Week in Pictures

The big highlight of our week was Phoebe's dance recital Thursday night. She was absolutely fabulous! We were so proud of her. She remembered all of her steps and was so graceful. She sparkled with a ton of cuteness in her costume. They wore the tutu for ballet and then it came off and bustled in back for the tap routine. She loved being on stage, the makeup, the body glitter...she loved it all. She already told me that she will miss dance this summer and can't wait for next fall. My little ballerina! Aunt Sarah and kids, Grandma and Papa, and our little family were all in attendance for the recital. So to celebrate afterwards we went to Sonic and enjoyed some ice cream treats that were delicious. Sarah and cousins stayed the night. The kids were WIRED after all that fun, especially Phoebe. I don't remember the last time she squealed that much until that late in the night.
Phoebe did not have school on Wednesday. It was a gorgeous, perfect day for the zoo. Maybe a little hot, but that was okay. They were the best kids ever. No whining, no arguing, no pushing. Just enjoyed the animals, walking, talking, and being together. Tanner loves the birds. He points and dances. He was pretty fascinated by all the animals though. We went to see a life size robotic dinosaur exhibit. The girls were pretty impressed at how big they used to be. It was a fabulous day.

Last Friday night was the PTO Family Fun Night. They had an 80's dance and I helped chaperone, so I also agreed to dress up a little. Of course only two other moms actually followed through. But it was still fun. Once I got my hair dryer and hairspray warmed up it all came flooding back. I knew just how to get my hair to stand up. Although texturized/layered bangs don't work nearly as well. I even tight rolled my jeans, again not an easy feat in boot cut. All 5 of us hit the dance to do the limbo, freeze dance, and some line dancing. Good times.

I actually paid to have someone come paint our house. Jeff was appalled that I would do such a thing, until it took ONE day to paint the whole room two coats with no messes. Totally worth it. Mario did a great job. We love the golden straw color. It is just soft and cozy. It makes our wood furniture look awesome.

And then Jeff bought the coolest paintings from Overstock.com. They are humongous and super colorful. They are perfect for us and this wall. So I am completely in love with our living/dining area now.

I also started my new job this week at Ann Taylor Loft. I already miss the women I worked with at Archiver's. There were four of them especially that I had gotten fairly close with. But I do NOT miss the frustration and drama of working there. I worked two evenings at Loft, they didn't really train me much yet, so I just folded things and straightened stuff on hangers. But I also think that might be the extent of it. It is a little relaxing actually, because I have to worry about one thing at a time. No one complains. The managers are always asking if we are all okay and telling us what a great job we are doing. Not Utopia, but will be a good part time gig for now I think.

Now what I am excited about is the fact that I have 7 paid students coming to take drawing lessons with me in June. I put the word out with 2 moms and it has spread from there. So now I need to get in gear and put something together to advertise lessons next fall. I talked to the art teacher at Phoebe's school and it sounds like there would be a fair amount of interest. Can't wait to see where this leads me.
Jeff has been working on the swingset and it is coming right along. My dad came to help him last weekend and then this weekend will be devoted to its completion. The girls liked playing on its parts though. It was gorgeous weather all week, so we were outside 90% of the time. My farmer tan is in full swing. A fave pastime is "painting" everything with water. They have been digging in the sand. Annika and I are getting VERY good at playing catch. She says that my practice is starting to show and that I am finally getting better. We eat outside for most of our meals. The girls are addicted to eating on the patio, just like the past two summers. Phoebe can ride her bike, but is refusing to do so. TAnner plays in his Little Tikes car all the time and then uses a play golf club to hit balls, and anything else. His new thing is mimicing inflections and sounds. He doesn't use words, but you can figure out what he is implying quite clearly.

And that is all I want to type today. There will probably be another huge post next weekend as the next week promises to hold much excitedment...Phoebe's birthday!