It's that time of year again....

I must take a break from my vacation blogging to post something special today. 

It's Maisyn's 10th birthday!

Maisyn Kate was born October 11, 2000. 

Last night as we were getting into bed, I backflashed ten years to the same moment, remembering a sleepless night knowing I was heading in to be induced the next morning - gratefully 10 days before my due date!

 Everything about this girl was as it should have been. 

The moment I gave birth to Sydney, 3 1/2 years earlier, I knew we would have another child. 

From the time we knew she was a she, I had her name picked out. 

   She is a treasure to me.  At a particularly low moment in life, she was there with those chubby cheeks, bright eyes and precious smile to tell me everything would be ok. 

She was a snuggler and still is - when we take the time!

    Maisyn is growing up to be a beautiful young lady.  She is feisty and strong-willed and sensitive and considerate.  She likes to be one of the "big girls" and will still play for hours with her little brother.

  I see how much she cares about her friends, making sure they know she's thinking of them. 

And she is genuinely excited to get to know others. 

    Her family, immediate and extended, is very important to her as well.

       As you can see, I simply adore her.  I am excited to bring her some Wendy's for lunch today to celebrate - along with doughnuts to share with the class.  And then to have a lasagna dinner with Grandma and Grandpa and open presents tonight.  It's going to be an amazing day! 

Love you, Maisyn!  And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Missoula Children's Theatre 2010

It was that time of year again:  summer.  That means that the Missoula Children's Theatre rolled back into town.  This year it was with a production of Beauty Lou and the Country Beast.  Maisyn tried out and got the part of "country folk".  This was Maisyn's 3rd time in the program.  Her sister's were busy at Krazii Kamp so were unable to participate.  So Maisyn spent the week, Monday through Friday, 10am until 2:30, rehearsing on our high school stage.  Saturday she performed in 2 shows.  She is shy every year when tryouts begin, but is always happy that she participated.  We really love the program and grateful that Bonney Lake brings them back each summer.  Can't wait to see what show they come up with next year!

Bravo, Maisyn!

Silly Kids.

Porter thinks his big sisters are the bestest, coolest people around.  They only have to pay a little attention to him, and he's theirs.  But put on matching tshirts and shorts (and wig)??? 

Nothing could beat that!

Maisyn- you got the gold star on your forehead for the day!  Way to go, sister!

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, June 2010

Field trip time rolled around too fast this year.  I think this is visit #6 or 7 to the zoo with my one of my children for a field trip.  But it was wonderful all the same.  After waking up to clouds and chilly breezes, cranky kids and missing shoes, I didn't think I was ready for a day at the zoo.  But little did I know...

The best big sis to share her day with her little bro.

Celebrating a friends bday AT the ZOO, with CUPCAKES- how awesome is that!

Best buds are even patient with the little man.

Finally posing alone!

Best buds' big sister got Porter to ride on her shoulders.  (secret:  he likes pretty girls.)

Maisyn and Summer.

Watching the walrus.

The polar bears are always my favorite- especially at feeding time on a sunny day!

Penguins.  Porter loves the penguins.

Helping the little man see all the cool animals. 

He really liked the big fish tank.

I don't think his teeth match up quite yet.

We could have stayed at the sharks all day. 

And we ended the day like this.  What else could a Mom ask for? 

Can't wait to see where Maisyn goes in 4th grade!  Until next year....

Victor Falls Variety Show 2010

Maisyn, Summer, Sarah, and Annie performed a dance/lip sync in this years' show.  They had a show at 2pm for the school (and Grandma and Grandpa got to come!) and then again at 6pm that night.  They looked adorable!  Annie lip synced during the chorus while the others danced.  Thanks to all the Mom's who helped choreograph, drive and dress these 4 little cowgirls.  Their song of choice was Hannah Montana's "Hoe Down Throw Down".  If I knew how to include songs on posts I would have it playing for you. 

But trust me.  It was cute. 

Christmas Carolers

The ward's Activity Day girls came a-caroling to our house last month.  It was very sweet to hear them sing and to have them all crowded on our porch.  A big plate of cookies to the Bishop was sweet, too! 

Thanks girls!

'Tis the Season

...for choir concerts...

Maisyn is a member of the Victor Falls Elementary choir.  They were able to perform their holiday songs at the Sumner Fire Station during their pancake breakfast.

They also took a field trip to the BL Senior Center and the Cedar Ridge Retirement community where they performed the entire show for two more crowds.  Oma was in town for this trip, so we all went along.  Porter enjoyed seeing Maisyn on a school day!

Sydney and Riley are both in the choirs at Mountainview.  Both groups performed on the same night and Grandpa and Oma were both able to be there.