Mackenzie is 3!!!

Friday was Mackenzie's third birthday! It's so hard to believe that it's been 3 years now.

I had to work so when I got home Mackenzie got her presents from us. We got her a new Barbie and 5 outfits, shoes and purses for her Barbie. She played with her Barbie all day!

We had her party on Saturday and Chuck E Cheese. We didn't do the big party with them but they allow you to take cake and presents in. It wasn't too many people or overwhelming at all. There were the 4 of us, dad, Carol and Taylor, Marty's mom, brother, sister in law and niece, Morgan. We had pizza for everyone and we took in a cake. Mackenzie got her gifts and had a ball playing with Taylor and Morgan. GG put together a dress up box for her with a bunch of Halloween costumes, shoes, jewelry, crowns and wands. When we got home she tried on every costume in that box. That was a big hit. She also got a mailbox with letters and stamps. It's supposed to help her learn sorting size. She's been playing with that on and off since she got it, too.

She's growing up so fast.

Thanksgiving

We had a great thanksgiving this year!

We started our day off with going to Marty's moms house at noon. There was some great food, football and family! And Mackenzie got to celebrate her birthday!!! She got a water baby, cootie game and a soccer goal and ball. She loves playing with them all!

After Marty's family we went to Doug and Leslie's house. We had even more food and family. And we celebrated Taylor's birthday and Mackenzie got her gifts from Aubt Ney-Ney and Aunt Danielle. Aunt Ney-Ney got her stompies. Slippers with faces, every time she stomps the eyes flip up (open). Danielle got her a furreal friend. When you pet it, it moves its head and wags its tail like a real animal.

All in all it was a great day!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Random Stuff

It's been a long time since I've posted. We've really just been going about our normal routine lately.

Mackenzie's been doing great in school. She's done at the end of the month. She has one swimming session with school on Monday and two more regular classes the last week of November. After that, she's done. She has dance class every Friday and can't cant wait for her recital in May. A long way off, I know, but I'm excited for it.

Next week we are going to have quite a busy week. More busy than normal, for sure. Mackenzie's swimming and Cameron's therapy session on monday, Taylor's birthday and thanksgiving on Thursday, Mackenzie's 3rd birthday and dance class on Friday, her party on Saturday, Marty and my 5th anniversary on Sunday. I also work everyday next week except Thursday.

This week was decently busy too. The kids stayed at Marty's moms Sunday night because Marty and I both had to work. They were there all day Monday as well because Marty didn't get done working before I had my Mary Kay meeting. Tuesday my mom came here to watch the kids for a couple hours because we both had to work again. I was able to make it home in time to get Mackenzie to school. Wednesday, yesterday, we didn't do much. I worked of course. And aunt Jo got into town. I took the kids over to see her and we had dinner. Taylor and Mackenzie got their birthday presents from aunt Jo. Mackenzie got a very cute outfit and a baby doll (in dance clothes)! She decided she had to wear her new outfit today and she hasn't put her doll down since we took it out of the box :) Today was our lazy day. Our only lazy day and it was very enjoyable. Dance class and grocery shopping tomorrow. Work on Saturday. And dinner at dads either tomorrow or Saturday.

Cameron has his 18th month check up on the 26th. A Monday, at 9, so Marty has to take him because I won't be out of work in time to get him there. It'll be the first appointment I'm not at.

Happy Halloween!!!

This Halloween was great! The kids had a ton of fun and loved wearing their costumes, even when we weren't doing anything for Halloween. Mackenzie's grandma bought her a costume last year for this year so she was a pretty pink pumpkin. Since Cameron doesn't really have a clue about dressing up, we let Mackenzie choose his costume. She decided he was going to be Spider-Man. They were both so adorable. Mackenzie helped me carve pumpkins and we went trick or treating 4 times. We also passed out our own candy while we were home.

Friday the 26th we went to Marty's stepdads work to let the kids go trick or treating. Saturday we went to the Halloween carnival at church where they had games and more trick or treating. Sunday before dinner at my dads we went to the zoo boo at binder park zoo for more trick or treating and seeing the animals. And, of course, today we went trick or treating at the local businesses and went to a few houses.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable holiday. Now it's time for my favorites, thanksgiving and Christmas!!!

Bittersweet

Mackenzie's therapy is bittersweet. Bitter because she only goes until the Monday before thanksgiving because she turns 3. Sweet because, technically, she no longer needs it. She's passed all of her tests and is doing great. She talks like a normal 3 year old and has made leaps and bounds in her speech in the last 18 months. Her teachers said they're going to miss having her in the class because she's so good and she makes them laugh! Do I have a class clown on my hands here? I know she's going to miss school and her teachers too. She gives each one a hug before she leaves everyday. Hopefully it won't be too much of a transition for her and will be pretty easy. She does still have dance and we're going to go to tots and tunes once a month too. We weren't able to go because it was the same time as her classes. And Cameron will be able to participate too so he'll love that. He's always trying to stay and play in Mackenzie's class now! At least she still had about 3 weeks left!

Being a mom

It has been just me being a mom today. Mackenzie came into my bed at 3 am. But she did sleep until about 7:30 which never happens in her own bed. Then breakfast and dance class. She had a ball today and did great!

As a treat we decided to get some happy meals for lunch which the kids love. Once we were home, nap time! But not for me. I had dishes to do. Then play time, wake up dad, make dinner, Barney movie, more playing... The life of a mom and wife.

Finally, it was bed time. But still not for me. I had to pick up the kids toys. They have so many! I had to get rid of some. I really don't think they'll notice.

Now it's my turn. Shower and bed. I have to be up by 5:45 for work tomorrow. Marty isn't able to get out of work early and he works all day so the kids get to have their Papa come over and spend a few hours with them. Mackenzie was very excited when she found out today :)

Dance class

Mackenzie is getting busy for being not even 3 yet. She goes to her therapy/school Tuesdays and Thursday's, but we've also added per-ballet/creative dance to her activities on Friday mornings. So far it's a 3 year old class since they don't have enough 2 year olds yet. However, she lives it. She's by far the smallest almost 3 year old in the class, which is why they want her with the 2 year olds. Last Friday was her first class. She danced/played for a half hour, and got to meet the owner of the dance studio. That's a big deal for the little ones. The owner is usually working with the dance team but the little kids teacher was sick. She had an absolute ball and was disappointed to be done after just 30 minutes. She was ready to go back as soon as we left! This dancing may be a big part of her activities. We'll see as she gets older.

Since she liked dance and wanted to continue, she needed her dance outfit. Mackenzie and Cameron spent Saturday night with my mom, so once I dropped them off I went on my way to find dance clothes. I was on the hunt for tights, a leotard, ballet slippers and a dance skirt or tutu. I was able to find them all at Meijer, so that was not to bad. However, I'm cheap. They had everything at Meijer, including a skirt. The leotard, slipper and tights were all a good price. The skirt, on the other hand, was quite a bit more than I was willing to spend at her age. Plus, I knew I could make one. Since, at this point, I knew I would be making the skirt, I decided to make her a tutu. I think they're cuter than skirts for 3 year olds. Her tutu cost me about $2.50 to make. Now that's a steal!

Tomorrow is Friday and she gets to go to her second dance class! She's is so excited and freaking out today when I told her she goes back tomorrow.