Hopie's First Day of Preschool!

I wonder what you're doing right now,

And if everyone is treating you kind.

I hope there is a special person,

A nice friend that you can find.

I wonder if the teacher knows

Just how special you are to me.

And if the brightness of your heart

Is something she can see.

I wonder if you're thinking of me,

And if you need a hug.

I already miss the sound of your voice

And how you give my leg a tug.

I wonder if you understand

How hard it is to let you grow

On this day my heart will break

Because it's the first step in letting my baby girl go.

My pancake helpers!

Hopie and her good friend, Brenna!

And they're off...

My frosting licker:)

Twas The Night Before PRESCHOOL

Hopie's turn!!!  

She was declared Queen for the day, ordered up chicken for dinner and brownies for dessert.  She spent the day playing monsters and doctor with her BFF, Paige....followed up with a clean bill of health at her 3 year check up (33 pounds!!!!)

Her hopes and dreams for her first year at preschool...

"To play!"

Hopie, we love you so much and could not be more proud of you.  I know you are ready for this....but I am going to miss you.

 "You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!"

New Bed

We just bought John his fourth and final bedroom set (crib, twin bed, bunk beds and now a queen!) 

Who knew the kids could have so much fun at a furniture store?  Free cookies and a massage chair......they can't wait to go back!!!

First Grade!

John's first day of 1st grade was a success.  I think he was testing the waters (per his teacher) but he realized quickly that 1st grade is serious business!!!!

The morning started bright and early (oh how I wish my children would stop waking up BEFORE 5:00am,) an order of chocolate chip pancakes were placed by the big guy, his lunch packed with an extra special treat, pictures taken and then we were out the door.  When we got to school, he lined up and the teacher came out and got them.....and would not allow parents to come in.  Sniff sniff.  It was hard for me but I understand her reasoning.

The day dragged on forever.....we went out to breakfast, shopping with a friend, made cupcakes for after school snack, took a nap (Hopie,) and FINALLY it was time to go pick him up from school (okay, it wasn't actually time and we did sit in the school parking lot for 30 minutes but I just missed him sooooooo much!)

He gave a two thumbs up when asked how his first day was!!!!!

Twas The Night Before 1st Grade

Thanks to my good friend (Shannon) for the idea...we declared John, King for the day.  He got to choose a dinner and dessert fit for a king, we discussed all of his hopes and dreams for the year and then read the book, "The Night Before First Grade."

Johnboy choose pizza and apples for dinner and cupcakes for dessert.  Both Hope and John were great helpers making the cupcakes this morning.....and snuck in quite a few licks of batter to make sure they tasted okay.  At dinner John said he was excited about first grade and excited to paint.  In first grade he really wants to learn how to read big boy books with big words and he wants to be an assistant when he grows up.  However, he changed his mind because he didn't know what an assistant was so he said he wants to be a doctor when he grows up and he thinks first grade will help prepare him for that!!!!  He also said that when I get big like him I can go to first grade too.

John, you are the most determined little boy I know.  Always remember you can do anything you set your mind to.  If first you don't succeed...try, try again.  First grade is going to be so much fun.  You are going to learn a lot of new things and meet new friends.  We are so excited for you and all the fun that lies ahead.  We love you to the moon and back!

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” 
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Poor guy was nervous tonight though:(  He called me back into his room and said, "Mommy, can you please pack my headphones in case it gets too loud?"  He also said, "Do they tell jokes or act funny in first grade?"  My sweet boy is so sensitive to sound and doesn't like laughing/crying.  I ensured him that his headphones were already packed and that there was no laughing aloud in first grade:)

It's going to be great.  Harder on Mommy than on him....I just have to keep reminding myself about that.

Mission Beach

Early morning Starbucks and donut run (don't judge...we're on vacation and aloud to eat junk,) breakfast on the bay and day spent at Mission Beach.  The only thing that could have made this day better was if my kids liked sand.  Neither one of them would walk on it or even touch it.  Poor Ashley was carrying them to the water and back.  She definitely got her workout in for the day!!!  However, it was still another super fun day!!!

Summer Vaca

Believe it or not, we were all packed, kids loaded up in the car and on the road, en route by 6:30am.  I guess there are perks for early rising kids!

 What's a road trip without a barf cup (uggggg) and some junk food????

 We made it to San Diego in six hours with only two stops.....one stop being the side of the road for a potty break for John:)  He thought that was pretty funny.

When we got to the hotel we unloaded, checked out the view and headed out to Seaport Village!

It took an entire minute for Hopie to fall asleep.  We continued on to Seaport Village and enjoyed chocolate chip cookies (John) and margaritas (Mommy, Daddy and Grammy!)  Then John did some shopping in the stores.....he had earned a special treat from us.  He choose a dolphin sword, a hamster stuffed animal and picked out a Hello Kitty stuffed animal for his sister.  He said, "Hopie will LOVE this!"  Made my heart so happy. 

Hopie woke all smiles!!!!  And then raced off with cousin Ashley to ride the Carousel.

It was a PERFECT first day!!!