First Day of Second Grade

I can't believe it, Monte's a second grader! He's at a new school, (2-4 graders are split into two elementary schools) with 2 new teachers, new para-educators, and entirely new staff. Lots of prayers, meetings, and agonizing over this...but he's loving it and having a blast. So grateful for Missouri! They have such a love for kids like Monte and make it their priority to help him have a great experience. (His Principle says his number one goal is to help Monte feel loved). He also has 2 friends from church in his class, which is awesome (There's over 300 kids in second grade, and only a handful LDS, so talk about a miracle). We went with an orange backpack and lunchbox to match the orange chair.

Taking Time to Read

Other Mom's I know always ask how I find time to read...here's one way I sneak it in!

Dixie Stampede

We've had another Branson Adventure, here's us all cowboyed up!

Dixie Stampede. More than a Show…it’s an Adventure!Amidst the fog, the sound of beating hooves begins to grow…the crowd watches in amazement and the excitement spreads throughout the grand arena…suddenly, as if by magic, a herd of longhorns appear.Welcome to the Dixie Stampede! A fun-filled, action-packed Dinner and Show extravaganza for everyone! It’s the perfect place for families, friends and groups to gather for spectacular special effects and amazing stunts by the most talented performers in the area. It’s the only place that brings together stunning performers, amazing horse feats, fantastic stunt riders, magic and audience participation with a delicious four-course dinner extravaganza for one amazing price. Visitors of all ages enjoy the thrills and excitement because you never know what you'll see at the Dixie Stampede! From the first moment you arrive to the grand finale, you’ll be surprised, entertained and awed by the beauty of the horses, the magic of the special effects and the perfect performances. The rush of adrenaline fills the air as each side of the arena cheers for their side in a friendly rivalry that is fun for all. Who knows…you may be hand selected to play a special part in the show...

Monte's Toga

I found Monte like this last week, he'd pulled that blanket off the chair and wrapped it all around himself, like a toga! Or perhaps royal robes, inspired from Piper. Maybe he was cold?? I thought it was so cute!

Allison's Knight in Shining Armor

I know, you're all eagerly waiting to see who Allison chooses for her lifelong prince...and here he is! Finding love in Branson, what a wonderful place!

Piper's Birthday Extravaganza!

We've decided that the 3rd birthday just well may be the best one! It was so fun having Allison here, we opted to celebrate Piper's birthday a few weeks early...since Monte had surgery scheduled for the day after the 17th, and we needed to spend the day travelling. Still, thanks to a care package from my mom, a lot of enthusiasm from my sister, and a gaggle of giggling princesses, it couldn't help but be a success. We had all the girls come in their princess finest, began with admiring and playing with Piper's new kitchen, cooking up all kinds of pretend foods. We played "pin the crown on the princess," enjoyed Piper's favorite pink lemonaid, marshmallow and peanut butter flower cut sandwiches, princess crackers, and of course, a Cinderella cake, made by Piper, decorated by Doug and Allison. We also sent home goody bags with dipped oreos in chocolate to look like flowers, princess fruit snacks, candy necklaces, and lipsticks. The princess tablecloth, plates, signs, placemats, tent, and crowns (we decorated them with princess stickers and jewels) mom provided made all the girls SO excited, they really never stopped giggling. They loved having their fingernails painted too! As far as presents, it was so amazing! Grandma Higley spoiled her with a sparkly princess blanket, (or royal robe, as piper wears it), unbreakable crown, septer, Beauty and the Beast book, hairthings, socks, wow. Grandma's Fogelquist and Wellington send awesome packages of special books w necklaces, (Piper's favorite hobby), fun phones, candy, princess books, and a fun "Pooh learning phone." No little girl has ever had so much fun with her presents! We left up her princess birthday sign, and she tells everyone she sees that "I'm 3 now, and I had a cinderella cake, and opened presents, and had a party and ..." It's adorable. She's already planning my birthday next, always asking what cake I want, and already inviting her friends to my party.

The best part might've been Allison and I assembling her new kitchen at like 2am...using POWER TOOLS! Well, you had to have been there.

Visiting Nauvoo and ALLISON!!

Our third time visiting Nauvoo, going to the pageant, and having a wonderful time with my special sister...

High School Musical Fever!

We are gigantic fans of High School Musical. Not only was our friend, Danor Gerald a star in the second one, (captain of the college bb team)we love the music of all three. Many a tough hospital stay has been brightened by listening to and watching the dvd's. It always brings a huge smile to Monte's face any time he hears any of the songs. We were thrilled when we learned that a touring cast was visiting Branson for a show combining the music of all three movies. Of course, we had to get tickets. It was also so cool to find HSM t-shirts on clearance at the Disney store, so we got all decked out. Here's a few pic's of our fun, special day.

Oh, and we met the grandma's of both Sharpay and Gabriella. Even though the cast had a plane to catch right after the show and didn't come out to meet the audience, we finagled a meeting with Sharpay. She was really sweet and adorable with the kids.