Max moments

Max has been having lots of fun these days. Highlights include:

- having fun wrestling his wiley brother (don't you worry for one minute about that head lock, it was completely enjoyable for both rascals)

- singing in the 2nd grade choir

- trying out different ideas for "crazy hair day" at school (now that his long hair gives so many options)

- celebrating winning the character award in his class for "Taking Initiative" (which also happened to be awarded on crazy hair day) ~  I love that his award was "Taking Initiative" because he is such a quiet leader, and he really does take care of business. He is such a good boy, and I'm constantly thinking about ways to make sure his voice is heard! He goes with the flow and flies under the radar a lot, so this momma is trying to be intentional about taking notice.

- taking him and his sisters to the children's theater (Peter Pan), and dessert afterwards!

Maddie moments

Some little moments with my Maddie...

- First of all, this girl is ALL about the music these days. Piano and singing are her life, the best is when they are done together.

- She is all about the crafts.She is regularly using any and all items from my house, and the earth to create something interesting. Recently she was out on the sidewalk with her BFF "selling" art that they had made. But alas, no takers (unless you count the neighbor who she gave one of her pieces to, with a sad note letting the neighbor know that NOBODY had bought her art, and so she would just have to give it away. Somehow that child ended up with $4 in her pocket. OMW.)

- In her spare time, she is also loving dancing (you can find her working on her splits in the most random ways), and building relationships with her people. In her own words "I have a lot of great things going on right now!". Music to me ears, doll.

- She was able to attend the 5th grade girls Tea at church with me and BOTH of her grandmothers who always prioritize special events like these. She is blessed, and I love her sweet and sensitive heart so much. My little love!

- Participating in "Hall of Voices" where she portrayed Nathan Hale, from the American Revolution. She did amazing!

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Marin moments

Here are some fun moments with the firstborn.

- She is excited at the thought of being in charge, and decided to celebrate my status as "boss" amongst the kids by making me a necklace. (Funny enough, she made Marcus one that says Baby Boss but he was offended at being called a baby, and refuses the acknowledge it). I, on the other hand, embrace my status. Side note about being in charge - she is THE BEST babysitter for her siblings... making "date night Friday" a reality for the first time in 12 years. Thank you doll!

- She won the character award at school in February, each class awarded one student in the area of Service. I'm so proud of her servant heart, and how she regularly volunteers with service projects and loves helping out. Side note - the other 6th grade class award went to her friend Hayden who has been in school with her since they were 3 years old, so perhaps their stellar attitude of Service harkens back to the awesome preschool they started out in. Ha ha!

- Also at school, she has twice now gotten up in front of the whole assembly and led the monthly school song into the microphone. The first time with another classmate, and this most recent time WITH MARCUS. I can't recall a kindergartener ever leading the school song, but I guess when your sister is a 6th grader, you get special opportunities. My dream is for all 4 of them to lead the song next, because that would make my ENTIRE life complete. I'm already in a state of euphoria this year, since they are all at the same school. So having my own little VonTrapp family of singers up there singing "We are smart, we are cool and we love Qutama school" would probably send me quite over the edge, straight into heaven. I think I need to have Marin use her VIP status to arrange this. Stay tuned!

- Church retreat - a special weekend with her youth group at the ocean! Once again, she did great managing her own food, and got to enjoy a few days with her amazing leaders and friends. I'm so thankful for her amazing community.

- Spring break - A babysitting class resulting in this lady becoming Red Cross Pediatric CPR certified!! I'm so proud of her, she even stayed up late before the test studying. She is so excited to start babysitting soon. (Not counting her siblings, with whom she has had a LOT of practice). She is taking her future babysitting duties very seriously, and plans to bring a first aid kit along to all her assignments. Go girl. Also during spring break, she took a gluten free baking class from her fave local bakery Blue Moon Bakery. I'm excited for future chances for her to cook with the owner, Melissa! She is amazing, and they really hit it off!

- Date with Dad - one of her birthday gifts was a trip to do indoor skydiving! She loved it, as usual. Actually, she wants to do real skydiving next. Oh my word.

- Middle School orientation - also known as a date with Mom and Dad to investigate her new life, coming soon. She is so excited for middle school! She has requested "Art" for her first choice elective, and even was able to chat up the art teacher about getting gluten-free art supplies (a necessity with Celiac due to the airborne nature of some supplies and art projects). He was so awesome, he plans to investigate their supplies to make sure she is safe. Can't believe we are already approaching middle school, but I feel so confident in Marin being ready!

- Birthday party with her awesome friend group... such amazing kiddos, i love them all!

Marin's first violin recital

Marin started studying violin in January, and to my utter amazement, was informed she would be in the spring recital one month later. And she was! She even played an actual solo along with several ensemble pieces. Her sister was perhaps a bit nervous for her, and was right by her side as she warmed up, happy to hold things for her and be her help. I loved that :) 

I'm so excited for this girl, as she has had a dream to play violin for awhile. One thing I didn't realize going into this, was the amount of "parent participation" when learning with the Suzuki method. That part has been an adjustment, as I am now her personal secretary during her lessons, and am asked to supervise her practicing to correct anything. (That last part is not really happening due to managing three other kids' homework, chores, piano practice and activites. I'm letting her take care of correcting herself. Ha ha! #fourkidslife :) I'm loving the sound of this beautiful new instrument in our house!

Park days

I've been inviting (also forcing) my kids to fight the gravitational force of technology during the winter months, and get them outside more. It's funny how the outdoors can feel so uninviting (with grey skies, rain dripping, cold temperatures), but once you get out there it's so refreshing! Also, we had a few beautiful days with the most gorgeous blue skies recently. My favorite is when all four get on the same circle swing at the park. They are precious to me!!!