Paige at age 4 + a birthday party

Even though Paige turned 4 on June 3rd, I wanted to make sure to document a short summery of this little lady on here!

Paige is such a mix of sugar and spice. Sometimes we see her shy side and she'll want us to hold her. She'll be so sweet around little ones; getting on their level and playing with them gently. She loves to draw, color and write with her big sis. She'll cuddle me (Kait) on the couch all the time. She'll act like a cat. And then quite often she's stubborn about random things. She'll take forever to eat her meals, though snacks she'll scarf down fast. She'll finish a juice box faster than you can imagine (we are always amazed how she does it). She enjoys playing Uno, Go Fish, Candy Land, Bellz, Matching (she is amazing at this one), Spot It and Hi-Ho Cherry-o. She loves to smother the kitties with affection, which they don't really appreciate ...yet. She sings songs about whatever comes to mind while we drive in the car. She makes us laugh all the time by just being her cheeky self. She loves wearing dress up clothes and dresses quite often, many times she changes into them before 8am. She'll pester her sister by just wanting to be close to Ellie or be in Ellie's room (Ellie likes her space sometimes). She'll go in spurts of biting her nails. She wants to read Dr. Sesus's A B C book every day. She likes to sleep with a big stuffed cat. She can write her name, Ellie's name, Dad and Mom all by herself. She still needs a nap every other day or so, for about 40 minutes. She sleeps amazing for naps and through the night. She loves to make lots of goofy faces and talk in silly voices - another thing that makes us laugh all the time.

^ On her actual birthday she got to open her presents, pick what we had for breakfast (pancakes), lunch (10 Barrel) and for a treat (cupcakes). She wore some of the birthday presents from Grammie (Pictured above: bow, sunglasses, dress and the sunglasses case which also suits as a purse.)

And then we had her party a couple weeks later, when Steven's parents were in town!

A mermaid theme, picked by the birthday girl!

She welcomed all her guests sweetly and was excited to celebrate her day with some of her closet friends. 

May + June photo favorites

 Playing catch up from the last couple months! I love having a place to look back on some of the highlights from these times; seeing the girls grow and enjoy life, the kitties, and family/friend memories. 

^ Ellie is a sweetheart! 

(I'm 33 and planting flowers isn't really a favorite, but I like the end result!)

^ Showing off some of the new earrings I got from Steven & the necklace Ellie made me for Mothers Day.

^ I just can't help myself and snap pictures of the twins sleeping. 

And Ellie can't help herself and gives our kitties some accessories (photos below). 

Paige finished pre-school and Ellie finished Kindergarten! 

On several occasions Paige's teacher told us she is just the sweetest thing; being a really sweet friend and student and hard worker on her table work. She wanted to go to school every day like her big sister and was a little bummed about the school year being over. 

For Ellie, this school year was a rollercoaster of emotions. She started the year not knowing anyone, was online some of the year, in person a couple days, then full time in person (and all in person days she was required to wear a mask). She would cry sometimes at breakfast and/or at drop off, but then have a great time at school 99% of the time. Her teacher said she rocked school, thriving academically and socially. It was a year of lots of learning for all of us. We have been so proud of her perseverance, her spirit, her hard work and sweet heart.   

^ Our church held an event called the Color War and as you can tell it was colorful indeed. It's basically dodgeball with socks that are filled with colored chalk. The kids, and adults, had a fun time. It was Ellie and Steven's first time taking part. 

Then later that same day, Steven took the girls on their FIRST camping trip. They went with another dad friend and his two daughters who the girls love to hang out with. Everyone had a fun time and the girls are asking to go again soon. 

^ A friend gave Steven the idea to bring paper and glue, then the girls could make pictures out of stuff around the campsite. Paige just had fun gluing bark and Ellie tried to make a snowman.

^ The girls napped on the way home after an exciting camping trip!

^ Enjoying their new Highlights magazine, which was one of their Christmas gifts. I'd recommend ; )

My in-laws came for a visit and we soaked up some good quality time with them.

Father's Day! Steven has been, and is, an awesome partner to raise our girls alongside. We love him so much. And thanks to my father-in-law who helped raise a great man. 

Zoo fun!

We couldn't believe we've lived here for this long and never been to the MK Nature Center. 

Definitely going here lots!

^ While Don was here he was able to help Steven with some projects, which we were all grateful for!

^ Swim lessons happened and Ellie rocked them. Paige needs some more encouraging, but we're so proud of all they tried and practiced.

^ Famous bear pancakes by Grandpa Don. 

^ They can't help themselves when they see accessories, especially fun ones on the clearance rack. Mid summer and they spot the Christmas ones at that!

Ended the month with another daddy/daughter adventure with another friend family!