Another Bittersweet Moment

Today was our last day of school!!!

I tried to explain to the girls that they would not see their friends again until August--in kid terms, of course, but don't know how successful I was. I will try to schedule play dates with their very best friends over the summer, so they don't have to miss them the whole summer. I know I couldn't go the whole summer without seeing or talking with my friends...I'd go crazy!!

I was surprised by the emotions I felt when I picked the girls up this morning. I was only expecting a quick pick up and goodbye to friends; boy was I wrong. First, I took pictures of Ellie with her teachers and friends, gave them their gifts, and thanked them for being "momma" to my baby when I couldn't. I was fine; no tears...until I stepped in to say goodbye and thanks to the director, Gayla. As soon as I told her this was it for Ellie, tears filled both of our eyes. She brought Ellie into her office, gave her a sweet little talk about "big school", and prayed with her. Oh, how thankful I am for her Christian leadership over my daughters and their teachers!

Ellie and Miss Amber

Miss Michelle and Ellie

Ellie adores her friend, Lily.

Ellie, Shelby, and Lily...one last time





Ellie and her class



Then, it was off to Sadie Kate's classroom. I had to wipe away the tears to go get Sadie Kate. Anyone who's seen me cry knows there's no hiding that I've been crying, but Sadie Kate gets so upset when she sees me cry. I tried my very best to hide my emotions...and then I opened the door and saw Sadie Kate "reading a book" with her most favorite teacher, Miss Hannah. Here came the tears again!! Again, we took pictures with Sadie Kate's teachers and friends, which pretty much halted my need to cry as I wrestled together a dozen 2 year olds for a group picture. Sadie Kate's teachers have made this year terrific; she adores all of her teachers, which makes leaving her in the morning so much easier. She will move up to the next room in August and I can't wait to hear all of the stories of my sassy, Sadie Kate.



Can you tell SK loves Miss Hannah?

  

and Miss Megan?




Sadie Kate's class...all smiles for summer!



Two Happy Girls...

Mark and I definitely have two happy little girls on our hands. Last week we bought them an inflatable water slide to help keep them entertained throughout the summer. Ellie opted not to take gymnastics this summer and I was eager to find something active for them to do. Considering May has already brought us 90 degree weather, I thought this would keep us cool while we played and used lots of energy...prompting LONG, daily naps for everyone! Here are a few pictures from the first day with the waterslide:

A Fitting End to a Great Year

There are so many emotions going through my head right now that composing a post to adequately express the deep love, pride, and excitement I feel about Ellie moving from preschool to kindergarten seems too daunting. Those of you who have passed this milestone with your own child/children can understand and empathize.



Both girls performed songs with their classes at the end of the year program at their daycare. Sadie Kate's class dressed as rock stars and sang "Alphabet Rock" and "He Has the Whole World in His Hands"--I know, weird combination! True to form, Sadie Kate took full advantage of a stage and captive audience and stole the show. She sang and danced her heart out through both songs, making her parents ask..."If she dances like this in a church, how is she going to dance at prom?" Oh my, momma's not ready for that!



"Whole world in His hands"



Loving her microphone!

  

I don't know where she gets her moves!

"Yea, everyone's clapping for me!"



Ellie's class sang four or five songs and she did a great job, as well. She sang every word, did every move, and performed proudly. We were rather surprised that she seemed so confident on stage since the entire drive to the program consisted of her asking us to "just go home".  She and two of her sweet friends were right in front of me so I got to see every little song, dance, and smile. She enjoyed every minute of the program, the attention, and the idea of moving on. Momma and Daddy enjoyed it too, but couldn't help tear up as we watched the slide show highlight this last year before our first baby moves from daycare to "big school". 

Ellie, 

Momma and Daddy are so proud of the big girl 

you are becoming. You are such a delight to us 

and everyone around you. I know you will love

kindergarten and all of the challenges it brings. 

Even when things are hard to do or not very fun, 

just try to do your best.

We love you...everyday!



Ellie holding the Christian flag for the pledge.




 


Not really sure, but she was into it!



Singing her heart out with her friends, Shelby and Lily.



 

 



Ellie receiving her diploma from Mrs. Michelle.





Ellie is the one in the middle without a cap-it would NOT stay on!





Ellie at the reception following the graduation...so glad it was OVER!





Overheard...

Ellie singing along to a new CD..."Swing lo, sweet cherry eye, coming first to carry me home."

Ellie to Sadie Kate, "I'll be Little Red Riding Hood and you be the Big Bad Wolf." Sadie Kate stops her and says, "Okay, but I want to be a sweet one. I don't want to eat alot of pigs."

Oops...I Missed Easter!

I just realized that I failed to post any Easter pictures of the girls. They didn't turn out great, but we tried!

Happy Mother's Day

This Mother's Day has been "odd" to say the least. First, I left all of the Mother's Day cards on my desk at work and didn't realize it until it was too late to mail them in time...so to all of our "moms", I apologize, but your card will be a tad late! Second, both Mark's mom and my mom are on vacation and unable to be visited. I must admit it feels mighty strange not seeing or even chatting with my mom on the phone on Mother's Day (she's in Italy, so we were limited to emails).



I have, however, enjoyed getting all of the Mother's Day attention today from Mark and the girls; in fact, we are about to go to dinner together...no cooking, no dishes...now that's a gift!



This is how I found my babies this morning...how sweet.



My darlings after church

A card from Sadie Kate



One of many cards from Ellie



One Busy Weekend

Whew, what a weekend!

It started with Mark and I going to Destin, FL for the wedding of one of my oldest and dearest friends, Jennifer. We dropped the girls off at Dad and Carol's in Thomasville on Saturday and off we went for a weekend alone...just the two of us...with no children...and boy, was it quiet! From all reports, the girls had a blast wearing Pop and Cici out. They played with the puppies, went swimming, watered the plants and flowers, played dress up, and pretty much ruled the house for 3 days. Each time we called to check on them, the girls seemed too busy to stop and reassure their lonely parents. Don't get me wrong, we did enjoy long dinners, late breakfasts, and even a nap or two, but we were so ready to see those girls!

Here are a few pictures from the weekend:



Me with the gorgeous bride.



Thanks Kelley, for snapping these pics!




 

Dad sure was hoping they didn't want to get in...75 degrees in the sun!



She loved the water...even though it was 75 degrees!

  

My little fish...she swam for hours each day!