The Milligan Family

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Bradley's Beach Party

Bradley and Bella (Levi's little sister) tickling each other

the "tough guy" look

being silly: Trent, Jackson, Bradley and Marrrk

Levi cheering on Bradley

Isabelle and Rachel

Isabelle and Rachel waiting to slide

Levi, Bradley and Marrrk

the boys; and the sweetest big sister ever, taking care of Trenty

Rachel making sure Trent is safe and ready

Go Trenty!!

Go Bradley!!

Bradley's school had a Beach Party the day before school got out. Each class had a feast which included goodies that each parent brought and then we headed outside to do a bunch of water activities. There was a water slide, a few wading pools, a tattoo station and a picture booth. It was a great set-up, a very hot day and a really fun time! All the families of the preschoolers were invited, so there were lots of kids from babies to Rachel's age that attended. Rachel's friend, Isabelle got checked out of her school early that day so she could come, which made the day really fun for Rachel. Bradley LOVED the waterslide and he and his buddies would scream and cheer for each other as they watched each other go down the slide. Rachel was (as usual) a HUGE help in taking care of Trenty, and she faithfully stood by and assisted Trent as he went up and down the slide. Of all the young kids who were there, Trent was the only one who wasn't afraid to do the slide, and he did it over and over again. We had a great time and can't wait to do more water-related activities this summer!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Bradley's 5?

So excited!!

Happy Birthday to Bradley!!!
(Marrrrrk)

Bradley's table: middle on left side

Bradley, Marrrrrrrrk and Logan-waiting to go outside and play

Not really, but since Bradley has a summer birthday, he got to celebrate it at school the other day before they got out. He was thrilled since we had literally just celebrated Rachel's birthday over the weekend, and although he had handled her party/presents/sweets extremely well, he was ready for something a little special. So, we got to take some awesome Sam's Club Star Wars cupcakes to his school. They had little light sabers and storm trooper rings on them. They were a huge hit with Bradley AND the rest of the kids. Rachel, Trent and I went along and helped to celebrate and enjoyed watching Bradley beam with joy and excitement! He has had so much fun all year long with his new school friends and I'm so glad he was able to share a pretend-early birthday celebration with them. He even wore his Yoda t-shirt to school, courtesy of our sweet, generous cousin, Carter. :)

Friday, May 13, 2011

Learning Grove End of Year Program- 2011

Rachel and Natalie

the 1st Graders singing their songs

Rachel and her boyfriend, Tristan

We had another great year at Learning Grove! Rachel finished 1st grade and learned so many great things! This was her first year to move to different classes. She had art, creative writing, music and Science and loved them (and the tutors) so much. On Friday, May 6th, they had the End of Year program and it was great, but long! It's hard to cut down on a program that includes K-6th grade, 4 subjects and a special ceremony for the graduating 6th graders. We left after 2 hours, and they still had 1 hour left for a performance of Willy Wonka. Rachel's class sang some songs and had their artwork on display for everyone to see. There were also Science projects displayed for everyone to see and each grade sang or performed (on recorders) lovely hymns. It was a special evening and we're so thankful to be a part of such a great homeschooling group. We can't wait till Bradley is there next year!

Bradley's T-Ball Funnies

getting dirty at homeplate (B's attempt at sliding)

sizing each other up- after the bag stand-off

get off the bag!!! I'm the runner!

look at that form!!

Action shot- "Run Bradley!"

copying the 2nd baseman-I thought this was hilarious!

T-Ball has been an amusing and enjoyable experience for us! Bradley has really liked it and has had a good time out there. One of his buddies from pre-k was also on his team and it has definitely made them closer. There's no doubt about it, he's looked pretty adorable out there. He's also kept me laughing with what he does when he's on the field. These pictures are a summary of a great season (it's over next week) and hopefully a spring tradition! (I sure enjoyed this more than basketball!)

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Rachel's iCarly birthday party

"iAm a Pizza Chef"

"iAm a random dancer"

Haleigh & Hannah M.
iSculpt with silly string-

Isabelle & Hannah B.

Callie & Rylee Ann

Rachel & Ellie

We had a great time celebrating Rachel's 7th birthday with some of her buddies. She invited 11 girls (we tried to get her to narrow down the list, but she just couldn't leave anyone out.) and we had a great iCarly party! We made our own pizzas, did a lot of "random dancing", played a "guess that smell" game and even made silly string sculptures--all "iCarly-ish" things to do! Only a few girls couldn't come, and sadly, our (sick) very favorite cousin/best friend Juj didn't get to come.

:( But, we managed to have a blast even without her. Hopefully we'll get to re-create some of the party just for her, when we see her next. Anyway, it was a great party celebrating our sweet little girl!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Happy Mother's Day!

What a blessing it is being a mother to 3 absolutely precious, beautiful and healthy children! I truly love being a mommy and have never experienced so much joy from anything else. My Mother's Day came on the heels of a very busy week finishing Rachel's homeschool group for the year and celebrating and getting ready for her 7th birthday party. After church, we picked up Barberito's (per my request) came home and RESTED! It was fabulous!! I took a long nap and just enjoyed being at home. I have a wonderful, thoughtful husband who acknowledges my "motherly" skills many days out of the year, and the rest on this day was just what I wanted and needed!

This day does make me remember to be thankful for my precious mom, who has taught me so many wonderful things. I have tried to model my own mom skills from her fabulous example. Her constant love and unselfish giving of her time and energy throughout all of my life was so sweet and such a beautiful picture of motherhood. Mom, thank you for being my precious, loving mother and for loving me and setting such an awesome example all the time. I love you so very much!!