Exhibitions, carnivals, birthdays, recitals, teeth, ears, parties, graduations - MAY!

I'm becoming terrible about long picture posts, but it has been so crazy here. We have had so much going on, and I only get about 10 minutes of free time, 2-3 times a week. So bear with me in this post. I have to document all of this because, as I've said before, this is my family album/baby book. Honestly, this post is just brushing the surface of the past month. I wish I had been better about posting to do these events justice!

It actually all started the last weekend in April with Ellie's gymnastics exhibition, then Emma's gymnastics carnival (which is for the preschoolers.) Up next was Emma's birthday, Mack got tubes, we had a big dance recital with both girls performing, Emma's end of the year party, Ellie's kindergarten graduation, an end of the school year swim party, and then Ellie lost her first tooth.

All of this has been going on in the process of our house being completely demolished. Because we don't have enough going on, we decided to remodel a master bath and re-floor our entire downstairs. If I had any advice for anyone, it would be not to EVER try this with 3 small children in the house. I'm hoping we all survive until August.

Here are some pictures to update you on our life for the last month:

This is not a great picture, but I had to add it, because this is Ellie getting announced all by herself. They called out  the wrong name in the initial line up, she straightened them out and got her own personal shout out. 

On the beam

This is Ellie in the middle of her back hip circle. This is the skill she has worked so hard on. She's asked me several times if we can get a bar at home for her to practice. She nailed it!

These are all the little sisters watching their big sisters at the exhibition

Ellie getting ready for her floor routine

The Level 1 girls

Ellie wouldn't stand still long enough for me to get a good picture, but this was the finale. 

The next morning we headed back to the gym for the preschool carnival. 

Emma loves this one. 

Emma doing her bar routine. 

This is typical Emma here. Her jump into the pit is about how she approaches life in general. 

Emma got her medal as well  and was so proud. 

We got a surprise cousin visit later that afternoon:

We never really know what Emma is going to wear these days

I guess the goggles helped her be a better driver for cousin Bo

We got some snuggle time with sweet baby Banks. 

Trouble x 2

Ellie loving on Banks, who isn't too happy about it. 

The girls set up some shade and chairs for everyone.  Mack was entertained for quite a while  with the capri sun pack and straw. 

Another Emma outfit. 

Emma's end of the school year party was at the YMCA splash pad. The water was freezing, but the kids didn't seem to mind. 

Emma and one of her sweet teachers Ms. Kerry

Emma and Ms. Rebecca

Recital 2015 was quite an event. Since Emma was in the recital as well this year, I got to run back and forth from the audience to backstage changing costumes, etc. I was a sweaty mess by the time it was all over with, but I honestly loved every minute of it. I miss those recital days and all of the excitement backstage. The girls had a blast and they did so good! I asked Emma what she thought about being onstage and she said: "I was a little scared, but I heard my music and I wasn't scared anymore" (Yes, definitely my kid!) I guess I will have many more of these to come!

Ellie and one of her best friends Anna Clark

Sister ballerinas

Emma and 2 of her friends, Olivia and Esther

Sorry these are out of order - this was after the recital. The grandfathers brought the girls flowers. They were so excited!

Emma in her moment

Ellie in 1st position waiting for her ballet music to start

Tap, however, is Ellie's thing. 

Hot stuff

Kindergarten graduation was a short and sweet western themed program that the school put on. Ellie said the pledge - which was a proud parent moment for me. We had a great year, her teacher was so sweet,  and Ellie has grown not only with academics but with maturity as well. She has learned SO much this year.  I couldn't be more pleased with the elementary school she goes to and the teachers that she had this past year.  

Ellie saying the pledge: 

Mrs. Taylor, her teacher, calling her up to receive her diploma. 

The class assistant Mrs. Simmons handing her her diploma

So happy 

Elle and another best friend, Abby

Cutie Pie

The last day of school was only 1/2 day, so I told Ellie she could have an end of the school year party. She invited her 2 best friends from her class, Sammy and Abby and they had a blast.

1st grade, here we come!

A serious conversation while getting some sun

Mack found an older woman to ride him around in the Frozen jeep

And then, that moment when everybody just starts dancing. 

Mack couldn't resist the urge to jump in the dance party

And, with 4 girls, a kick line has to appear

After eating pizza and some inside playing, Worth and I got a fashion show/ dance party 2. 

Silly girls. They love each other so much! 

And to wind up the monthly excitement, Ellie finally lost her first tooth. It has been slightly loose for a week or two. I got home from work Tuesday (5/26/15) and she was screaming at me that it had gotten more loose that morning. She could not keep her hands off of this tooth all afternoon. We were reading library books and all of a sudden she said "Mom, my tooth came out!" So, we crossed another milestone. I almost had to shed a tear, especially when I realized how much the tooth fairy reimburses these days! 

And so,  summer begins. Many more posts to come!