Happy Easter 2012

I took all three girls shopping the day before Easter and each chose her own outfit with coordinating shoes, earrings and headband.  It was fun to see how opinionated each girl is even at such a young age.

Dada with his three princesses.

Ava Dee

Olivia

Sophie

News Release

Leavitts Announce Blog Name Change

After authorities completed an internal investigation using the latest in medical technology, it has been determined that it is necessary for the Leavitt blog to undergo a name change to better reflect future family entries.  The blog will now be known as FIVE LADIES AND A DUDE.

In response to the news Taylor Leavitt, father and only source of testosterone in the family, said, "I'm pleased with the results of the investigation.  This confirms my current plans to invest in a wedding reception center to plan for future expenses.  I anticipate that by the time these four girls mature, there will be a dance studio named in my honor."

This fourth baby girl is scheduled to arrive September 2012 and will known as Ivy Lyn Leavitt.  Ivy because the entire Leavitt clan likes the name, and Lyn because it's the suffix to a family role model - Nana Jacalyn Leavitt.

For additional updates visit 5ladiesandadude.blogspot.com.

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2011 Year in Review

Ava Dee, 5-years-old, loves dance and preschool.  She continually begs for a baby brother or sister and takes matters into her own hands by telling teachers, friends, neighbors, and family that mom is pregnant and should be having a baby anyday now.  She believes in the power of persuasion. 

Olivia, 3-years-old, started dance and preschool.  She is a hopeless romantic who is often found staring out her bedroom window singing about her prince that lives in the castle on the hill.  She recently fell in love with BYU's mascot and declared her love for him by repeatedly shouting, "Marry me Cosmo!" during a BYU game; she got to meet him in the locker room at half time - it's true love! 

Sophie, 2-years-old, has a personality and confidence much larger than her small frame.  At first glance, older children may think they can bully her, but watch out because when you mess with this bull - or her sisters - you will always get the horns...and the hoofs.

Taylor continues his work with Leavitt Partners as the managing director of private equity and as a commissioner with the Utah Athletic Commission.  His dance repertoire continues to expand and he can often be found playing Dance Central on the Xbox with the girls.  He's the best dad for which three little princesses could ask.

Tammy enjoys documenting the family adventures on her blog.  She loves having three little girls with her all the time to experience and enjoy life.  Highlights include: girl movie nights, Lagoon adventures, crafts, tea parties, and sheer bliss every time she watches them dance.  Life could not be better - well, a full-time house keeper might be nice.

Happy Haunting

This has been an eventful Halloween filled with multiple parties, school programs, dance performances and trick or treating.  The girls are energized - I'm just exhausted.

  

Sophie, Ava Dee and Olivia 
Each girl chose her own costume.  Olivia fell in love with Dorothy from Wizard of Oz when she watched the movie last month.   Ava decided on being a witch when she found this costume in a magazine.  Sophie just copies her sisters.

Ava and Olivia at Mimi's and Papa's house

Taylor dressed as a skeleton and sat at our front door - accompanied by strobe lights and fog - and delighted in scaring all the trick or treaters.  He was more excited than a child on Christmas morning - I love this about him.

Success!  I'm sure there are many children sleeping with their parents tonight; Taylor will go to bed with a smile knowing that he did his part to make this a Halloween to remember.

Trunk or Treat
Ward party the week before Halloween

Party highlights included bobbing for apples in a stand alone toilet (never been used of course), flashmob thriller dance, and leaving with more candy than we could eat during the next month.

Sophie with "blankie" in her pumpkin - it still goes everywhere she goes.

Ava was extremely shy as a toddler but is now our social butterfly.  She had so much fun socializing at the party - with kids and adults - and was the last person to leave the event.  Thanks Mimi and Papa for staying with her.

Happy Halloween!!!

Perfectly Primped Princess Pumpkins

This year I decided to try painting pumpkins rather than carving, because it doesn't involve sharp tools that could potentially put a damper on the experience and the girls get to be more involved in the event.  Although it was more time consuming, and ultimately more messy, we had a great time and were pleased with the end result.

Ava Dee insisted on putting on a nice dress and pearls before beginning the project.  I had to negotiate with her to pull her hair back so it wouldn't get in the paint.  She informed me that she would comply, but would "take it out as soon as we're done because having your hair up is so boring and I want to look darling."

 I went into this project prepared for Olivia to get paint all over herself and everything around her.  I was pleasantly surprised when she didn't!  You can tell by the look on her face that she was really concentrating on keeping the paint on the pumpkin.

Sophie was initially upset because she decided that Olivia's pumpkin looked more exciting to paint.  This picture was taken moments before she launched her pumpkin off the table and ran to her room to pout.  Further reconsideration prompted her to apologize and return to the project.

