And she's off to the races...

I took a deep breath as I approached the carpool line this morning for the official first drop off. You could not believe the excitement Juliette was feeling as we were approaching the school. She even tried to open the door yet while we were stopped waiting on the road. The door opened and out she flew but not without a "first a great big hug, then a kiss" from my Princess. I looked in the rear view mirror and I watched her head right into the building and that is probably what I should not have done. Doing that brought a few tears out - bittersweet tears of happiness  as Juliette approaches a new chapter of her first even slightest bit of independence.

I picked her up at noon and she looked EXHAUSTED! Playing and learning will wear you out. Her teacher said she had a wonderful day and was so happy to be with all of her little friends!

I know that she is going to have a wonderful year. It is fun to watch her grow each day with new things that she says and does. She is such a happy little girl and it makes me so happy to know that.

One excited little girl ready to hop out!

Head hanging out the window with excitement... "Mommy is it time yet??"

Being walked to the car on the way home. A successful day!

Someone started 4K today...

I know someone who started 4k today.... and although 6:35 came VERY early to her...

She did pipe up and realized that it was going to be a very exciting day! She just needed to "chew on pink blankie" and wrap herself up with lolly blankie! These two blankies as you can see are very very special.

We headed out this morning and it was orientation morning where the Mommies got to come with the children and spend the morning with them so they would know what to expect. Juliette's teacher is going to be amazing! Her name is Mrs. Kraft and she seems to be the most loving and passionate teacher there is. We are just thrilled for the year that she is going to have. We sat on the mat with the children and went to each center with them and explored the whole classroom. At the end we went out to the playground where Juliette was able to find all of her old friends from 2K and 3K. It was like a reunion and they were all so happy to get to play together. It will be nice though because most of her little friends from 2K and 3K are not in her class since there are three classes. They do get to all play together at recess each day which will be so fun for all of them. It will be such a fun four hours for her each morning.

Tomorrow morning I just pull up to the carpool line and drop her off.... it still really does give me a lump in my throat to think that my baby is going into the 3K. By the way, she is the youngest child in the 3K program. There are 30 of them between three classes.

Yah! I am now awake and ready for the day!

Finding my seat

My Great Grandpa Bud would be so proud! Look at my skills with the tools.

My 2K and 3K friends... reunions feel SO good!

Mommy and me on my special first day of school!

Oh so tasty!

What we do on an average day...

Play Peek a boo with baby...

Play doll house

and make time to FISH!

Happy birthday to a 6 month old today!

Happy 1/2 year old to Tripp!My baby boy is getting SO big! He is just about to roll over but cannot seem to figure out how to get his little hand out of the way and that seems to be keeping him from fully getting over! He is ready to move though that is for sure. He is not content anymore just sitting on your lap. He is ready to move around with you. He is still babbling constantly. He really enjoys babbling while sucking on his toes. There must be something tasty about toes because he surely loves them!

He is still such a happy baby and loves to eat food. This evening he had peach, banana, mango food and boy was that tasty! He can eat a whole bottle of the baby food at one sitting. He is all business when it comes to eating.

I have not yet moved him to his room. I really enjoy having him right in the cradle next to the bed. It is nice to know that he is close to me and I can hear if he wakes up (which is never...)

A few of the six month shots that I took today on his little half birthday.

Mountain beauty

We went to the mountains this past week and had the best time! The weather was absolutely perfect and the friends that we went with were so much fun. We went with two couples and at the cabin there were five girls and Tripp. It may not sound relaxing but trust me it was! It is amazing how the girls really entertained themselves all weekend with each other. We had the best time finding water falls, streams to swim in, sliding rocks, renting a pontoon boat in Glenn Lake and taking on the town with very dear girlfriends!

It was a try much needed super relaxing week together. It is a tradition that I hope we continue.

Is someone turning 4 today?? Could it be possible?

Yes by golly Juliette turns four years old today! Who could believe that she is beginning her fifth year? We have been celebrating for the last two days and will continue the celebration tomorrow. As I told her we want birthdays just like your Mama likes birthdays - celebrate the week not just the day! SO that is what we have been doing.

Yesterday we had her birthday party and it was just precious! It was at the Princess of Tides shop and it was a Tinkerbell themed party. Tikerbell even came to the party. She put makeup on all of the girls, styled their hair, sprinkled fairy dust on each of them and each little girl even got to make their own wings to fly with. The party concluded with matching Tinkerbell green cupcakes that seemed to be loved by all of the children. It was such a magical day for all of the little girls and we were so happy that so many sweet little friends could celebrate with us.

Even with threes having been a tricky age, we would not change a day sweet girl! There is not a day that you don't make us laugh and even with the classic pout look, you can pop out a smile and brighten the whole room. Life is SO full with you and there is never a dull moment I can promise you that! We LOVE you more than you'll ever know and give thanks every day that you were given to us!

Happy birthday sweet Juliette! May your 4's be another magical year in your life with pixie dust sprinkled all around you.