Jonas Brothers Concert

The girls got a big surprise last night by getting to go the Jonas Brothers Concert. I had kept it a secret for many months and they were so excited they were going and got to share the experiece with their girlfriends - Josie and Morgan. We had so mcuh fun!!

First Day of School

I can't believe that after 7 years I am all alone since both kids are in school. Mallory was so excited on her first day. She didn't want us to walk her to class but just wanted to go to the playground with MaClay. Of course I had to walk her to class and snap a few pictures of her in her new class room. MaClay went right to the playground just like any other school day. I can't believe how grown up they both are. They are such good girls and we are so lucky to have them.

Update

Wow! It has been way too long since we posted to our blog. We have been so busy as a family and having so much fun we haven't had time to post. Here are some pics of what we've been up to.

New Counters

I'm sooooo excited about our new countertops. It makes it seem like a brand new house! I love them and the free sink that came with them is a big plus too.

Diamondback Day!

The kids went with Daddy, Papa and uncle C.J. to Chase Field to kick of baseball season. They got to be in a commercial cheering for the team, sit in the dugout and play on the field.

Family Fanatics

My parents were here and we had a birthday party for Carlie, Taylee and MaClay. We had games and my mom awarded prizes. We played bingo, twister, pin the tail on the donkey and musical chairs. We enjoyed delicious Ding Dong cake and had fun with all the family.

Working with Daddy

Every year the girls get the chance to go to work with dad. His students are working on assessing pediatrics so the kids get to be the "guinea pigs" The girls love it!

PF Chang's Marathon

This past weekend, Mike ran the PF Chang's marathon. He has been training for months, getting up even earlier than he normally does to run. I am so proud of him for doing it!!

Somewhere there is a picture of him crossing the finish line. I'm trying to get it to post it!

Amazing Girls

As I sat in the living room trying to put something together, I heard MaClay yelling "Shhh, Don't tell mom!". Of course I called out, "Don't tell me what?" And then I hear in unison, "Nothing!" I was too engrossed in what I was doing to worry about what mischief they were getting into. A few minutes later they walked in with these awesome pictures for Mike and I!! Here I am thinking they were tearing something up but instead they both made mom and dad a present. Included with the pictures were a Sharpay doll from HSM and a sun catcher that MaClay had painted. Neither present was scan-able so here are their pictures!

Snow Bears Play

MaClay was in a play at school last week. She was one of the narrators. The kids did such a great job. Her teacher is amazing!!!! The way she teaches the kids is so fun and they learn so much. MaClay loves her teacher and we are so grateful she has her this year. I only wish the teacher moves with you as you go up a grade in school.
(Don't forget to mute my playlist so you can hear the play)

Snow Bear Play from Noelle Downs on Vimeo.

100th Day

MaClay's teacher ordered 100 balloons for the kids on Tuesday for the 100th day of school as a surprise. The kids had so much fun using the balloons for math problems. MaClay loves school and you can see why with all the fun stuff they do in class. Later that day the kids were treated to pizza as well.

We also went as a family that night to see Broadway's The Lion King. The show was great but the costumes were unbelieveable! It didn't end until after 10pm. Mallory made it to almost the very end and then fell asleep. The girls both loved it and had fun singing along to the songs. It was so much fun!

Happy Anniversary!

Wow! I can't believe it has been 9 years that we've been married! It has gone by in a blink. I can't believe how lucky I am to be married to Mike and that we have 2 amazing kids! He is an awesome husband and devoted dad! I couldn't ask for anything better!

Easy Bake

I find it truly amazing that a 100 watt light bulb will cook something that's actually edible! MaClay got an Easy Bake Oven for Christmas. We found some recipes online and decided to try one. They chose to make a cake. Instead of regular sugar we used colored sugar crystals. The cakes were bright green and they frosted them with chocolate frosting. I didn't try one but the girls enjoyed them for dessert tonight.

Happy New Year!

On Tuesday we took the kids miniature golfing! They had never been before and they had so much fun. MaClay was determined to get it right each time and in the end she had at least one Hole in One! Mallory tried hard too. She was more concerned with if she were standing right before she took her swing.