Kentucky Kingdom

We might add more pictures to this later as all I have are pictures from my phone (Joe). I think Melanie took a lot more, but she just had Whitney and is asleep now. My work paid for everyone and their families go to the theme park Kentucky Kingdom. At the last minute Melanie decided to come with Lily. I was surprised as Melanie was 38 weeks pregnant, but it was fun. For the most part we all stayed together, but she did let Rachel and I slip away a couple times to ride some of the bigger rides. I went on a few too many spiny rides, but overall we had a great time.

Rachel was brave and rode on all the bigger roller coasters but the one that went upside down. I finally convinced her to go on it, but by the time we got over there it was closed.

Lily loved the Merry-go-round. She would have stayed on it all day if we let her.

Hannah thought it was ok to. :)

This was a lame train we rode. It was a nice brake after an extra spiny ride we just went on. Also Lily liked it.

A little selfie with a cute girl.

Three princesses who can almost look at a camera.

Lincoln looking good. This man, unlike his father, really likes the spinny rides.

Melanie got more pictures of them on the rides. For some reason I got a bunch of pictures of them sitting around.

Melanie's Pictures:  

It was my job to hold kids who were too short to ride and take pictures.  I actually enjoyed the day.  Here are the pictures.

 Lincoln's face might have been about right.  It was a pretty lame ride.

 It was really nice when Lily was actually tall enough to ride on the rides herself.

 Almost as good as the ride?  Hannah enjoyed it at least.

 Hannah posing with the park mascot.

 I'm not sure what happened to the child measuring stick to allow Lily on this ride.  It was somewhat intense for her but she loved it.  I stood in-line and switched the kids as each of them had to ride with a grown up.

Lily and Hannah kept busy in the kids zone while Rachel and Joe rode the big rides.  Lincoln was somewhere in the kids zone... 

A pregnant lady can't even ride on this ride.  Oh well...photographer is an important job too.

Happy Birthday Melanie

Melanie didn't have the best birthday this year as she was 37ish weeks pregnant and not feeling all that great. She really is the rock of this family and we are all soo lucky to have her in our lives. Her testimony has strengthened all of ours. Her service is unparalleled. I am truly blessed to have her as a wife and a wonderful mother to our children.

Classic breakfast in bed. I think the kids enjoy bringing it more than the adult enjoys eating it in bed.

A little blurry but 33 candles is a lot. Actually we just did three and three.

Happy Birthday to my wonderful wife Melanie!

Soccer Time

It's been fun to have Rachel and Lincoln in soccer this year. They are both progressing well. Neither is overly aggressive but they space out well and look for a pass so I'm pretty happy with their progress.

Rachel (9) enjoying her new birthday present a rip stick before one of her practices

Lincoln (7) getting ready for his game. He and Rachel are on different teams but they are both the Galaxy.

Hannah (5) is a good sport about going to all their games and practices. She'll kick the ball around with me (Joe) as well.

Lily (2) isn't as good at practices as she always has to go potty when there is no potty close by. She's still cute though.

Ode to the Couches

These beautiful couches were a blessing to us.  Our neighbor was getting rid of them curbside right as we were moving.  They fit perfect in our new house and in our budget:).  I had to stitch them up mostly in spots that could be hidden.  Recently they've been rapidly deteriorating.  I wanted to take a picture of the set before we have to throw away the ottoman.  It got two holes in the top that I couldn't repair:(.

Visitors

Grandma and Grandpa Danielson came to Visit

We were glad to have Grandma and Grandpa Danielson come visit.  They were very helpful with the party and helping me while Joe was late getting back to town from a business trip.  The kids loved the kites Grandma and Grandpa brought.

Hannah's Birthday

Hannah turned Five!

 Breakfast in her new bean bag chair

Pinata

We ran out of time for the pinata at the party so we saved it for Hannah's real birthday.  It was homemade and didn't turn out so well.  It was supposed to be lipstick.

 Sorry for Lily's nakedness.  She's crazy.

We're glad that Hannah is in our family.  She is very spontaneous and fun.  In public she is always kind to everyone and makes friends quickly.  She's our good will ambassador and helps people feel loved.  Our other children just stare at strangers and don't respond to adult weird comments (which is exactly how I was.)  Hannah eggs them on.

This is from Hannah's 5 year old well check.  They tell her everything is princess, including her paper towel gown.  She was so excited.  She said, "I'm queen of the Banana's!:

Combined Birthday Party

I'm glad Rachel and Hannah are good friends and wanted to do a combined birthday party.  They chose a glitz and glamour theme so they could get their hair, makeup, and nails done.

Invitation-typo and all.

The Stations

Bedazzled frames for their glamour shots

Cake and Presents

 

(Hannah opened her presents to fast for a picture to be taken.)

Glamour Shots

 Too bad Hawaiian punch was part of their makeup:).  

A big thanks to Deanna for providing the glamour know how, helping throw the party, and for taking the pictures!  I was really grateful that Joe's mom was there too to help run the party.