Independence Day 2013

As always, our holiday started with a little decorating (any excuse to have a craft project).  I had, what I consider to be, a really great idea, and let the girls decorate t-shirts with a cookie cutter dipped in paint.  They loved it.  Turned out really cute and with minimal mess.  Of course, we also blinged out the wagon and bike in preparation for the big parade.

On the night of July 3rd, our neighborhood always has a fireworks show

On the 4th, our fantastic friends/neighbors organize a super duper family party complete with games, parade, food, and water slide.  This year was extra special because we got to borrow a shaved ice trailer for 3 days...free shaved ice (any flavor you wanted, whenever you wanted) for 3 days!  Does it get any better?

June 2013

We had such a busy, fun June.
It started off with a visit from cousin Gracie, all the way from Colorado...and, of course, Scott, Christy, Ginger and Ronnie also.

The next weekend, we went to Hallettsville and finally made it to Splashway (thanks to help from ZoZo, Nana and Jeanette).  I had never been there before and was very impressed and the girls had a blast.

The girls helped Papa G with the feeding

 The next week brought a visit from some special guests...Aunt Carmen and Aunt Sonya (and Brian, too!)

Aunt Jana, Alex, Abbi and Aiden stayed here all week so we had lots of fun with the cousins

Then we all packed up and headed to Lubbock for Anthony and Amanda's wedding.  The kids handled the trip like ROCKSTARS!  There was more time with cousins, more fun, many late nights, and a good old fashioned dust storm.  The kids had a blast at the wedding and the adults had a pretty good time, too!

Lila was a flower girl, and she was excited because she got to throw rose petals "like they do on TV"

While we were in Lubbock, we had a chance to visit with the Matthews for a few hours.  It is hard to believe that it had been almost 5 years since we had last seen them (4 children have been born in that time).  It's funny how so much has changed, and yet so much is still the same.  Old friends really are the best friends!

Pre-K Graduation

Lila's Pre-K graduation was on Friday, May 24th.

We started the day off with lunch at Subway, followed by mani/pedis with Charli and Michelle

Lila does not like anyone clipping her fingernails or toenails, so this was actually a little necessary.  She was excited to see Charli there, but when she realized that they were going to give her an actual pedicure, she told the lady, "I'm scared".

By the time we got home, it was time for a quick wardrobe change and off to the graduation ceremony.

Nana, Papa, Oomma, Oompa, Natalie and Jonathan, and Ms. Heidi all came to support our Lila Bug.

It was an over-the-top Pre-K graduation, complete with song and dance, caps and gowns, and it was fantastic!  The Pre-K teachers put in a lot of time planning and prepping, rehearsing and fundraising to be able to give the kids this spectacular event.  They are a fantastic group of ladies, and are so dedicated to not only giving these kids the highest quality education, but also to giving them a support system and great memories.  Lila's teacher told me that she starts planning at the beginning of school what kind of theme the graduation will be, so she can start putting together music, decorations, and clothing accessories because she has so much fun doing it.  I got emotional listening to the teachers talk about how hard it is for them to see the kids go after they have watched them grow up since they were babies.

 

After the ceremony, they had a reception and cakes with all the kids pictures on them

I cannot say enough good things about the teachers, owners, and staff at this school...we feel very blessed to have them in our childrens' lives.  Each and every one of them love their job and it shows.   When we first started there, all I cared about was that Lila was happy and felt loved there, just the way I did at Playtime Nursery and at Nonnie's all those years ago.  Mission Accomplished!   I have gained many valuable friends along the way, and learned so much from all the staff there (how to cure diaper rash, and how to make the perfect green beans.)