I remembered I had pics of Noelle in this dress and thought to click some of Anna Kate right as the sun was going down at our party Friday night.  I love seeing what they look like in the same outfits at the same age… it’s fun!

Noelle is so fair skinned and Anna Kate is so olive.  Anna Kate’s hair is longer and a shade darker, obviously they have different colored eyes, but the same noses and cheeks!  Although Anna Kate is definitely 2, I have to say Noelle’s tantrums and energy were a tiny bit wilder, but she has grown into the most beautiful and kind-hearted little girl, and Anna Kate is coming into her own as well!!!  We are so proud of all of our girls!

Thank you, God!  My cup runneth over…

The windblown hair and messy face top “the look” off!  Anna Kate has always been so go-with-the-flow that we used to worry whether or not she would have trouble taking up for herself… we don’t worry about that any more!

Have a good weekend!  Love, Melissa for the Ponds

Brother Man and Fancy Nancy (oh, and Cash, too) came over to hang out on Monday.  The girls were loving every minute of today! 

We took these snap shots while we were anxiously looking out the window for them to drive up… those of you with kids know this kind of excitement – so special!

After Frito pies and strawberry shortcake, we had a fun afternoon in the sun!

A little birdie somehow flew in the pool while we were inside eating lunch.  Brother Man saw him struggling and saved him before he drowned (thankfully).  The girls watched him for a long time as he snuggled in the grass and let his wings dry out.  We finally put him in the front flower bed and hopefully he found his way to safety.  This made me think of how fragile life is and how thankful we are to those who died for our freedom!

We got the girls a little back yard pool for the summer – they are loving it!!!

Poppa and Rara came to babysit all the girls this weekend so Mike and I could have a little time to re-group… we went shopping and ran errands that have been on our “to-do” list forever!  Although it wasn’t dinner and a movie, we held hands along the way, Mike even opened the car door for me, and we were in heaven running our errands together… it’s in the little things!  🙂

Since Poppa was the only one who hadn’t been to Babes, we had to take him to see what all the fuss was about.  He kept trying to tell the girls to smile, so this was the best picture I got… I think our favorite activity as a family of five these days is going out to eat.  Although I rarely take my camera, I will probably always remember to take it here because of the pretty light!

Mike and Rose look so cute together!  So happy to have my family!

Any other ideas!?!

This is Sidney, the granddaughter of Robin and Chris, our new fabulous neighbors!  Tonight she came over for popsicles, and somehow the girls ended back over at their house.  Sidney is going into 4th grade, and I asked her if she had any advice for Noelle starting kindergarten.  She said, “If you know everything then you haven’t tried anything new.”  Well, alright!  I have to admit I wasn’t expecting that… the girls are in LOVE with Sidney!!!

*Noelle and Sidney enjoyed using her mascara! 

We had a blast last week at Country Critters with my PTA group.

Noelle fit right in with the animals, but Anna Kate had to think about it for a little bit.

Anna Kate got closer and closer and with Noelle’s help she built up the confidence to go for it!

The wind was blowing something fierce today!

My little farm girl!  She’s so cute snuggled up next to that tiny goat on a bale of hay!

Noelle’s so brave and good to all the animals!

By the end of the day, Anna Kate was enjoying herself a lot more!

So happy to have the opportunity to experience new things with my girls!

Pants for Ken, of course!