Happy Birthday, Audrey!

I just can't believe that my baby is 3!!  She was such a cutie celebrating her birthday.  We had a family party and a Minnie Mouse party with her playgroup friends.  She was so happy during both of them!

She loves pink, marshmallows and merry-go-rounds so I thought this was the perfect cake for her at her family party.  She was very happy with it even though she thought the elephants were snowmen!

We love Minnie Mouse at our house!

I made these ears for all of the kids at the party- it was so cute seeing them play together with them on!

1st Tooth!!

We had a visit from the tooth fairy last Sunday when Owen pulled out his first tooth.  I remember when that tooth poked through about 6 years ago and all of the fussiness it caused him- this time he was so happy, despite all of the blood running down his chin.  I cheered when that tooth poked through 6 years ago- this time I was feeling quite nostalgic!

Hair

Elaina has been very into putting pigtails and barrettes on her stuffed animals and dolls, and now she has moved on to doing her own hair.  Here's what she came downstairs with (very proudly) yesterday morning:

Colorful and out of her eyes- the 2 most important things for her!

Not to be left out....

Audrey started something new this week too!  She learned how to pedal her bike all by herself.  I have to say that although I was very proud of her and loved seeing her so excited about it, I was also sad to watch her pedal away from me.  None of my kids need me to push them around anymore!  It has honestly been a bit of an emotional week for me as we made the final decision not to grow our family anymore, sending 2 kids off to school (with one being gone all day) and then Audrey reminding me again about what a big girl she is becoming.  It's a strange feeling and I'm having a hard time with it!

Preschooler

Elaina's night before the big day treat!

So happy to be starting school!

We couldn't get in the van fast enough for Elaina.  She is so ready!!

1st Grader

His night before the big day special dessert.

He was so happy to be getting back to school!

It was cold and rainy that first day, but he couldn't wait to be picked up by the bus for the first time.  I was excited for him, but I couldn't hold back the tears after he left.  He's gone a long time each day!

Havin' Fun Doin' a Dance

This video captures Elaina's personality to a tee!  Notice Audrey trying to get out of the circle of water in the background....

One Last Hurrah

I can hardly believe that summer is over.  I am so thankful for having such a fun, safe and healthy summer!  Here are some pictures from our last days in the pools for this year:

This guy really got the hang of swimming this year and likes to spend more time under the water than above.

Elaina and Audrey enjoy the big pool, but are still much happier in our back yard.