Emma turned 12!!!

The theme of this year's party was horses, and the color scheme was lavender. I was happy to see that all of my daughter's friends this year were able to attend. However, only one of them stayed until the end. The same friend who stayed overnight and we dropped off that evening.  

The candle that burnt the cake! 

Spring Break Fever!

Today, I decided to switch things up. Instead of the usual car turnaround for pick-up, I parked my car to soak up the contagious excitement in the air. It was such a sunny day, and all the kids were out running around on the playground. Once Emma spotted me, she ran and asked for a piggyback ride back to her friends. She loves directing me like a horse and I was happy to play along. Her friends and teacher were fun to chat with so we stayed for quite a while. On the way home, she talked me into sharing a snack at McDonalds. 

 

Beautiful!

She actually took a selfie with me! 

Emma had a wonderful day of pampering! Her Grandma and Bop-Bop treated her to a professional haircut, giving her the exact style she wanted for her upcoming big day. It's bittersweet to see her grow up so fast. She's turning 12 soon...it's also going to be a fun age (insert eye roll)!

My little petri dish

    I was woken early by this little one with ear pain. We later found out that in addition to an ear infection tested positive for Strep! Kids are like little petri dishes passing around pesky germs. Of course, a trip to McDonald's after her visit was in order. She is the only person I know who doesn't like the taste of Amoxicillin.

Born to ride!

Pic was taken back when M" tried out horseback. Yes, that's little Emma eating horse snacks! 

Harvest Party!

Waiting until the last minute to volunteer, I had only one choice: manning a carnival game. Unsure of myself and walking in costume, I chose putt-putt golf. I was instructed to give one treat only after they had sunk the ball in the hole, but they could try as many times as they wanted. I sneaked in extra treats, as every kid (minus one, a teen) kept trying until the ball was sunk. YIKES, that was a lot of lunging after balls to tee up. I got a great workout! The next day, my quads and glutes burned! It was worth every smile, shy "thank you," and of course seeing Emma having a fun day at school. Trick-or-treating tonight—yikes, that's a lot of sugar for this little one!

 

Fantasy Trail Halloween Party!!!

When the Wenzel Fantasy Trail closed due to ice storm damage, we had to get creative for Halloween this year. We decided to host a thrilling Halloween party for Sam and Emma's friends, and it turned out to be a fantastic evening.

We transformed the trail into a spooky Halloween adventure, lighting it with candles and leaving clues and riddles for the kids to follow. The trail was an exciting journey filled with flashlights and a sense of adventure, and we managed to avoid the tricky divots underfoot. At the end of the trail, the kids discovered a treasure chest brimming with Hershey chocolates - more sugar for the already hyped-up kids!

The party was a blast, featuring activities like mummy wrapping and fun games that had the kids laughing and having a great time.

Though we missed our traditional public Wenzel Fantasy Trail, this unique Halloween party became a memory the kids will cherish forever. 

Our rainbow, under God's rainbow!

Sunshine!

    Oh, these final sunny days have been a riot with Emma at the playground! It's like watching a tiny tornado with boundless energy. Fueled by a blend of sugar and sunshine, she transforms into a playground ninja, swinging from the monkey bars, adding layers to her calloused hands. Then, there's always my attempt to race her to the swings, which is my favorite part of the playground. One night, I struck a deal with a young boy. You see, Emma wanted me to catch her, but knowing that would never happen, I resorted to a dollar-fueled solution. She had so much fun running from the boy and was happy to make a friend! When he caught her, she said, "Pay up!" but there was no way I would be seen giving a little boy a dollar, so I had her fork over the cash. I later struck up a conversation with the boy's mom who had a beautiful Aussie! 

Student of the Month

First week of 5th Grade

    She's off to a great start!  Pictures in front of the school were a no-go this time around.  However, I took a few pics of her shopping with Dad for back-to-school lunches. First Starbucks was in order, along with showing me the next cup she planned to buy. 

The twins attack!

    Grandma was watching Sasha's twin doggies for a few days. Emma got a good licking. 

    These big boys are contagiously lovable! Emma wanted to nab them to keep at our house while Sash was as away. Our critters would have said..."Oh, hell no"!

Ridding with Emma!

 

Emma & Ollie

Getting to know you once again!

 Fun girl's day before school starts!

Window shopping is so much fun! She thought this purse would be more MY style than my hand hand-me-down, 

"What's your favorite perfume?" 

Horse therapy with Emma & Scooby

Her trainer insisted I do a trust fall! She's heard my breaking heart for my mom and kiddos' recent issues. Scooby is a good boy! Emma urged him to trot into a gallop, scary for me but worth the smiles on her face! 

Gymnastics with this monkey!

She usually falls asleep much faster on these nights! 

This kid LOVES to shop!

 

I do not! However, it was fun to hear her say "ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS for a backpack!" 

Back to school widow shopping

She was shocked to see how much things cost. One hundred dollars for a backpack!!!

Bottle that energy!

Fun time with Emma at gymnastics. I have so much fun with each of my kids INDIVIDUALLY!