The plan was that this would be a "off" year for friend birthday parties. Pathetically I was weak, and gave into the pleading of a sweet seven year old little girl. After making eleven bonnets, aprons, and doll bonnets this is the result. A real authentic pioneer party, complete with candle dipping, strawberry jam making, butter shaking, and country dancing party. I hope Kate enjoyed it all. It seemed like the girls were really engaged in the activities. I couldn't believe how simple the party seemed. Originally I thought candle dipping would be a chaotic mess, it wasn't though. And thanks to my Mom, who helped the girls make the jam, it all went well without a hitch. Here are the pictures. I think this was by far my favorite party to plan. Who can resist those adorable bonnets? Most importantly I think Kate had a wonderful time! We decided to celebrate her birthday early. Her real birthday isn't until Friday. But I have a special weekend planned to Kate and I to enjoy together for both of our birthday's. Of course I'll be publishing more about all of that soon! 
It seems like the kids are going to have fabulous teachers this year. Kirk's teacher already new him from when I'd occasionally bring him along when volunteering in Kate's class last year. She was a wonderful teacher, and I know Kirk will love her class. Kate has two teachers, and two classrooms. Morning's she goes to French immersion. They study math, and science completely in French. The idea is that they naturally pick up the language from hearing it day in and day out. Then the second half of the day they go to their English teacher where they learn their reading and writing. Kirk is also in the French program. They start out just doing small amounts of french. After a year of french kindergarten Kate can count in french, understands shapes, colors, commands such as add, subtract, or point too etc.... One thing I've noticed is that the Kate understands much more than she can verbalize. It was amazing to watch her french teacher ask her do point to a certain shape, or number in french and she understood. I guess if you think about it babies are the same way. The understand what we are saying to them, much sooner than they can actually speak fluently. It will be fun and exciting to watch the kids learn french this year. Kirk came home a said that they played duck, duck, goose in french. I asked him how to say it in French and he said he couldn't remember. It takes alot of practice. Well now that the first day is done and out of the way it's time for me to tackle on my new projects. I've got to start getting into a routine, and organized before this baby comes. So it's off the the laundry room, the goal to day is to see the floor by the time I'm through. 
This one doesn't look as crisp in the blog as it does normally on my computer, which annoys me. But it's cute anyway.
Kate recently had her dance recital, (okay I guess it was like a month ago, but I'm trying to keep up with the blog best I can). She was adorable in it. Her dance studio did a very professional job. The theme for all of the dances were fairy tales and fables. Kate's class did the fable of the ant and grass hoppers. She got to be a black ant, danced with large pretend food. It was so cute. She was so excited to be at the head of the carrot, and she also got to carry a huge cheese around stage. I think she has really made a lot of progress with her ballet over the last couple of years. It's amazing how the years fly by. I still remember her first recital when she was one of the itty bitty girls on stage with their big fluffy tutu's. Just for reminiscing sake I've included a picture of her first dance recital.
Counting back I guess she just completed her fourth year of dance. She has grown so much in those four years, and they have come and gone so quickly. I feel like I'm about to enter a new phase in life with Kate going to school all day this year. She's going to be gone a lot more now, and we won't even get to have lunch together. I'm half tempted to go the the school and eat with her everyday! But really thinking about how quickly the last four years have gone by, it makes me freaked out to think were Kate will be in the next four years (pre-teen, I'm getting chills just thinking about the teenage years). I'm wishing I could freeze time, or at least make it slow down alittle. Speaking of slowing down, there's an awesome video put out by my church, which addresses the same topic. It's a good reminder of focusing on the important things in life, and not getting to busy to enjoy the little moments that make it so special.
We love your Kate, you have grown into such a beautiful girl. We are so grateful that your special spirit was sent to our home. You have brought us a tremendous amount of joy, and happiness. 
This is Benjamin sitting on the front porch at my Dad's. He was a great ball shagger. He run and grab the baseball each time Kirk hit it off the tee. Benjamin loves balls, it will be fun to see him get into playing sports as he gets older.
Here are some more pictures of Kirk at his baseball games. Kirk is left handed, so it will be interesting to see what he ends up hitting left or right. I know that a left handed hitter can be a real advantage against a right handed pitcher. But so far he has hit either way. We've tried to teach him to hit left, but he's the only lefty on his team, so I think when he gets up to bat he gets a little confused on which way to stand at the base. We can't really tell which side he feels most comfortable with hitting. Maybe he will end up being a switch hitter. He has really, really loved baseball. I love it how at this age it's not about winning, or competing. All the kids get to run all the bases, and nobody strikes out. However, during Kirk's last game he started calling the strikes, he'd yell strike one, strike two, strike three! (I'm not sure where on earth he got that from because nobody was calling strikes, and we don't watch baseball much on television). Anyways let's just say that he really gets into baseball!
