Sickies.

We've all been fighting random sicknesses over the few months.  Hope you and yours are staying healthier than us.

Waiting for the doc to check out Lai right before we headed to my doc appt..

Lovie.

If you know Lai, you know she's slept with Lovie since she was tiny.  Well, she now has Lovie Blue and couldn't be more thrilled to have a Lovie on each side of her face as she sleeps.

First day of school.

It's been FOREVER since I've blogged & I'm not going to make any promises of a "summer recap" (for heaven's sake, I haven't even finished my Christmas Disney posts...) But, I thought I would at least throw out a few of these goodies for your entertaining pleasure...

My oldest started Kinder this month.  It just so happens that we get to go to the #1 elementary in our school district, she has one of the best teachers (so I hear) and it's like 5 feet away from our front door. Blessing, blessing, blessing.

First Day Eve:  an Open House / Meet the teacher / See where you sit / etc...

Drawing a picture of herself learning to ride a bike without training wheels for her teacher. 

Where she sits.  

First day:  (Kleenex box in hand)...

We captured every family combo imaginable:

Toes painted, braids in and giant (empty) backpack on.  Ready?  Go!  

Mother/daughty pedi's

Ms. C - always squatting down to be at eye-level with the kids.... 

Lining up just before a complete stranger Ms. C took her away from me us...  I was standing next to a very pregnant lady and we were both shedding tears.  To which she stated, "I'm pregnant (sniff, sniff) - what's your excuse (for all the tears)...?" 

It's my BABY - she'll now be in school the rest of her life...!  

Labor Day.

Today was a big day in our household... Lai had her first pedi AND she learned to ride a bike sans the training wheels.

In a skirt, no less... 

The cheering crew

They made a great team.  L maybe practiced 2 times this summer.  Tonight she decided she wanted to do it, and just went for it.  Atta girl!!!  

Braid.

We finally can manage one full braid (vs. a few little ones).  This girl is growing like a weed and so is her hair...

Rainbow theme.

We celebrated L's 5th birthday a few days ago with a rainbow party at the park.  This girl is a true gift form above.  We're so thankful for this ray of sunshine.  

Bye Mer!

While my kids were doing this:

I was doing this: (sniff sniff)

 You're looking at my very first MOPS table (minus sweet Jaime who wasn't able to make it & minus our mentor mom who was taking the shot...)

We all had one, one year old when we met & we each had a bun in the oven.  Out of my 4 years in MOPS, this was the table I still meet up with.  Sadly though, sweet Meredith is moving to AZ.  While we're so happy for her & her family - there will be such a void at our quarterly hangouts.

Pit stop.

J's working close by today so, we stopped in at 24's for a quick squeeze on our way to grab some groceries.  Convenient & much needed.

Happy 4th y'all!

Apparently the neighbs had a kid parade every year for years & years.  This hasn't happened since we moved here 5 years ago.  This year it was reinstated.  Lai could barely sleep the night before:  "Can you believe it mama, we are going to be in a real parade.  I've always dreamed of being in a parade."

Isn't this a great turn out?  This isn't even everyone.   

Miles (our buddy on the right) was a real show-stopper as he rode slow and gently handed out candy to on-lookers...

Selfies of my sillies & I:

Red, white & blue everywhere!  

Gram & Papa's for a BBQ:

Reading to Molly. 

First pop-its.  

Fun had by all.  

Thanks Gram & Papa!!!

Summer Family Day #1.

Summer's are busy for us.  J works a LOT, and with me working on most days that he's not working.  Well, we have decided to be intentional about having at least one family day a week.  We have them on the calendar and set aside the day (or most of the day) to be together to go out and DO something.

So, I now present to you Family Day #1 - Discovery Park hike: