Kate at Tap and Ballet class

This first video is of Kate's recital dance "Mickey Motion" they are 1/2 way through learning it.

Meg turns NINE!!!!

This is Meg's craft birthday party!  They did heavy hang over thy poor head, made journals and painted pet rocks.  It was so fun to watch them be creative and having fun together.  She really has a sweet group of friends she has made in the past year. Some from before and some from her 3rd grade class.  I was really please to see how nice these girls are!  It was a fun day!
This is Meg's American Girl doll named Margaret as well but aka Kit.  She even has freckles like Meg.  Kate decided that Kit needed to be taken care of during school hours and has happily done so with close supervision!  Meg also got this cute hat from her dad as well as a bride barbie from Sam and Kate.

Meg requested a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting....I was very happy to grant that request!  I am so proud of all that Meg has done in the past year!  She has really done well with the rigorous academic requirements and works hard.  She is a joy in our home and makes the entire family happy and our house a fun place to be.  She is creative, imaginative, joyful and becoming very responsible.  She just tried out for the competitive soccer team in our town and made it!  She will start that new adventure in the fall.  She is still on her dad's indoor team and loves scoring goals because her dad gives her good rewards!  It also helps that she is very competitive and so it makes her feel better even if her team looses.  We love you Meg!

Sam at Gymnastics March 2009

Sammy started a gymnastics "pre team" in January with 5 other 5 yr old boys.  His previous gym teachers thought that he would do well since he is naturally a jumping monkey and so he was evaluated by his now coach Eric last fall.  He has had mixed feelings about his new gymnastics experiences since he is now "working hard" and can't just goof off.  Initially his first complaint was the stretching.  His dad explained to him that he has to stretch in every sport not just gymnastics.....even skiing!  He hasn't complained about this since, but he still would rather goof off.....wouldn't we all?  It is amazing to me to see the progress since January.  In only 2 months he can do so many more things.  He is learning the even bars, cartwheels, head/handstands, backward somersaults, jumping (which is one of his favorites), flips into the "pit", the "mushroom" and the rings to name a few.  He said his favorite thing right now is flipping over the bar after jumping on the tramp. Every time I watch him practice I am so proud of him. Occasionally I have noticed him doing extra push ups and stretches when he "forgets" to listen etc.  I just laugh because he tells me later that he only had to do 30 push ups, but so and so had to do 50!  I notice he is not the only one doing "extra" work(:  I guess that comes with the territory of coaching 5 year old boys!  I promised Grandpa Ramon I would get a video of him so he could watch him.  So these videos are for you and all those who love our sweet Sam!

In the first video notice how he has to keep his feet together, he even uses a foam piece to remind him.  In the second video he is practicing letting go of the bar at the same time with both hands.  This was scary for most of the boys at first.

This last video is what Sam says is his favorite thing to practice.  I wonder why?  He will be getting a uniform soon so the next pictures will look more official.

The kids had a great time with ski buddies up at Heavenly a few weeks ago....yes, Erik has found more ski fans in the Bay Area, the Malmroses!  It was a perfect day, notice Lake Tahoe in the background.  Kate and I got left at home, she let Erik have it when he got home and he told her he would take her next time which is this up coming weekend! (:

Grumpy Kate

Don't mess with a napless 3yo after a long ski day!

Kate's 2nd day

Hanging in there

We've been having a series of illnesses around our place the last few weeks.  Sam stayed home from school awhile ago and today Meg is home.  Erik has been having chronic migraines for the last 2 weeks without any relief.  I feel so bad for him.  I wish I could wave my wand and make them all better.  You would think as a nurse I would have them all in tip top shape!! Haha!  If they all did exactly what I told them I'm sure we would all be perfect(:  Nothing a nice bowl of homemade chicken soup and a good nights sleep can't help with!  Because I was having fun with Meg home (I miss her when she goes to school) I forgot to take Kate to school until my friend Merrilee called and asked if Kate was home from school too?  Ooops!   I told Meg to not let me forget to pick them up!  Can I blame the last 8 weeks of pregnancy?  I'm hoping to find my brain again soon!