Dance Recital Time

The girls have loved dance again this year.  In the past they have been in different classes so this year they thought it was pretty fun to be in the same class.  The often were practicing their routine and dancing around the house or the yard.

They were very excited for the big Recital.  They always have a few nervous jitters being on stage but love anticipating the big day.  There is always a buzz in the air backstage as everyone is getting ready.  

 

When everyone is ready they all wait patiently for the big event. They play games, watch movies, color, read books or just chat with their dance friends. 

The grammy's snuck backstage for hugs before the girls were on stage.

My brown eyed girl! 

Miss Emma blue eyes! 

Their personalities shine through when they dance.  Alexa is a very serious dancer and Emma just can't wipe that smile off her face!

They had a wonderful teacher this year and learned so much!

I am not sure if dance is something they will continue but they have loved their experience and we will continue to support them and let them grown and blossom in the opportunities they have in front of them. 

I love watching their feet move beneath their skirts.

The joy in their faces say it all ...  sisters .....

 but also best friends! 

School Is Out

It feels like yesterday I was taking a picture of Eric and the kids heading to breakfast before their first day of school. I can't believe how fast the year flew by. It was a year full of fun, growth and 

tremendous blessings. 

As Eric and the kids left for breakfast and I sat down to write their teachers notes I got all teary. I feel so blessed that each of the kids were truly blessed with amazing teachers this year. They were a perfect fit for each of their personalities. If you remember back to the first day of school post

Alexa was in tears and totally stressed out on her way into school her first day. It usually takes her a month or so to settle in and let her nerves calm down. It is hard on this mom's heart to watch and yet I know God is working on both of us and growing us in the process. This year was amazing. Within a day Alexa's little heart, mind and soul was at a very peaceful place. I didn't seeing an anxiety or stress rise up once in her the whole year which is absolutely amazing. I attribute it to her amazing teacher. She has an amazing gift in how she handles her classroom, how she teaches and her sweet, gentle spirit.

 

Alexa grew in so many areas this year and her confidence soared through the roof in so many subjects. She turned into a complete book worm . Her heart and compassion for others struggling her classroom was an area her teacher said she also stepped up to the plate. She was quick to recognize when others were anxious or needed help and found a way to gently come along side of them. I just can't believe she is going to be a 4th grader. This was the first year she really voiced being sad about school being out because she was going to miss her friends. Alexa has been given the gift of a couple very special friends and it was so fun to see their friendship grow and move to a new level this year.

 It wasn't uncommon for them to make things for each other and give each other notes of encouragement. One of her friends often made little bookmarks with verses on them. I pray their friendship and love for the Lord continues to grow in the years to come. 

 Emma went through her 2nd grade year in true Emma style. She loved everything about school and embraced it head on. She had two teachers this year that job shared. They were a perfect fit for her and each of them brought out something different in her. I saw her heart for the Lord grow this year in a new way. The excitement she had for the Bible and new nuggets of information in stories she heard over and over again. Emma felt like it was a great year as she gained confidence in her Math and Reading. Her very favorite part of 2nd grade was studying the human body.Over and over we heard from her teachers that she had a huge heart and just loves life. Emma has always had a large group of girls she plays with but this year she had a couple that became her best friends. It has been fun to see those relationships blossom this year.

 

Shane had a great year too. It started out a little rocky with a few time outs as he was figuring life out as a kindergartner. He had an amazing teacher that was gentle and loving and yet ran a tight ship so Shane knew exactly where the lines were.

 It was amazing to watch him grow and blossom this year. He matured so much in his self control and ability to focus and finish. He is a true boy who loves to wiggle, talk, poke his neighbor ... so watching him work through all that and come to a place where he knew what was expected and see him handle it was fun to see. 

 I think Kindergarten is the most amazing year as they go from hardly knowing their letter to reading. They go from learning numbers to adding and telling time. They go from just figuring how to write all their letters correctly to writing words and complete sentences. They go from looking so little to losing teeth and looking all grown up! I am so proud of Shane and the way he grew socially, emotionally, academically and spiritually this year. It was a big year for him and he is ready for 1st grade. I am just not sure I am.

 

The kids had their final chapel of the year that I got to go to and then when school was out at noon we said our good byes to friends and teachers for the summer. I love summer and was so looking forward to it but as I hugged teachers goodbye and told them thanks for all they did for my kids I got pretty teary! I feel so blessed that God gave them all such amazing teachers. There were precious memories made this year and each of them had an impact on my kids in a very special way. The big kids and I headed out for a special celebratory lunch. Later we got home and I had a fun little idea pop in my head.

 

If you know me you know I love to throw a party so I thought why not have a "School Is Out" party.

 

We made a quick run to Target and I made some sneaky purchases and while the kids played outside I pulled a quick little party together. Thank goodness for people who make darling printables and post them for free on line ... these printables made things pretty easy.

 

We had a fun evening of celebrating a great year and we are looking forward to a fun summer!

Fizzy Bath Bombs

Emma had a 2nd grade Science Fair that she had to come up with an experiment about Matter or Motion.     Her dad was out of town but she was determined to wait until he was home and could help her come up with the perfect experiment.  I reminded her she wouldn't have a ton of time to pull it all together if she waited but she didn't mind one bit.  

Her daddy and her looked on the Internet and it was worth the wait! They came up with the perfect science experiment.  It fit Emma's personality to a T! 

Emma decided to try to make Fizzy Bath Bombs and then figure out why they fizzed when put in water. She thought it was perfect ... it was girly, she could pick the scent of the bath bomb, she loves baths and thought the fizzing part was cool!

 She gathered all the ingredients.

Mixed them together! 

Stirred them up! 

Put some in molds ....

and made the rest into balls.  She let them set for a day and then gave them a try.

Look at those Bath Bombs fizz!!! Emma was so excited when they worked and couldn't wait for the Science Fair.

Emma put her board together and was ready for the big day! 

It was fun seeing Emma in her element sharing about her Fizzy Bath Bombs as others asked questions. 

Nice work Emma! We are proud of you! 

PS When did you grow up so fast?

Emma's Winter Wonderland

Emma's is my girly, girl.  Up until a week before her party she had four ideas of the kinds of party she wanted swimming around in her head.  She really wanted to do some type of pink girly party and a North Pole party so when I threw out the "Winter Wonderland Party" idea she was all over it. She was totally bummed when she had her major reaction to antibiotics on her birthday and we had to postpone her party for a week. 

It was so much fun as we looked through pictures and ideas on the Internet.  She definitely had her idea of what she wanted to do and how she wanted everything to looks. 

We had a date night and made a trip to Target, Hobby Lobby and Michael's one evening and she knew exactly what she wanted. 

She found pink plates, napkins and straws.  She found cute little tierras and little white shimmery balls that looked like snow balls. We picked up some pink iridescent shred to add a little sparkle and pink to the table. 

Emma saw a picture of these cute little snowman and thought they would be perfect for lunch.

The lunch menu was snowballs, snowflake sandwiches and buckets of fruit. 

My birthday girl ... I can't believe she is 8 already!

The cupcakes were Emma's favorite ... Funfetti with pink frosting, some shimmer and a snowflake on top!



The table was ready for her friends to arrive!



Emma was so excited for her friends to arrive.  She is my social butterfly. I love this picture of them chatting and having fun together.



All the girls at the table!



We started the party off with lunch!



I love Emma's expression here ... even with a little food showing! Pure joy to have her friends around the table with her.

After lunch the girls made bottle cap necklaces.  We had a variety of colored winter themed snowflake graphics for them to pick from.



Next, they decorated their own hot travel mugs.  We have done numerous crafts over the years and often use paint pens.  This year I got smart and we used fun colored permanent markers. There wasn't the mess of paint flying when the girls shook them, paint running or smearing and the drying time was fast!

It was time to sing "Happy Birthday" to the birthday girl! 

Make a wish!

I love Emma's expression here! 

Emma opened a few presents and then it was time for dessert! 

Emma's other birthday wish ... a hot cocoa bar! 

The girls had fun filling their mugs with sugar :)! 

Sipping her hot cocoa!

There girls made some hot cocoa cones to take home at the end of the party! 

Emma has such a sweet group of friends.  It was fun to hear them giggle, laugh and interact with each other! Emma loved being part of the planning and putting everything together.  She said, "Mom, this was my best party ever!" I would have to agree this is one of my favorite parties too.  I think part of it was Emma's participation in helping plan and then seeing it all come together.  

Happy 8th Birthday Emma!