Happy Birthday Lauryn and Clara

Lauryn and Clara have FINALLY reached the age of 6.  It seems like they have been asking when they would turn 6 for about 11 1/2 months.  They were very excited for this birthday because it meant they would start school. (OK so really Clara was the only one excited about this).  But it also meant they got to start violin and for some reason 6 was a big deal.  I love these two little beauties more than words can say.  They are my little buddies.  I truly didn't want any girls.  I think girls are emotional and moody which is totally true but they are also tender and creative.  They are my little helpers.  I cannot imagine what my life would be like without them.  

 Dave made them this cool corral for their American girl doll horses.  Best Dad Ever.  They even get to paint it however they want.

 It isn't easy to get two little girls to agree on a cake and since I didn't want to make two cakes I put some frosting on this one and let them go to town.  It was a win win win situation. (notice the prince playing with the princess' hair.  That was not on accident)

 The girls have been begging for hamsters for a long time.  We finally consented.  What were we thinking?

 This is the first of three hamsters for Lauryn.  Its a long story.  I love this little girl.  I love that she is still small and cuddly.  I love that she would rather be with me than anywhere else. I love that she wants to clean and cook and organize and do whatever I do.  She is full of spirit.  She often reminds me in her simple little ways of what is really important.  She requires time.  She needs to be held and cuddled.  She can't sit still AT ALL.  She will climb up on my lap and curl in a little ball and then move all over my lap while she struggles to get herself settled.  Just as soon as she is comfortable she is running off to the next thing.  She is bright and inquisitive.  She is creative and likes to be "making" things.  Her smile truly brightens every single day.  She has sweet sparkly eyes that I just can't get enough of.  I hope she always wants to spend time with me.  Happy Birthday baby girl.

 two minutes later...here comes Clara.  Clara brings with her peace.  Right from the very beginning she was peaceful.  I love that Clara is game for ANYTHING.  This girls knows no fear.  I love that she is friendly and that she is very mindful of other peoples needs.  I love that she is sensitive to spiritual things.  She often asks me questions about spiritual matters that cause me to think for a long time.  Clara loves to be outside.  She loves to ride her bike or play soccer (even in the pouring rain).  She has never met a stranger and she loves to make new friends.  Clara tries harder than anyone.  She practices reading every day all on her own.  She practices soccer and now her violin all without me telling her too.  She pays attention and comes home from primary with stories from the scriptures and how they apply to her.  I hope she will always have faith and trust in her Heavenly Father.  On the way to her first day of Kindergarten she said to me "Mom, I am a little bit nervous but daddy gave me a blessing so I know I will be OK."  That is a concept that I pray every day that my children will understand.  Clara wants to be good.  I hope she always will.  I love her to pieces.  She is my calm in the middle of the storm.  I love you little lady.

 The kids were playing soccer in the pouring rain in the backyard.  This pretty much sums up their little personalities.  Lauryn wanted to be outside so she played fetch with the neighbor's dog.

Clara took on the 10 year old neighbor in soccer.  I saw him rubbing his shins more than once.  (: