Our House Giggles....

McKenzie tries really hard to help and when she is done, she asks if we can "save this for tomorrow". We used to put it in the fridge for her, but lately, she's been doing it herself. And sometimes...Mama finds some pretty neat surprises in there :)

This is McKenzie's Chore Chart. She gets stickers for every time she does something we ask her to do. I am pretty sure you can read the chart, but that's it.. :)

She also has a "bad choice" chart, which we haven't had to use too much. The "fear of the X" has really gotten into her :)

Yes...Even More Fun!!! :)

Kylie LOVES her horsey...5 bucks at a garage sale. :)

"MMM....I LOVE potato salad!"

McKenzie is trying to learn how to ride her tricycle...Daddy says we need a bigger wheel...he is an Engineer!

Ok...so McKenzie started playing "baseball" in the driveway with me. This girl can hit!! I throw her a smaller "inflatable" ball and she hits it probably 8 out of 10 times. I have also taught her how to "bunt" the ball. And she is doing great! She swings forward literally from this position, but I won't get too technical yet. She loves it!! :)

More May Fun!

A typical morning in the Clifton house...McKenzie playing with her "shadow" quickly behind her :)

"Mama, look! I've got penguino on my shoulders!"

Helping daddy "clean" the boat/camper/driveway....

Yup...you guesed what happens next :)

More Zoo

McKenzie LOVES running around the beautiful flowers....

Kylie loves being near flowers, too :)

Group shot! :)

"I'm running, Mama...and you can't catch me!" :)

Another Visit to the Zoo...Yes...We Have a Membership...

Kylie LOVED the red birds! :)

"Look in there, Mama!!"

In the polar bear exhibit

Kylie is determined to touch the seal :)

More May Pics :)

"Here, sis, let me help you stand over here...Mama wants you to stand over here."

Kylie says, "No, mommy...I don't want to take a picture standing here next to sis in my matching outfit." :(

"I want to look at my belly instead!" :)

Yes...this is EXACTLYL WHAT HAPPENS when I try and take a picture of them together :)

May Pictures

Kylie eating with a spoon!

McKenzie before her FIRST soccer practice!!!

A natural talent....

Having sooo much fun on the first night out! :)

Life As We Know It

We've been busy once again...and life will continue to get busier I am sure :)
Good news: I got a job teaching the second summer session at OCC. Same class -- stress management. Different campus -- Southfield. It's a bit of a drive, but our "regular" babysitter Aubree is able to help us out and will be covering for us when I am there. It's such a blessing to have her in our lives. She is a great babysitter and the girls love her. When I am not teaching on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the morning, I will be taking a night class Mondays and Wednesdays to keep my teaching certificate current. I am taking Abnormal Psychology. What a hoot :) I am excited --- thought admittedly a bit nervous --- about entering the classroom as a student again. Something I haven't done since 2004....

Let's see...McKenzie is starting soccer tomorrow. Should be awesome. We will, of course, post pictures. Kylie is growing up so fast and is starting to have preferences for things and will voice her opinion if she thinks "Sis" is being too rough, or taking toys away, or loving on her. She knows what buttons to push to get McKenzie going. I think it's hilarious. :)

We went on our first camping trip the weekend before Mother's Day. It was great! We had a wonderful time. Next trip is planned for Father's Day weekend...we'll post pictures of that too.
We are looking forward to Rob's friends Vinny and Walter coming in over the 4th and for Rob's brother Jon and his wife Jenni to visit us in early June. We never get visitors really, so this is a big deal for us. We feel blessed. :)

Life is good. Just picking up the pace with Spring and Summer fast approaching! We planted a vegetable garden near the lake. Hoping it will grow like crazy --- tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower. YUM!!!

So....that's what's happening. Hope life is treating you wonderfully! May God smile upon you today in your heart and may you feel His love. We are blessed!!!

Growing Up So Fast!

We are gradually shifting Kylie to "real big girl seating" at dinner. Here is a great shot :)

"Take a picture of me too, Daddy!"

Top of the swingset...top of the world for a 3 year old.

Another favorite....

"Mom! Take a picture of me lookin' through the ladder!" (she said...literally)

Outdoor Fun

At the end of the coaster! :)

Love this face....after probably her 10th time down...that day :)

That's my princess.

"Look out, Daddy! I can drive!"

My favorite big girl picture of McKenzie so far!