Bennett's birthday party at Craft Caboose

Yesterday we had Bennett's "princess themed" birthday party at a place called Craft Caboose in downtown Kirkwood.  The place is adorable, and the girls had a wonderful time doing crafts, playing and having cake and ice cream.  I was amazed at what diligent little artists they all were.  They took their crafting very seriously! Everyone went home with 5 crafts that they made, and I think everyone had a great time.  Miles was even a trooper being the only boy there.  He did crafts for awhile, then he found a pirate ship to play with and was as happy as could be!

Addison and Bennett (AKA Sleeping Beauty #1 and #2).

Lilian and Maria were hard at work on their princess crowns

 Miles and Addison were working on their princess puppets.

Bennett, Hollye Anne, Peyton and Anna decorating their castles

Bennett happily decorating her crown.

 Miles showing great fine motor skills when he started placing sequins on his puppet.

 Bennett, Hollye Anne and mommies

 Hollye Anne and Kimen had a great idea for organizing beads before stringing them on her necklace.

 Girls having fun!

 Miles found the toys, especially the pirate ship!

 The birthday wall with everyone's names on it.

 adorable gift/cake table

 Bennett doesn't really like cake or cupcakes, so she chose to have a cookie cake.  She also requested pink and green flowers on it. 

 Miles found his "prince seat" and was ready for cake about 20 min early!

 Birthday girl in front of the birthday wall!

 Because Joje said she never gets a picture just with Brandon!

 With our birthday girl!

 Waiting patiently for their cake and ice cream!

 opening gifts.  The girls were on top of Bennett so eager for her to open their gift next! I was very impressed by how appreciative Bennett was of every gift.  She found a unique way of thanking every guest.

Reading a card to all of her friends.

World Day Graduation

Bennett has been going to a special class on Thursdays called World Day.  They have passports and travel to different countries to learn about languages and customs.  Thursday was Bennett's last World Day, and they had a little graduation party.  

 The kids performed a few songs

 Bennett drew pictures of bugs and bats for her part of the song

 getting her World Day diploma from Ms. Peggy.

 checking out her World Day picture book from her teachers

 Alexandra, Anna and Bennett being silly

Bennett and Anna with their World Day teachers, Ms. Peggy and Ms. Mary Ann.

End of year picnic

Last week was the end-of-year picnic at school.  After school, we had a pizza party picnic, and then the kids gathered to watch Babaloo perform.  He was very funny, and the kids got a big kick out of it.  I especially loved how much Miles paid attention and truly enjoyed himself too!

Pizza!!

 Miles and Greer watching Babaloo

 Bennett and Hollye Anne think Babaloo is pretty funny!

 serious drummer!

I was impressed that all the kids got drums and sticks and no one got whacked!

Spokane, Ctd.

The rest of our trip was also busy, busy, busy! On Saturday, we went downtown.  Bennett ran in the kids race (over a mile!), and the rest of us went down the big red wagon slide.  Then Brandon and Bennett met us and we fed the garbage goat and went on the carrousel.  Later that afternoon, Bennett and Ella got to visit a real ballerina! Chelsea was kind enough to give Bennett and Ella a dance lesson in their awesome dance studio in their basement.  The girls were in awe of Chelsea's beautiful tutu and dance skills, and had a lot of fun! 

 Bennett's race.  She did great! She also told everyone that she beat Daddy! :)

 Bennett and Ella posing on the giant blocks.

 At the carrousel.  These pictures didn't turn out very well!

 Dancing with Chelsea.

The rest of the weekend was just spent hanging out with family.  Bennett and Ella had their first slumber party, and had a lot of fun playing together! Miles and Bridgette really played well together too when they weren't trying to follow the big girls around!

 Miles helping Papa do dishes.

 Early morning story time!

 Sunday morning, while Brandon was off running the Bloomsday race, the kids also had an Easter egg hunt just for fun.  It was a beautiful morning! 

 Miles took a break from hunting to try to push the plow with Uncle Jake.

 Cousins! Bennett was especially sad when the Menards had to leave on Sunday!

Sunday afternoon, we visited Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Caskey.  Miles LOVED all of Great Grandpa's trains!

 Miles even got to run the trains!

 Bennett and Great Grandma Caskey

 One last picture with Papa before he left for work on Monday morning

Monday morning we went to a beautiful Japanese garden and ran around for awhile.  Bennett and Brandon also did a little hiking on a trail that Bennett LOVED!

 taking some time for a little meditation ;)