Maya turns 5!

Maya Brynn Kelly is 5 years old!

I know its hard to believe, but its true! Since her real birthday was on a Monday, we celebrated on the weekend. First up...presents!!!!

The BEST PRESENT EVER!!! A new balance beam from Grandma and Grandpa and mom and dad!
Next best, a new workout outfit from Auntie Callie. She LOVES it!

Is there any doubt she likes it?? : )

No birthday would be complete without one of mommy's famous princess cakes.

With her birthday being on a Monday and since we were unable to celebrate that evening due to me working and Maggie being at gymnastics, we picked up Lily and headed out to the Mall of America to ride the rides! You used to get in free on your birthday...to all of you who are thinking this as I was...not true anymore. Bummer.

They had the Diego bus all to themselves!

Giddy up horsey!

Their favorite..the swings!

Ready to ride the frog hopper (or whatever its called!)

The looks on their faces were priceless!

Choo-choo!

Ready for the hot air balloons to lift off.

Checkin' out the sights at the top of the ferris wheel, sporting her new shirt Lily got her. They visited Winter the dolphin on their trip to Florida. So cool!

Another favorite, the little roller coaster. It got an "this is awesome!"

Oh yeah! Hands up!

Add in a trip to look around the American Doll store and lunch at McDonalds and you get a great 5th birthday!

Ghosts & Goblins Meet

Maggie's last meet was the Ghosts & Goblins meet, aptly named, since it was on the weekend before Halloween. The girls didn't have their best meet, but it was another good experience for them.

Waiting for warm ups to begin.

The best part of the meet was after the competition was over all the teams had a costume contest. The girls' coach was the Cat in the Hat and the girls were Things 1-8! Maya was not to be left out and I made her a Thing 9 shirt. She thought she was hot stuff and jumped right in with the big girls. The girls didn't win the costume contest, but their coach, Tiffany did win for best coach's costume! Next up, the State meet in December. They are working hard to show their best stuff!

Halloween

Better late than never right? Actually I've been looking for a picture of the girls in their costumes, but can't find one. They were in their costumes and out the door so quick we couldn't get the camera out in time I guess. Maybe next year.

We did get our pumpkins carved however. They both made up their own faces, but I did most of the carving. Both were very proud of their creations. Maya did not want her picture taken though.

Bella all dressed up in her pumpkin costume, ready to bark at all who dare come to the door trick-or-treating.

Some jar lanterns the girls and I made. We put tea lights in them and lit them up for the trick-or treators. I think they turned out rather good, don't you?

Jack-o-lanterns!

Finally dark and the jack-o-lanters were a glowin!

Maya guarding the candy bowl from Bella as the last of the trick-or-treaters came by.

The girls had a great time trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. Maggie, Kyra and Meghan took off running. Maya went out with Lily and Megan Z. and myself. They did quite well themselves. We made the neighborhood rounds before they peetered out and sat down to chow down.

Aaron was in charge of handing out candy this year. He was a total scrooge and therefore we are left with a huge hoard of candy. Maggie has already been caught sneeking it more than once. : ) Another successful Halloween down the tubes. Already looking forward to next year!