Oh April!

The blog is a little past due for a few updates.  I'm going to dust things off and get all caught up.  I hate the feeling of being behind, but guys, we've been super busy.  I know, I know...who isn't?  Before I get started, I will say, all of these life events truly deserve their own posts.  But, we are just going to roll them all up in one big one and we'll put a bow on top. =)  Let's get started.  Evan and Stephen were two of 40 students chosen from the 7th grade for National Junior Honors Society.  It's a huge honor and I'm so proud of both of these boys.  They were inducted early in April.  Here they are enjoying themselves at the reception.

The following weekend, our little family, sans Jason, went to the University of Oklahoma for Evan and Stephen's state academic team tournament.  Here they are getting ready to dominate!!

 Of course, we had quite the crew with us.  Play dough, stickers, markers, and lots of family made for a fun day for the girls.

I love Addi's green eyes!!!

Evan played captain every round.  One round in particular (get ready for a shameless mom brag,) Evan scored 160 points by himself!!!  The other team's total score was 180.  He was on fire!!!!  They lost their last round, which ranked them at 4th in State.  (Side note - it would have been a tied game, but one question was overturned.  Ugh!  But, we were happy with 4th place!)

Yeah, don't ask me. LOL!!!!

During the month of April, Addi and Karsyn have been working super hard getting ready for their gymnastics showcase. Both girls have nailed their cartwheels and are working hard on their bar and floor routines.  I have them both signed up for summer gymnastics.

Karsyn went on her last field trip as a Pre-schooler.  We headed to the zoo.  They've been learning all about the rain forest, so we checked out the exhibit.  Karsyn and I didn't stay long.  We went back with the other teachers because....

The very next day, we went to the zoo with Addi's first grade class.

We had so much fun hanging out with our friends.  We climbed on elephants.

We rode the train.

 We checked out the flamingos.

And Karsyn squeezed her poor baby boy friend all up.  This girl loves babies. This sweet guy had a sippy cup shoved in his mouth more times than I can count and a crazy lady four year-old stroller driver as much his mommy allowed.  As you can see by their faces, Karsyn was beyond herself happy playing with a real life baby.  Baby boy was more than a little over it.

That evening, the kiddos and I headed to McAlister's Deli for dinner.  We enjoyed a small cookie treat....just a little one. lol

The following weekend, the girlies and I were at the soccer field.  It's a shame that Karsyn doesn't like her coach. ha ha ha.  Actually, she loves him and always gets some cuddles in during the game.  This month, she got her very first goal.  She worked really hard for it and it sure made me proud!

The same day, Jason and Evan headed to OKC for band contest.  The 7th grade band did an amazing job and won not only superior ratings, but they had the overall high score and won the Sweepstakes Award!!!  While they were waiting for the awards ceremony, the band got to hangout at an amusement park.  Jason texted me this picture.  My boys had so much fun!!!  I love my guys!!!

The following week, Evan turned 12!!!! Our little family celebrated his big day by getting pizza and having cookie cake.  He also got a new t.v. =)  We are hoping to find time to celebrate with his friends very soon.

Our irises started to bloom this month.  We have some very pretty purple flowers!

Payton got some wickedly cool culottes to wear to summer camp.  She cannot wait to go.  Her bags would be packed if only we would let her.

Payton, Uncle Terry, Aunt Jenn, Sarah and I headed to band night at the middle school.  All of the kids signed up for beginning band got to try out instruments so that they could choose what they want to play.  The kids were all encouraged to try out three instruments each and got rated on their natural ability.  We headed to the flute line first.  Payton did amazing! The flutist in charge gave her a dexterity test and had her try out the mouth piece.  She told us that Payton has the perfect lips to play the flute.  She got great feedback.  The only problem - Payton got the highest score on all of the instruments she tried ...the flute, trumpet, and trombone.  A heck of a problem to have, I know!  All of the instructors tried VERY hard to get Payton to pick their horns.  For about 20 seconds, she was a little indecisive.  She went with her heart and chose the flute.  Miss Sarah signed on as a percussionist.  This picture was taken by the band director.  Don't ask me why I'm hugging myself. lol!

 Karsyn and I practiced graduation like crazy this month.  I teared up when I turned my head and saw this during practice.

April has been filled with sass.

And lots of after bath time pops.

 We've even let the wind blow through our hair.

 On the last Thursday in April, Karsyn graduated from preschool.  Just as all of the parents had dropped their students off, the church lost power.  A power line in town snapped and caught on fire.  We had the program outside.  It all ended up being nice, but from a teacher's perspective it was a little crazy there for a bit.  Karsyn did an amazing job!!!

Here she is with Natalie...our preschool graduate with our soon to be high school graduate. 

On the last Friday of April, Evan and Stephen had their school awards assembly.  Here are the boys with their principal.  They both received many accolades. 

 We were very proud when Evan's name was announced for the highest honor of the night - Outstanding 7th Grade Boy. 

April has been a busy month, but it sure was a blessed one.