First Dance Competition

This was Abbie's dance groups first competition. The little girls and older Jazz Comp girls performed a dance routine of three different songs.  It was so fun to watch and more importantly...you had fun!! 

I  can't believe how hard it was to get the mascara on your eyelashes without them touching your cheek before they dried. If we could all be so lucky to have such long eyelashes! 

This is the girls practicing on the "practice stage" before they performed. 

Getting ready to perform. 

You can see Abbie smiling at me from the end of the row! Love you Abbie!

Here's proof that the boys were there....I was there too but, someone had to be behind the camera.

Every girl was given a participation trophy! Abbie was so excited that it was pink and matched her costume!

Abbie was so excited to show her brothers....they were as excited as she was!

Abbie skipped the whole way to the car! I am so glad that you had fun because that's the most important thing! This was a great practice before the dance academy performs at the JAZZ GAME on Thursday!! We can't wait to see you perform the JAZZ pre-show (Jazz Comp Girls do the pre-show and the Show-Time Girls will perform at the half-time performance) and then we get to enjoy a professional basketball game as a family. This is exciting for the entire family because we've never been to a JAZZ game! The boys are excited to see a professional basketball game and it's perfect timing because the kids are off track! Your dad and I are so proud of you Abbie! You did great and we are so glad that you had fun because that really is the most important part!! Love ya!!

Cassy

Kaden Riding Without Training Wheels

Kaden is four and finally asked to have his training wheels taken off!  

I can't believe my little boy is big enough to want his training wheels off! 

Reed got quite the workout, holding onto the back of Kaden's seat running around the cul-de-sac...again....and again. Finally, Kaden was ready to have Dad let go and he's been on his own since and LOVES it. 

Isaac and Abbie were Kaden's biggest cheerleaders. They kept telling him how Awesome he was doing and that he is a real big boy now. It was so cute to see them cheering for their little brother. Best little buddies! 

Reed taking off the training wheels./ 

Kaden being brave and riding without training wheels. Our little boy is growing up!

My Little Helper

While taking picture of my new project, Abbie jumps in and wants pictures with the bench. She definetely deserves to be in the picture because she was my big helper.

She helped me paint the under part of the bench in brown and black paints. I let her stay up 10 minutes past bedtime and she was in heaven. She kept asking me, "How are you doing over there?" As we painted away, past her bedtime. She was so happy to be able to help me and I loved spending time with her. She just makes me smile! She loves to help me with my projects and I love to have such a great helper. I love that we got to just talk and giggle!

This part of the project was perfect to have her help with. I needed the black and brown paint spots random, so I could add melted wax and then paint to acheive a new technique that I had thought of. I tried something new and it paid off...and you can check it out on my design blog to see the entire project. http://www.cassandradesign.blogspot.com/

34 Weeks

As I looked back through some photos, I realized I hardly have any of me during this pregnancy. I know this is because it's been a really emotional journey after having lost our little boy a year ago. So, I thought I would change this and post a picture of me at 34 weeks with our little girl due April 15th!

The power of a Grandma

I called my mom today to ask something simple and Abbie was sitting right next to me. Abbie asked who I was talking to and asked to speak to grandma Millett. They had a chat about how it was snowing and the next thing I know...Abbie says we have to make a snowman and take a picture to send to grandma. We had a few errands to run but, as soon as we got back the kids donned their snow gear and they were determined to make a snowman. 

Abbie and Kaden built most of the snowman so, Isaac decided to add the ears on top to make it a mickey mouse snowman. 

So, enjoy your picture of the snowman....it was made especially for you Grandma Millett.  I just hope this is the last snow of the season because I am ready for spring. 

Abbie's snow angel! 

The snowman lasted longer than I thought because it was leaning from the get-go. So, when it lasted a few days...I was surprised. Nice snowman kiddo's!

Daddy Daughter Dance

Abbie came home with a note from school announcing a Daddy Daughter Dance. My initial reaction was that she was too young. Luckily my sister (Abbie's aunt Nichole) was here and couldn't believe my reaction. She told me that what a special thing to have time with just her daddy. It made me re-think my position and when Reed got home from work on time a few days later...I got to work doing Abbie's hair for her special dance.

This is Abbie trying to to look at Daddy while not getting burned by the curling iron. She was so patient while her hair was curled to perfection!

Abbie was SO excited to go to the dance (definetely glad I changed my mind...thanks Nichole). She loves getting her picture taken with her daddy. She's definetely Daddy's little girl!

Once I took a nice picture Abbie tells Daddy, "now let's do some silly faces!" 

Their sily faces! 

Abbie loves her daddy! 

Being a gentleman, Daddy helped her with her coat and off they went to the dance. Reed took her to dinner after the dance (her choice...McDonald's Happy Meals). Reed said that they learned the box step, spins and turns and that Abbie wanted to stay to the very last minute of the dance because they were having so much fun. Reed even told me that Abbie started doing the "robot" dance and that he was following her and having a great time. He even said that he's never seen so many men dancing...trying to show off for their little girls. I am so glad that you two could share this night together and be able to thoroughly enjoy getting dressed up and spending time together. 

Abbie, Daddy loves you SO much and was so glad to spend this dance with you! You are such a fun, happy little dancing lady!

Elder G's Home

I can't believe it's been two years already but, we are so excited to have my little brother home from the Tijuana, Mexico Mission. The whole family (after the visit to the cemetery) headed over to the airport to welcome him home!

The board finally changed....showing that Elder G had landed!

While glancing over at the arrival board...who do you see?...that's right...Mitt Romney (former presidential canidate) waiting for a passenger. I wasn't bold enough to go shake his hand but, did capture this picture to prove he was there. Such a Chicken...huh?

Everyone was cheering when the missionaries started down the escalators!

The group waiting for the elders to appear...minus me who was taking the picture.

Mom got the first hug...OF COURSE!!

It was happy reunion.

Uncle Garrett made sure that every neice and nephew got their own hug. What a good uncle!

Abbie gave Garrett a "squish" hug! I didn't capture Isaac getting his hug because I was behind Garrett at the time. Sorry bud!

Garrett was a good sport and ran through the sign after we all got a few pictures. The sign ended up ripping on the corner out of Jordan's hand.

Welcome Home Elder G....we are so proud of you for your service! Love ya!