The Simonson's: Another Party

How many parties do you get when you have an April birthday? Three! Not really sure how it happens but Rachel has been having multiple birthday's most of the years. The first couple years it was because we lived far away so we had a birthday on her actual birthday and then one on the weekend. Then one year we traveled to Nebraska around her birthday so she had a birthday with each set of Grandparents. Then the last couple years we have either gone to O'Neill around her birthday or had a party with Ashlyn and Kelcee so she has had more than one birthday celebration. The point of this story is that soon her brother and sister are going to catch on and realize that not everyone gets multiple birthday parties, so soon Rachel is going to have to not have so many parties. Until then we had a great weekend at the ranch celebrating Rachel, Ashlyn, and Kelcee.
Monday we took Rachel to school then came home. I did a UFC workout DVD instead of going to Jazzercise as I needed the whole day for laundry and it is easier to get it done while I am home in the morning. It rained on Monday so we stayed inside and played and worked on house stuff. Tuesday we took the girls to school and then went to Jazzercise. After Becca got done with school I planted grass seed in the north yard that has been torn up since putting the new shop in and moving some water lines. I was also able to get the yard trimmed after school so that I could mow later in the week. It is so nice that the kids are old enough to take care of themselves while I work in the yard!
Wednesday we took Rachel to school then went to Jazzercise. We came home after school and played. Wednesday night was the girls last night of CCD class, Alec and I enjoyed a visit with Grandma Priest. We will have to do lunch dates or go in for supper on Wednesday's now that CCD is over as we have really enjoyed our time with Grandma on Wednesdays. Thursday the girls both had school and Alec and I skipped class and just went to see Lisa while Becca was in school. Lisa is only teaching class a couple days a week since her neck injury so Alec has really been asking for Lisa more so we decided to spend the morning with her. After school Babs picked up Pizza and brought it out and feed the kids supper while I mowed the lawn. The worst part of mowing while the kids are in school is that there is not enough time to mow after the grass dries and Rachel need picked up from school, but if I wait until after I get Rachel from school I do not have enough time to finish and get kids fed and in bed on time. So thankfully Rebekah is now 16 and can drive and she was more than happy to pick up pizza and come hang out with the kids while I got my mowing done. Mike is on call now almost every Tuesday and Thursday so usually we don't see him until 7 or so on those nights.
Friday we took Rachel to school and then went to Jazzercise. After class we went and picked up some mulch before coming home. Mike came home early in the afternoon and after picking up Rachel and Mike and Alec finished putting blocks out on the new retaining wall we headed to the ranch. Alec was so excited to go feed cows, Becca loves seeing Grandma's cats, and Rachel was excited to spend the weekend with Ash! We spent most of the weekend outside. Sean was kind enough to saddle and give the kids horse rides, Alec got to feed the cows, and Rachel got to spend each day and overnight with Ashyln. We celebrated the girls birthday's on Saturday with lunch, cookie cake and presents. Rachel was very excited to get more Monster High stuff and Becca rode "Turtle" the horse all by herself so she is trying to convince Mike that she needs a horse.
We came home Sunday afternoon and stopped by Menard's to pick up the rest of the bricks to finish the wall. Mike and Alec worked on the wall, while Becca and I put down mulch, and Rachel did the dishes and picked up the house. We then all got to sit down for a movie and popcorn before bedtime!