A much happier Sophie!  Notice, she is wearing a tutu around her neck - she insists on wearing it this way everyday.  It reminds me of a shawl that I use to love and wear as a young girl.  Our girls are definitely independent and opinionated.  I always jokingly tell Taylor they get that from him.  He always responds that everyone is entitled to their own wrong opinion.

And vuala!  We have ourselves three perfectly primped princess pumpkins!

October Fun

October is my favorite time of year and this year has been exceptionally fun!  The weather is incredible and we're taking advantage of it before the cold rolls in and we're cooped up inside the house for 5 months.  

Among our favorite activities are fishing with Tawnie and Ryan, BYU football games, and weekend nights at Lagoon's Frightmares.  Today, I took the girls to Pack Farms Pumpkin Patch in West Farmington to select their Halloween pumpkin - such a fun experience.  Here are a few photos from the events.  

The Great Pumpkin Hunt

Pack Farms Pumpkin Patch - West Farmington, UT

Ava Dee's Pumpkin

Olivia's Pumpkin

Sophie's Pumpkin

Sophie insisted on pushing the wheelbarrow through the field accompanied by screaming, crying and sheer frustration as she struggled to make it over the small mounds of dirt.  As usual, when I offered to help her it only fueled the fire.

Lagoon's Frightmares

Sophie, Ava Dee, Emery (neighbor) and Olivia

Notice a reoccuring theme in each photo?  Olivia is our little poser.   It's difficult to get a photo of her with her eyes open because she feels most glamorous with her head tilted and eyes shut, or half way open.

Riding the train and being silly

We just love these little princesses!

Ava Turns 5 and Celebrates Fancy Nancy Style!

The Little Fancy Nancy's: Emery, Marley, Olivia, Ava Dee, Hayden, and Claire

Ava Dee turned 5 and had her first birthday party with friends.  She chose Fancy Nancy for the theme.  Ooo-la-la!  Each girl received a tiara, feather boa, and dress-up jewelry when she arrived.  Nana read the Fancy Nancy book followed by a make-up session with Aunt Roni and diva bracelet designing with Mimi and Aunt Tawnie.  Tres Chic!  In true Fancy Nancy style, the girls made parfaits with chocolate, carmel, sprinkles and candy.  Ava Dee was in heaven.

Ava At A Glance 2011

• Favorite Color: Purple, pink and black 
• Favorite Food: Corn, mac and cheese, pizza, chocolate and will tolerate oranges when required to eat fruit - she's still our pickiest eater
• Favorite Activities: Going to Lagoon, dancing, visiting Mimi and Papa and Nana and Saba, eating dessert, and acting fancy
• Favorite Book: Fancy Nancy
• Favorite Movie: Tangled
• Nickname: Deester

Quotes During The Past Year That Make Us Smile

• "You're stronger than he is dad.  You have one, maybe two big (abdominal) muscles.  He has a lot of little muscles.  But one muscle is better than a lot of muscles." Answering Taylor's question regarding the strength of a muscle builder on the cover of a fitness magazine. (Spring 2011)

• "I learned about President Lincoln.  He was the president of the United States and he married Mary.  He was sitting and couldn't move, and was shot and died.  I can't remember the name (of the person) who shot him.  Let's see, was it Joseph Smith, or maybe President Monson?" Talking about what she learned in school (February 2011)

• "He's nice, but he's a little crazy in class and can't sit still.  And, I don't like his shoes.  He dresses like he's a dad.  Only dad (Taylor) can dress like that and look handsome." Referring to a boy in her class (February 2011)

• "That outfit is way too boring for me." Referring to a jean dress I asked her to try on while shopping for clothes (February 2011)

• "I have the most boring job ever!  I hate this job.  I just want to work at Papa's office with Tawnie." She helped clean mom's and dad's teeth at the dental office and decided that was much more fun than her current responsibilities of playing (February 2011)

• "Why do you always wear dad's shirts?" Referring to my morning attire consisting of sweat bottoms and Taylor's t-shirts; taking matters into her own hands, she looks through my drawers to find something else for me to wear.  "What? What are these?" Holding my red silk pajamas, "Mom, you need to wear these not dad's clothes.  OK, put these on and promise me you won't take them off." (March 2011)

• "This show is awesome!  It's amazing!  I wish I could watch it all day long.  I don't want to watch cartoons anymore." Watching an episode of Human Planet on National Geographic with mom and dad; this is also when she decided to add avalanche control specialist to her career list-refer to post Is there a Doctor in the House (April 2011)

Parfaits!  Ooo-la-la!