The Howes' Spotted in Newport Beach for the Holiday. Janna's Rock'n her new hot Zumba bod!

Good article. Here.

chillin at the playground

My mom and i heard this on the way home from St. george. hopefully you enjoy it as much as we did.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq_-DZBZOWc

Thanks Aunt Cara

^Look! I grew my own sprouts! I did it in a sprouting jar and they are crisp and delicious. We had them on our salad tonight

^Every night, I swaddle Ben in this same crack of the couch. The very second I do, he smiles and talks to me. He seems so happy because he knows it is time for bed. :)

^Cara! Check out the cute outfit you sent. It made it right into my box today. Anika saw her name was on the package and could hardly make it in the door quick enough to tear it open. The whole outfit is adorable. Mom says it's her absolute favorite and you know Mom doesn't throw compliments around lightly. Thanks so much. The thrill of clothes is not lost on Anika... she was excited!

^Aaaand, apparently Anika can write. Don't know when/how this happened. I knew she could write her name but today she was all interested in my Target list. She asked what else we needed and I told her a toy for Ben. She said, "How do you write 'toy' Mom?" I told her T-O-Y and by the time I walked across the room to see her do it, she had already written TOY. What the??? Then I told her the letters in diapers and she wrote that too. I'm in total shock. Aside from her name, I had no clue she could write.

That's all for tonight, folks. I love you all so much!!!!

preschool

Anika had her end-of-year preschool program today. After they did some songs for the parents, the teacher brought each kid up and presented them with an award. Things like BEST FRIEND award or COMPASSION award. Anika got CONFIDENCE award. That's one way of putting it. I suppose the teacher couldn't give out an OBSTINATE award.

Actually, the teacher talked a bit about why each child was getting their certain award. She said Anika started out unsure about the whole thing but gained more and more confidence in herself each day. This is so true! She has changed so much this year, I can't believe it!

Recital

It's disturbing how much joy it brought me to see Anika do her little recital. Ever seen Toddlers and Tiaras? I felt like one of those freaky Moms as I was applying her mandatory stage makeup and telling her to hold still while I pulled her hair into a tight bun. These stage photos are from dress rehearsal. She was so brave and I could tell she felt very proud. :)

High Tea With Jake

Baby Ballerina

Anika's recital is next week and today was picture day at ballet class. They got a group photo and individuals and I will be sending you all a wallet size when I get them next week!

When we came home I told her I wanted to take pictures of her in her costume. I didn't tell her to pose or anything but she just kept striking funny poses. I have no idea where she learned that touch-the-dimples thing, wtf??? Where did she pick that up? Or did she come up with it on her own? Then she said she wanted one of the backside and turned around and stuck her butt out. And finally she said, "Mom, no more pictures. Can I go poop?" and started ripping her costume off to make it to the bathroom.

She is one funny, goofy little thing. I love her.

Smile Captured!