VRA

lunch with gwyneth

Gwyneth asked for a packed lunch today and I just really, really didn’t feel like packing it. Nor did I feel like going to the grocery to buy acceptable lunch foods. The end of school year drag is real! Ha! We are at the end of the school year;  just counting down the days until we have summer freedom. I know most moms feel this way at the end of the school year. Those packed lunches and reading logs suck my will and some days I just have to throw in the white flag. Today was one of those days. 
I asked Gwyneth if we could skip the packed lunch and I would just take her out. She was thrilled! I picked her up for a special lunch and she requested Panera. That girl loves bread and soup!
I asked Annabelle if she wanted to join us and she said no! She said she didn’t want to miss even a minute of school. I love both of their reactions to my request!

fun run

It has been raining and dreary here for the past week. The skies dried up and the sun came shining down this Friday. We had perfect weather for the school fun run. 
The girls had gathered donations from friends and family and raised money for a new playground at their school. They each ran over 3 miles today! The both had a blast with friends and were worn out. I’m so proud of them for giving their all and I love the memories they are making. I couldn’t have asked for a better school for them. 
Some good stretches before running…
Best buds. Love these three together. They are just the sweetest of friends!
Soaking wet after running through the sprinklers!

dead sea scrolls

We were lucky enough to have my mom come and visit for the week. There was lots going on and I got a few pictures on my phone….unfortunately my phone died and I had to get a new one. That means I lost all my pictures from the week. 
I did manage to snap a few on my camera, but I’m still pretty bummed that the majority of the pictures of the girls with my mom are gone.
We joined Annabelle’s class for a day at the science museum. We were able to visit a few special exhibits, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Creatures of Light. We also watched a great Imax movie during our visit. I’m grateful for the day with Annabelle and my mom. 

And those are all the pictures I have of my mom’s visit. So very sad, but we did have a lovely visit.

decades day

Today was decades day at school and the girls rocked it! 
They got to pick the fashion from whatever decade they wanted. They did some research at school with their teachers and classes and we talked a bit about it at home. I was pushing for flappers and poodle skirts because we had some old Halloween costumes, but these girls had their minds made up already.
Gwyneth was set on the radical 80’s. From the lace gloves to the legwarmers this girl knew exactly how she wanted to rock this look. She did a pretty great job putting this outfit together.

Annabelle was all about peace, love, and flower power. She too was pretty passionate about what she wanted to wear. I think she made a pretty groovy hippie!

music festival

Annabelle spent two very long days practicing for the music festival this weekend. She spent nearly 10 hours a day between the drive up and back and the practices. She joined a group of about 300 kids who sang, played handbells, and instruments for the show on Saturday.
Ella joined us for the evening performance because….well, that’s what these girls do. They are the best of sweet friends and look for any opportunity to hang out together. 
Annabelle did a great job and sang her little heart out. Whenever she made eye contact with me I would make a goofy face at her and she would crack up. She pretended like it was embarrassing, but I know she loved it…right?
I can’t believe I didn’t get a picture of Annabelle but she’s in this crowd if you can find her. 

rodeo

I was a chaperone today for the girls’ school field trip. They had so many parent volunteers each parents basically just took their kids for the day to explore. 
We spent the day at the National Western Stockshow. We walked through the petting farm, watched the rodeo, had some fun treats, and met up with the girls’ friends. It was a pretty fun way to spend the day away from school and work. 
The only complaint I heard was that they had to wear their uniforms, but Annabelle managed to hide most of hers under her jacket. 

winter program

We had some very anxious little ladies this evening. Their school winter program was tonight and they were so excited. They have been practicing for weeks. B had to race over straight from work, but he made it just in time. The girls were thrilled to see him. 
The girls did great — all the kiddos did. They had a great time and loved being with friends. 
Silly girls!

field trip

I had a pretty special field trip for work today. I was asked to paint at the girls’ school. I painted with prek thru 4th grade and they made Christmas gifts for their families. 
The field trips are stressful for me. The stress mostly lies in the planning and getting the painted pottery back to the studio.  I enjoy spending time with the kids once I get there. This trip was even better because I got to see my girl. My first class was 4th grade and I got to paint with Gwyneth. She was awesome and I loved seeing her with her friends. Not a bad day at work, I must say. 

pajama day

Oh how I wish every day was pajama day! It is my favorite day of the school year. Everyone wakes up happy. There’s no fussing in the morning about clothes and we’re all just in really good moods. Isn’t it amazing what a good pair of pajamas can do for your day?
These gals sure do look comfy and cozy for school today.

first day of 4th and 5th grade

Today was the first day of 4th and 5th grade. 
We had the most difficult summer of decision making regarding school. I won’t go in to a ton of detail, but here’s the gist: The public school the girls attended was not great for Gwyneth; it wasn’t even ok. Broomfield Academy was great for her; but sadly it was just ok for Annabelle. 
We want great for both of them. One child can’t be doing great while the other is just doing ok. Heck, they at least both need to be pretty darn good or we have to keep looking.We searched and searched and searched. I have toured nearly every school in the greater metro-area.  I will admit the school search would have been easier if we split them up, but that was not going to happen. The girls were adamant that they stay together. That was truly their one request. They are so close and separating was just not an option for our family. 
We really struggled with the decision but finally decided to make the move and once that choice was made we have been nothing but thrilled with it. Everything about their new school has been wonderful and we can hardly wait to see what the future holds for them. Of course there are nervous and anxieties, but these girls are fierce and are excited for the new opportunities!
4th grade here she comes!
Our 5th grader!

5th grade is the start of middle school at the new school so Annabelle is pretty excited about that.

Here they go!

I picked them up and found the biggest smiles! They are enamored with their new school. They think the world of their new teachers, they made new friends, they love their lockers and they asked me to come back in after school to show me everything! I was so relieved and my heart is happy.

We went for ice cream after school and I got to hear all about their day. 
B had to work late that evening, so the girls called him to fill them in on their day. 
Love this little face. 
She doesn’t like to get photos taken as much anymore so I take advantage of any opportunity I can. 

Looking forward to an amazing school year and many more adventures with my fabulous ladies.