We celebrated Annabelle’s “fake birthday” at school today. Since her birthday is over the summer her teacher asked if she would like to bring in treats before the end of the year. I think this is kind of unfair because it’s not really her birthday and it’s not fair to the kids who have to go to school on their birthdays, but who am I to deny the child another birthday celebration. The Paz’s celebrate birthdays for approximatley a month so adding one more day of birthday seems about right. 

Annabelle requested cupcakes and then changed her mind and wanted ice cream sandwiches. We also took in graduation shirts for each student in her class. I had fun making them and the kids were so excited to find their initial. 

My friend Nancy introduced me to a fabulous children’s photographer. Heather specializes in sweet scenes and has lovely props for them to play with and keep them engaged. We met her for a vintage tea party and she did such a wonderful job with my girls. She kept them laughing and playing and captured their personalities in this whimsical setting. I already have our next sitting booked with her.

 

Here’s a sneak of the pictures. More to come.

 

The Merrill’s joined us for dinner and a fabulous night of catching up. Annabelle was super excited to see them, and was probably showing off a bit, and took a bad tumble off the rock wall in the backyard. She scraped up her leg pretty badly and spent most of the evening laying on the couch. I felt bad for her fall and I waited until she was done crying and her friends were not listening to point out that I’ve told her thousands of times not to climb or play on that wall and this was precisely why. I didn’t say “I told you so”- my lecturing is far too subtle for that. That’s just the kind of mom that I am and I can tell the children really appreciate it {insert sarcastic eye rolling here}. 

We had so many laughs with the Merrill’s. I really get a kick out of them and I’m glad we’ve stayed close and  get together more often. Seth and B shared stories with us about their middle school concert adventures and we compared stories about who we liked and disliked from high school. All good clean fun of course and I got my weekend dose of laughter! 

Gwyeth, Braxton and Ivy.

As one of my last opportunities to volunteer in Annabelle’s kindergarten class I was tasked with putting together the student memory books. It was so bitter sweet. It was amazing to see many of the projects I have helped kids complete go right into their books. I am so grateful I’ve been able to spend this time with this class and especially with Miss Annabelle. I tried my best to put her book together without looking too closely at the pictures or reading the stories. It will still be a tear jerker when she shares it with us at graduation. 

With the school year quickly coming to and end, Annabelle’s class has a lot of activities planned. Today was volunteer appreciation day and I received a very sweet invitation to attend. I wasn’t prepared for how emotional it would be. I’ve spent a lot of time with these kiddos over the year and gotten to know them all. They sang a song to us called “When I Grow Up” and I nearly bawled. My eyes were definitely teary but I held it together. I was relieved when the other moms had tears in their eyes too. I’m not the only sap for these kiddos. 

Annabelle won a limo ride and pizza lunch with her principal. There were about 20 kids, but just her and one other kindergartner.  She was really nervous and even laid in bed the night before worrying about the ride.  When the limo pulled up her nerves were calmed and she was so excited for trip. She didn’t have to sit in a booster seat and it was just kids and the principal and an aide (no parents!). 

She looked so little with all the big kids, but she was so flippin’ happy.

Gwyneth celebrated her friend Charlotte’s birthday with a Brave themed party. I really enjoy this group of kids and moms. Charlotte’s mom pulled out all the stops for the party with so many games and crafts and treats. The kids all had a blast. 

Decked out in Merida dress along with her trusty bow and arrow:

Our baby girl is a preschool graduate! We are so proud of Gwyneth and had a wonderful celebration for her tonight. B made the most delicious meal: chicken and veal marsala, potatoes anna, ceasar salad with homemade dressing, basil bread with olive oil and parmesan cheese, and poached pears. It was quite possibly the best meal we have ever had in our home. How lucky we are to have a chef in training under our roof. 

We were joined this evening by Gus, Misti, Grandma and Grandpa Meyer, Auntie Chriss, Uncle Paul, Nathan and Jocelyn. Gwyneth had quite the cheering section. She informed us she was a little embarrassed when they called her name and everyone cheered for her. It was pretty loud! 

We are so proud of this girl. She is growing up far too fast, but she constantly amazes us. She is a little smarty pants and she is wicked funny. She is certainly ready for kindergarten (although I may not be ready for her to go quite yet!). 

Look out kindergarten, here comes Gwyneth!!

Misti and I took a class at the local pottery shop and painted flower pots. I’m not much of an artist and I have no idea how these silly pots are going to turn out. It was fun to be able to hang out with Misti, but I’m pretty sure this pot is going to end up in my basement in the back of our storage closet. 

Misti’s flower pot:

My pot: 

The drip is on purpose and it’s suppose to be green and brown when it is fired. We shall see….