In honor

In honor of Memorial Day, I wanted to direct you to one of my favorite blogs and this amazing spread of photos that brought me to tears for so many reasons.

Kindergarten: The End

There she goes. The last time she'll look so tiny walking into her school, carrying a backpack that is half as large as she is. The last time she'll be among the smallest and youngest kids going through those doors.

A whole year of school is behind her. Finished. Accomplished. She's grown so much, and I don't just mean that she's taller.

Today was the end, but really it's just the beginning--of our first summer break! And of realizing and trying to grasp that I have a six year old first grader. *Gulp*

We had a fun morning celebrating with her class, but as she gave her teacher one last hug the tears began to flow. I almost lost it, too, but managed to hold it together and give her a comforting hug. Phew!

From those who have gone before me, I'd love to hear that it gets easier with each year, or at least with each child. But I have a feeling there are very few words of comfort out there for this sentimental mama to hear...

Celebrating Six!

My sweet Lucy is six years old today! About two weeks ago, John and I realized how quickly her birthday was approaching. We also heard her telling other people she was going to have a party. Hmm, interesting. We thought we should maybe put something together for her. We let her invite a handful of friends, and she chose fellow Kindergarteners from both school and church. Kind of last-minute, but it worked out great!

Lucy wanted a Littlest Pet Shop theme, and she and I went last weekend to pick out some decorations and party favors. We kept it simple.

When the girls arrived yesterday afternoon, each one got to pick out a Pet Shop temporary tattoo to wear. Then, because of my utter lack of planning, we gave them a few ideas and sent them into the backyard to play. John set up this game of "hoop freeze tag," and they loved it.

Then it was on to "pass the hoola hoop" without breaking the circle.
Pizza and cheesy bread were on the menu for dinner.

And while they ate and chatted and giggled, guess what I was getting ready to do?
Mmmm, homemade whipped cream!

At her request, we sang regular "Happy Birthday" (with no "cha cha cha" at the end, which they apparently do at school, and which she apparently loathes). Lucy nearly caught her hair on fire. In fact, I think I saw a few little extra puffs of smoke as she leaned over to blow out her candles...

...until I came to the rescue. Phew!

Triple chocolate sour cream cake, strawberry ice cream, freshly-whipped cream, extra sprinkles, and a cherry on top made this worth all the ear-piercing squeals and please-don't-run-in-the-house-with-lemonade-in-your-hand reminders.

You know you want some.

The birthday girl thoroughly enjoyed her special Birthday Cake Sundae.

After loading them up with sugar, they all sat in a circle...
...and I taught them how to play spin the bottle.
Oh, yes, I did.

Tattoos, sugar, and spin the bottle. That's how we roll!

Okay, before you judge me, realize "spin the bottle" was to decide whose gift Lucy got to open next.

And we'll all pretend that's the ONLY way to play.

Each girl went home with a goody bag. Honestly, this has always been one of my favorite parts of throwing a party. It's not only fun to send the kids home with something to say thanks for coming, but I have fun picking out and creatively packaging the treats for the kids ahead of time. These included a mini notebook, pretty pencil, temporary tatoo, and a bead craft. (I got to re-use the tulle from Adam's diaper cake to put these together and make them look extra frilly and special.)

It was a very fun afternoon. John and I feel we did a pretty good job for it being our first time to host a kid-only party. And I just wish I could have bottled the giggles that filled the air and the joy of my sweet girl getting to celebrate her special day with some fabulous friends.

My Monkeys

I've been relatively quiet over here. Just hiding out at home and enjoying a little of this:
(I know, the dimpled double chin is almost too much for me, too.)

Not to mention watching this one take after her mother. (I would have lived in a tree when I was her age, if I had been allowed.)

And of course, little brother had to give it a try, too, with a little help from the slide.
Love those chubby feet! It means summer is almost here...