Sami's last day as a Busy Bee

I can't believe my baby is done with her first year of Preschool. How did that happen?????? Look at the difference between the first day of school and the last day. What a difference a year makes!

 

She was so excited, she was literally jumping for joy just to go to school. Once we got there, she couldn't WAIT for the messy party to start.

 

 

Ms. Starlyn and Ms. Stacey both liked reading the books the class had made them.

 

 

 During the party, there was so much for the kids to do. They had shaving cream, water tables,

 

 

 and goop (Sami loved playing with Ms. Starlyn).

 

 

Sami and John-Taylor enjoy playing together.

 

 

One of the highlights of the party was a little science experiment with mentos and soda. The anticipation was too much for them!

 

Of course, what fun is a messy party without a little mud?

 

 

I tried to get a picture of the whole class....... silly and serious

 

 

they had more fun jumping

 

 

After the party, the kids all got cleaned up and they were ready for pizza and ice cream (which was our cue to leave and let them have fun!). I did get this last picture of my little busy bee enjoying her class. She is going to miss going to school this summer!

 

 

We love you, Ms. Starlyn! Thank you for being an awesome first teacher for my baby girl.

 

 

 

 

Pre-Mothers' Day Dinner

Bob, Diane and Jen came over Saturday before Mothers' day for a little pre-celebration. We made use of our new patio and patio furniture (Mothers' day present to me!) and grilled burgers and chicken. Sami used the opportunity to corner Auntie Jen as her personal playmate!

 

After dinner, Sami showed off her balance bike

 

Grandpa gave piggy back rides home

 

 

Of course, there were s'mores for dessert

 

 

I was happy to get pictures of Nat with grandma and grandpa

 

 

and one of Diane, Jen and Nat.

 

 

 

Of course, I got no pictures of me and the girls on Mothers' Day..... pretty typical :(

 

Natalie Turns 10 Months!

Double digits!

 

Stats: 18 lbs 

 

 

 

Fun things this month: She has learned how to use a snack bowl,

 

 

she is getting better at using a spoon (with some help)

 

 

although it tends to get pretty messy! *note the yogurt on her eye*

 

 

Sometimes Sami helps out a little

 

 

She is now able to pull up on everything- nothing is safe anymore!

 

 

 

She is now getting around in a full crawl. No more army crawl for this one! Crawling around all the time is hard work. It's important to stop for rehydration!

 

 

Watch out world, here she comes!

 

 

 

April Cuteness

Sami continues to amaze me with her new talents and skills. She loves to try new things and I love to watch her accomplish harder and harder tasks. Here she is helping Mark clean and chop veggies, and in an outfit she picked out all by herself. Did I mention that she can now button her buttons all by herself? She is so proud!

 

 

She is also wanting to wear headbands for the first time. This is how she puts them on. Good thing this is back in style!

 

 

We used one of Natalie's nap times for some "big girl" time. I taught Sami how to paint nails. She was so cute. She got to pick out the colors for our toes and everything. It was the most rewarding pedicure I've ever had!

 

 

Finished product! Aren't they great?

 

 

Even though Sami has become my big girl,

it makes me smile to  my see that play dates still wear her out

 

Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE our new patio? It is so nice to have a nice shady place for the kids to play during the day. We took full advantage and let the big girls play with shaving cream.

 

 

Sami got a little carried away. I guess we need to talk about the rules........ but what's a little good, messy fun on a warm day?

 

 

We also brought out the water table for the first time this year. Both Sami and Natalie enjoyed splashing around in it.

 

 

With the addition of our new patio, we were no longer able to use our chimenea to make s'mores (the fire would go up to the ceiling....). We bought a new fire table- it works perfect!

 

 

We also figured out how to keep Natalie from eating grass.... put her in one of Sami's sweatshirts. The sleeves are so long, she can't grab the grass. I realize this is only a temporary fix since it will be too hot soon, but score one for Daddy!

 

 

Happy April!