Tripp's first piano lesson

This guy was so excited! He could not wait for Mr. Paul to get the house. 

His lesson was about 10 minutes long and he was determined to play over and over "Jolly ol' Saint Nicholas"

We'll be looking forward to hearing beautiful music from this baby Beethoven!

Last days for everyone!

And wow were these two children excited about the last day of school. If only they flew out of bed as quickly as they did this morning each day. They were SO SO happy and I was SO SO happy myself! Not sure who loves summer more - the kids or me. 

Tripp will most miss PE day and his "PE clothes" and Juliette will miss most her sweet friends from her class and her teacher. Both the kids had a wonderful year. I could not be more thankful for that. 

We got the annual last day of school picture at the bus.... Juliette and her sweet friend Ava were equally as thrilled.

Tripp could not believe how little he was on the first day of school and he couldn't believe his print on the first day as well. Looks like someone definitely perfected name writing. 

The kids' request was a slurpee from the gas station on the island. Juliette prefers orange creamcicle and Tripp can't abandon his favorite choice blue raspberry.

AND speaking of last days.... look who had their Little Gym graduation?!

Thomas and Tyler! They loved their year with their little friends. They were both a big hit with the ladies. Thomas had more gentleman like manners and was willing to wait in line and let the ladies go first.... Tyler, well that little fire ball wanted to jump to the front each time. He had no time to worry about those ladies!

The graduate Tyler Stovall

The graduate Thomas Stovall

Friendliest award and Most Cooperative award

My heart could not have been happier today!

Juliette's class had awards day today. 

We live in a mean world.... the world some days seems like everyone is trying to tear everyone else down. I stress to Juliette the need for kindness in this world. Her character I assure her is more important to me than what college she goes to. She has the power to improve anyone's day. Proudly, she is becoming this lady. At her conference this year her teacher let me know that Juliette was one of the kindest in her class. She plays with everyone, includes anyone who is playing with no one that day and tries to make everyone feel good. I walked out that day SO proud and SO happy!

This day came full circle for what kind of year she has had at the end of the year class award's ceremony. Juliette won both the friendship award and the cooperative award. I had tears in my eyes when Mrs. Crull explained the basis for both of these awards and then began to describe Juliette. 

Juliette you make me so proud! Continue to be the leader and the light that shows others how to love everyone!

Spring piano recital

Today was such a special day! Today was Juliette's Spring piano recital with all of Mr Paul's students. She was nervous as we were walking into the concert hall but the girl can rise to the occasion. We were all so proud of her and the two songs that she has been working on for the last month. She had everything memorized and made the songs look easy.

The memories of my recitals all came flashing back to me. We had the recitals at my piano teacher's house and it was always a very special day with food that she prepared and beautiful piano playing. 

Doh and Tessa were able to join us for the special afternoon! 

Juliette was recognized with two stars next to her name for receiving "outstanding" in this year's Achievement Day.

Shine on sweet girl and let your music run from your soul!

Mother's day tea

It kills me every time! The 4K Mother's day tea was perfect!

The night before, "Mommy, did you know you get coffee tomorrow and a cookie?"

Each child was waiting at the door and got to escort his/her Mommy into the room. 

Tripp was so happy about his special gifts that he made for Mommy. He could not wait for me to get them open.

Tripp's year has been amazing. His teachers have been simply the best. I am sad to know that it is almost over. 

It was game day for the mommies. Somehow when I took a look at the pictures I was scared and I thought that I knew what Tripp would have drawn.... I warn you.... below is frightening. I appear to be half beauty and half beast in Tripp's eyes. 

I placed my paperclip on a picture I would have hoped would have been me but for some odd little reason the whole time I knew this was me...

On the days that I need a confidence boost, I know the picture I need to reference of myself. 

I had the moms at my table hysterical as I had told them before that I was scared that I could identify me. We laughed so hard and will remember this for many years - the beautiful drawing my precious little boy Tripp created of me. 

May crowning

It is one of my favorite days at school. The kids were up super early in anticipation of cutting some special blooms to honor Mary with.

The children all gather and each bring their flowers up to Mary. It is such a moving ceremony and I am so glad that I could make it.

Then on Sunday we had another crowning at our Church. We picked more flowers from the yard and they were extra excited that they could bring the flowers up to Mary this time with Tessa!

What an honor and a day to celebrate!

Juliette had her newly designed dress from Tessa on for this beautiful occasion. She is turning into such a young lady right before my eyes!

Late night "CLUE"

I started to teach Juliette how to play "Clue." It must have been late because just as we are getting started, I look and she looks like the newest victim of the game!

There is "Colonel Mustard," "Lady Scarlett," Mrs. Green" and the newest member "Mademoiselle Juliette"...

Welcome to Summerville

Juliette woke up today, "Mommy we MUST get to the festival!"

Yes Juliette there are some things that we just can't miss....

My heart gets so happy when we get to the "bow lady" as Juliette and I fondly call her. We have gotten most of our bows from her each year since Juliette was born. She loves to see Jules each year and of cannot believe how big she gotten over the years. 

I asked her if she would always wear bows.

Her answer, "Of course Mommy!"

Tripp and Jules love the rides! Juliette just loves to ride the little rides mostly now because her brother loves them so much. He loves most when Juliette rides them with her. 

Post rides we all needed some slushies! 

I never miss the opportunity to pose with my babies! My heart is even happier when I am posing with them right in my old town!

And last but not least they needed to get their eyes on some turtles and fish in the park pond! Somehow I remember Danny and I sitting just like that right in the same pond doing the same thing at that age!