HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

I love preschool!  I love how the children are so happy to see their moms and dads and how they want to show off.  Mother's day was a busy time for us.  Almost crazy busy!  There was a lot going on and our business is stressful.  But, I am so glad I came to this cute program, even though I just had my phone with me again!  I have got to start bringing my camera!!!

 My sweet Savannah was one of the loudest singers and so cute! 

Her teacher told me that she is the one who organizes everyone so they can learn the songs.

She makes sure they pick up their toys and they are quiet in line.  Hmmmm.....

I wonder where she learned that!!???!?

 I love you sweet Savannah!  I am so happy I am your mommy!

Crazy girl!  With some of her best friends....

The Outstanding Musician award and other cool musical stuff......

So, Xander is really into his music.  He practices every day, he loves band.  He loves Jazz band.  He even calls himself a "band geek" and is proud of it.  So, the night of his last concert for Jazz Band and regular band was bittersweet for him.  He has had two amazing band teachers.  I personally think they are the best in the area.  They have inspired him and motivated him and challenged him.

Flute is not a major part of a jazz band, but they still have them.  Last year they didn't want to have a flute.  This year, he begged.  And then they asked him to solo in the concert!!!

 In addition to the concerts, they had an awards ceremony.  Here he is standing for receiving outstanding marks in the solo festival for flute and piccolo and for making 2nd chair in district band.  All great honors! (The girl who was first chair only beat him by one point!) 

 And getting his certificate for solo festival.....

 Then came the surprise.....  He was voted by his peers as the "Most Outstanding Musician!"

 He definitely deserves it and was so happy!  

 Here he is with some of the others who got awards that evening.

 Ms. Gammon and Mrs. Phillips are the best teachers!  We will miss them very much!

Congratulations, Xander!  You are a very talented young man and I love you so much!!!

Savannah is soooooo ready for kindergarten!  She got to visit the school and go to class and meet the music teacher.  Here she is with her best friend, Kavya.  They are hoping they get in the same class!

Jason took this video of her first bus ride.....

It's so exciting, but I cannot believe that my little one is growing up!!!

Sweet Frog!

One day we went to the library to pick up the next Harry Potter book for Eleanor.  Then we headed to Sweet Frog, a frozen yogurt place that has a million toppings to choose from.  I just had my phone with me, but I always want to remember how much fun I had with these two cute girls!  Love them!!!

The American Girl Doll Hospital

I don't know if you remember the story of Flower.  She was actually from Santa when Eleanor was four. She is a Bitty Baby from the American Girl Store.  That year Savannah was one.  She got an age appropriate toy from Santa.  But, when Eleanor opened up her doll and squealed and promptly named her Flower, Savannah immediately claimed her also.  Nothing we could do would persuade her from Flower.  She claimed her.  She loved her.

So, for Savannah's 2nd birthday, we negotiated a new doll with Eleanor and wrapped Flower up in a box.  When Savannah opened her up, she squealed, "Flower!" and has never looked back!

Needless to say, Flower has been well-loved.  And her arm wore out. It was in a place that could not be fixed by mom.  So, one day, we headed to the American Girl Doll store to take her to the doll hospital.

I was nervous about how this was all going to take place and the cost involved.  I was ready to walk out and super glue her together if it was too expensive.

Then we had the dilemma of getting her there.  Flower had a special outfit, she had her diaper bag and her carrier.  She was fed and changed before we went.  It was so sweet.  I love that Savannah loves her so much!

 We were introduced to the doctor at the store and he was awesome!!!  He got down on Savannah's level and asked her questions and showed her what was going to happen.  He filled out the form and helped her into her special gown.  Savannah was so cute!  And I knew Flower was going to be ok.  Not to mention, the price wasn't bad!

A few weeks later, we got a box in the mail and there was Flower.  All better.  All fixed.  All ready to be played with again.  There was a note and a certificate and instructions on helping her with her recovery.  Marketing geniuses, I tell you!  Thank you, American Girl Store!  It was a very positive experience!

Easter 2013

With our tiring trip from Hilton Head, Easter was the next day.  We woke up to rain and cold.  Just like the weather in Hilton Head.  Grrrr!

But, we managed to find eggs in the house and have a great time and remember the true meaning of Easter.

 Eleanor found the silver egg this year!

 Happy Easter!  We are grateful for the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and the promise of the resurrection!  

Hilton Head 2013

For the first time in about four years, Jason was able to come with us to Hilton Head!!!  The bummer?  It was freezing the entire time we were there!  I brought some sweatshirts, but we used them everyday!  Brrrr!  It didn't stop the children from running into the water the first day and loving the frigid waves!  It was like being on the Oregon Coast!

 Another bonus.....we got to have my dad come with us!

 Freezing water did not stop Savannah from getting war and screaming with delight as she played in the waves!

 I got them all in!  Probably my last "tubby" picture ever, but I love it!

 The highlight of the trip was the dolphin cruise.  The kids earned the cruise by learning math facts and doing extra homework on the way down.  I am so glad we did!  Our captain was amazing.  He was so fun and we saw dolphins!  Eleanor and Savannah (and myself!) were thrilled!!!

 Everyone got to be the captain for about 10 minutes!

 There were even pirates on board!!

 Last night there, we took a walk on the beach.  It was freezing, but so much fun just to spend time together.  I love this guy......

 Goop, goop together....merrily, merrily goop!

 Love my girls!

 Uhm.....when did Garrett start looking like this!!?!?  

 And then it was time to go home!  It was a very stressful trip with a broken down car and other drama from other family members, but we still had fun.  We still spent time together.  But, I have to say, this is the first vacation that I needed a vacation from.  Maybe next time, Hilton Head!