The Dover Family: 2011

Thursday, December 01, 2011

Preschool Graduation

This kid.....

He started off the year not sold on the idea of leaving his mama for a couple hours a week. He did it though and we were so proud of everything he accomplished this year.

Not to mention the 2 blessed hours of silence that filled my house MWF mornings.
He sang all the songs, said his part and accepted his certificate. Congrats Ethan on getting the 1st year of preschool under your belt.

The wonderful Mrs. Beach. She is so patient and kind dealing with these monkeys.

Typical Livi

I'm getting a little worried that fist will become permanently stuck in his mouth. You may wonder if he's wearing a bib. Nope, just drool.
Girl's really do rule, cause this boy drools.....A LOT

Now that it's warming up, I can't tell you how many of these I find laying around the yard. This is what they have resorted to in order to get a pet. Dream on.......

Happy 6th Birthday Livi-Lou

The kids are always jealous of Mike and I getting breakfast in bed on mothers/fathers day so we decided to start the tradition of breakfast in bed for the kids on their birthdays.

6 years old!!!

You are ALMOST ALWAYS happy.
You devour any book you can get your hands on.
You are the best big sister.
You are kind.
You are quirky, witty, and so, so loved.

You chose Pirate Island Pizza for your birthday dinner, of course.

Mother's Day Pictures

We tried, we failed.....miserably.
All I know is painting our front door is definitely on the to-do list for next summer.

For Livi's best friends birthday we got them tickets to the play Annie. Mike stayed home with the boys and the girls and I had a night out on the town. We had such a good time and the girls were great. We started off with Cafe Rio, went to the play and they CRASHED on the way home.

Cinco de Mayo

Last minute I thought it would be fun to have a little cinco de mayo get together. Who do we invite last minute? Brad and Andrea of course, always up for a good time. And Katie and Kyle of course. Who else would provide my cinco de mayo party with a burro pinata? We dined under ruffle streamers, ate fajitas, and drank mint mojitos and whacked the pinata.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Genius

Hair Cutting Umbrella is an essential tool for the home stylist! Cape resembles an inverted umbrella to catch clippings as you trim, so neck, clothes and floor are protected. Special upturned 'lip' along outer edge contains loose hairs until you're ready to discard them, saves you time during clean-up, no tedious sweeping or vacuuming needed! Slips over head and secures with self-close tabs; adjusts to fit neck size. Folds to store.

Add it to my Christmas wish list for sure.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Easter 2011

The kids are always beyond excited for every holiday. Easter was no exception. Up early, you can tell by those faces!!

Ethan with his "best book ever" Star Wars Villains. He loves the bad guys what can I say?

Olivia has more sophisticated taste. She prefers Venice.

Easter Breakfast. I refuse to show you the close up of my attempt at a bunny pancake. I just need to accept the fact I will never be an artist. It's just not in me!

Ethan was in HEAVEN munching on treats all day long.

I tried. I really, really tried.

And I failed miserably. I give up.

A rare occasion

Had Mike snap some of the kids and I.

Egg Day 2011

This is quite the crew. Ethan and Olivia with the biggest fake smiles EVER, Mike with his eyes closed. Oh well...I tried.

That's better
Home to dye eggs

He was NOT a fan.

I love this boy

I really do.

BEST WEDDING GIFT EVER!!!!

Just sayin.............

Classic dads picture: Mark asleep and my dad in his Egyptian Robe, I believe.

Swim Lessons

Another round of swim completed. Livi is officially swimming and Ethan is so close. He will be ready by next summer for sure. They both love the water. Ethan doesn't love so much getting in the water with strangers, but unfortunately he doesn't have a choice. This is a survival skill child, not a karate class. Thankfully it only took me throwing him in once the first day. (just kidding, but his teacher did suggest it. I was speechless and used much more persuasive methods. Bribery of course)

The Three Musketeers. Lucky teacher.

Serious progress by the end of the week.

Grant's Blessing

Grant Thomas Dover

The next day the party moved back down to our house where we had Grant's baby blessing. We were all so tired from the busy day before, but I was so grateful to be surrounded by family & friends that feel like family.

It i s just about impossible these days to get a picture where everyone looks at the camera. Grant was over it by this point so this was as good as we got.

The handsome men Grant is lucky to be related to.

I just realized that I don't have any of the pictures from Katie's wedding. I guess I'll have to get those from her. Here are just a couple I did have from the reception that night that my dad took.

Jon & Cher

Matt, Megan and Elijah

Our Crew

Pretty Eva Girl (one of Mark and Laurel's)