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.

Rachel's Birthday

Rachel turned 9 on August 16th!  She's growing up fast.  We did all our traditional festivities.

 I usually fail at food presentation but I thought I did a pretty good job with her angel food cake.

Rachel is a blessing to this family.  She helps me so much and is a peace maker.  The other kids love her.  She tries so hard to choose the right and I'm glad she's my first child.  She's such a good example to the younger kids.

First Day of School!

August 12th was the first day of school.  They were all excited...especially Hannah going into kindergarten.  Rachel is a 4th grader now and Lincoln is a second grader.

Lily gets to stay home with me.  Soon she'll be starting preschool one day a week.  It's an awesome break for me.  Lily has a hard time being nice with other kids around, but she does a great job when it's just her.  

Beautiful Ballerinas

The girls figured out Lily could fit into a leotard now so they wanted to all get dressed up as ballerinas.