Parker is 4!

Our Big 4 year olds stats:
Height: 40.5 inches (53%)
Weight: 37 lbs (59)
Parker celebrated for an entire week. He really got into his birthday this year and it was very cute and fun to watch. He counted down the days to his birthday on his mommy-made paper chain. And he loved getting cards in the mail from Nanny and GG. 

We started celebrating Monday with a birthday lunch with nanny and pop. 

Wednesday was his actual birthday and Ainsley woke him up when she had to get up for school. He was pumped to finally get his “gorilla” (that a friend actually passed down to us). He painted his pirate ship that day and said he loved painting. We had family over that night for cake and ice cream.  He was so happy all day. 

Friday was his “friend” party. We tried to convince him to have his party at the trampoline park but Parker associates his birthday with “his bounce house” and wanted one in the back yard again. And he decided he wanted a spider man theme. He has talking about this party for months. 

Ainsley didn’t have school on Friday so we decided to try Friday night for his party. Ainsley was pumped because she thought she was out of school just for this party. They delivered the bounce house early that afternoon so my kids had lots of time to have it to themselves. 

We picked up Parker’s cake and i caught him in the fridge multiple times trying to snatch Spider-Man off the top. 

The rain cooled things off and it was very pleasant. The kids had a blast running, playing, eating pizza and cake and celebrating PMan. 

It was a fun night and Parker was so happy the entire time. He really had a great week and relished in turning 4. We are so blessed with amazing family and awesome friends. 

Now, we can’t believe we have a 4 and 6 year old. 

First week of school

Our first “week” of school went much better than last year. Ainsley is in class with almost all of her friends , she knows (and loves) her teacher Mrs. Hatfield, and she really loves her principal. I am excited for her for this year, i think it’s going to be a good one. 

She was pumped her number stayed the same as last year! 

But let’s be clear, there were tears going to bed that night and in the morning. She was worried she would cry and no one would be there to hug her (cue tears from me too). She was upset i wasn’t allowed to come eat with her yet. Normal first day concerns of the unknown. 

Little brother was super sad too that his playmate was leaving him to go to school all day. However once he realized he had reign over the house (and mommy and daddy), he perked up:) 

Day 2 provided us with a little more excitement than I wanted. Parker was playing on my bed, under a blanket and rolled off and hit Philips night stand. He split his eye open and we ended up taking a trip to St Claire so daddy could stitch him up. He made out with 2 stitches, two hot wheels, a spider man coloring page and a handful of stickers. And nanny to the rescue flying up to pick A up from school (which thrilled A). 

Saturday, I had a BSF retreat and Philip took the kids fishing. They had a good time and Parker told me he touched the fish and Ainsley admitted she did not:) 

That night we had a cookout at our friends house and the kids had a blast playing water balloons and running around in the sprinkler.

Hoping week two is as successful! It’s the beginning of Parker’s birthday week and he has loved counting down on his paper birthday chain! 

night before 1st Grade

I can't believe you start first grade tomorrow. This summer has been a pretty wonderful one. You matured and grew so much over the past year, that some times I don't even see who you were a year ago. You have transformed from being a painfully shy toddler into a confident too-loud-at-times little girl. You have become the best big sister and I know Parker is going to struggle when his play mate leaves him tomorrow. You two really bonded this summer, and his imagination has taken off thanks to you. You have taught him lots of things he doesn't need to know, but plenty of things he does need to know. He is learning to share, compromise, nurture, imagine and even fight. Watching the two of you has been so joyful for me (most days). Last week I even was able to read a book (gasp) while you two played in the playhouse and ran around the back yard. I gave myself a mental medal for keeping you all alive to reach this point. 
You have started to read, write (I have loved reading your menus all summer), and dance. This summer at VBS you stood on stage, on your OWN riser (per your request), and danced and sang  with the biggest smile on your face. Philip and I looked at each other like 'who is this child' but I was so proud of you. Seeing you be that happy and that confident, and praising the Lord; I could not want anything else for you. I am praying you continue to find your confidence in the Lord and continue to let Him shine through you. 
I might shed a tear tomorrow, you just never know. But I won't be sobbing like I was last year. Because you are going into a school that we love. You have a teacher we love. your group of friends you made last year are sticking together for another year and you ( dare I say) are actually excited to go I think.  I'm excited to see what this year holds for you and to continue to watch you blossom and discover yourself. We are so proud of you and know the Lord has big things in store for you! 
Tonight, we celebrate with ice cream:) 

Life Lately

Less than 2 weeks before school starts back up and we are all so sad about it! Parker told someone yesterday he would be so sad when she goes back to school because he won’t have any friends. He said he will miss her so much. 

We came back from vacation a little early because one of my best friends was getting married!!! All the bridesmaids came to our house to get ready together. Donielle was a beautiful bride , Matt is wonderful, and i could not be happier for her. 

The kids did a “Hip Hop Hula” camp and seemed to have a lot of fun with it. Their cousin Emma was there along with several friends. They didn’t cry off the stage for their performance so I’m going to call that a win. 

We’ve made lots of trips to Georgetown to play and then celebrate Anna Beth turning 5.  

We have had lots of play dates and Ainsley had her first friend sleep over at Emma’s house during her week of VBS at Emma’s church.  She woke Emma’s mom up at midnight but made it all night :) and at VBS she danced and sang like she was famous. We were so proud of her! 

Ainsley got her green band at the Y which is the top level. Now she can go down the big slide and swim all by herself! 

Mostly we are enjoying the last few moments before school starts back up- our love for summer is much greater now that Ainsley is in school every day.