- just like her momma. We are so proud of you Barrett. Keep up the good work!

Trick or Treat!