Maddie's a Preschooler!!!!

 
 
 
 

It's official...I have two kids in school!!! Maddie couldn't contain her excitement this morning as we arrived at Preschool. She goes Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 2 1/2 hours in the morning. After watching Grace go for 2 years now, she felt like such a big girl to be able to do the same. As I left her in the classroom she said..."Bye Mom, see you later!" just like that. So ready to be a big girl...When she came out sahe ran to me first and then decided that she wanted to go tell her teacher thank you and give her a hug! What a sweetie. She also has a friend from the house behind us in class with her, Amber. Aren't they cute? My...is it really possible that she'll go to Kindergarten all day next year and I'll still have two little ones at home? Goodness!!!

Grace & Mom

 

This picture goes with the post below...what fun to be able to take her to class and help get her started...oh and I talked to the teacher today and she said Grace did so well in class yesterday!

Goodbye Mom...Hello, world!!

 
 
 
 

Well, Grace started school yesterday, but this year is much different than last year. I've been dreading it a little all summer and now that it is finally here, I am excited for her, yet mourning the fact that she will no longer be at home with me during the day...ever! I miss her already...it's a long day for a Kindergartener! This year Grace gets to ride the bus to and from school - it picks her up at 8:25 and brings her home at 4:15. She was so thrilled to see that bus pull up yesterday...grinning from ear to ear as she climbed on and took her seat. At that moment it really hit me and I couldn't help but start to cry. My first little girl going off to school all day...where has the time gone? And now I have to look forward to this three more times? Yikes!!! I tried not to let her see the tears as she waved out the window while the bus lurched forward. It's a happy day and yet just a little nostalgic for me. I got to go meet her at school when the bus pulled up, and then it was off to her class. The parents get to come and stay for the first hour on the first day and then we have an orientation/breakfast in the cafeteria. She clung to me a little as I finally left the classroom, but I knelt beside her and whispered a prayer in her ear that Jesus is always with her, even when I can't be. She kissed me goodbye and that was it! It was so worth it when she came home beaming in the afternoon...her exact words were " It was the best ever! I loved it, Mom!" And I am so proud of my big girl!!!

Faith

 
 
 
 
Most days in the summer when it is sunny, we head outside to play. Now that Faith is walking and old enough to play, she LOVES going outside! Today I couldn't resist taking some pictures of her in her cute sunglasses and hat. She also loves to wear necklaces of all shapes and sizes...in the first picture she is wearing one she snagged from Maddie. (The other two were inside dancing to Bella Dancerella, so it gave me some time to sit in the yard and watch Faith have a ball) I love the second pic - she looks like such a big girl! And the last is her trademark look - she's sitting on a new bike Nana and Papa Turner got for her. When you tell her to smile she scrunches up her nose really funny - she always makes us laugh and has such a personality!! If only time would slow down so they could be this little for a little bit longer...it goes too fast....

Faith

 
Quinn just got a new camera and lens for his photography business. It's a really nice lens and he had fun breaking it in yesterday. Here is an adorable picture of Faith he took! What a sweetheart!!

More Party Pics!

 
 
 
 

Maddie turns 4! (A Little Early)

 
 
 
 
Saturday afternoon we had an early birthday celebration for Madison at the park. We had friends, family, cake, cookies and ice cream! And don't forget fun - even though we almost blew away (warm and windy!). She is getting to be such a big girl. I can't believe how fast they are growing up - next comes preschool in the fall. Maddie received some new play-doh, a kite, shovel and rake, new clothes, hair stuff, bike from mom and dad and some art supplies! What a haul!

Post Recital Pics

 
 
 
 

Maddie's turn to shine!

 
 
 
 
Friday night was Maddie's ballet recital and she did great! Her class danced to the song Ponyville from My Little Pony soundtrack. I have never been more proud! She came out and smiled and did her thing (most of it) and it was a joy to see her having fun on the stage in front of all those people. And at the finale, she came out and waved to us with both hands and she was just beaming! Afterwards she got flowers from both Nanas and a Dance T-shirt from mom and dad. It was a fun night - when Maddie got home she was pretty wired even though it was after 11 pm, but you only have a first rectial once!

Our beautiful girls!

 
 
 
Here are some more park pics of our gang!

Morning at the park...

 
 
 
 
This past weekend, Mom and dad came to visit for Maddie's 1st ever Ballet recital! We were also going to combine celebrating her birthday (which isn't until June 4), because we wanted to be able to have Nana and Papa here. Unfortunately things don't always go as planned! Mom and Dad had to head back to Ohio after not even 24 hours because of Grandpa's failing health. We were sad to see them go, but so glad we had a great relaxing morning at home playing outside and then at the park walking on the trail. Here are some pics!!! The one of Maddie and Papa is cute - they were tap dancing on the boardwalk!!

Field Day in Mrs. H's Kindergarten Class

 
 
 
 
Quinn and I (and the girls) went to watch Grace at her field day today at school. It lasted for an hour and the Kindergarteners and Young Fivers did the long jump, softball toss and running relays. She had a fun time and it was nice to go and show her we cared about the things her class does!