Preschool Graduation

Yesterday was Claire's preschool graduation.  I still can't believe that my baby is done is preschool and going on to Kindergarten.

Here is Claire before the ceremony.  She is getting so grown up.

Oliver was there to support his sister.

Here is Claire with her teacher Miss Maria.  Claire loved her teacher this year and she learned so much from her!!!

Here is Claire with her other teacher Miss Amy.  Claire had Miss Amy a few years ago and we were all thrilled when Miss Amy moved up to the preschool room!

Before they passed out the diplomas each class sang a few songs.  It was adorable!  Claire loves to be on stage and she sang her hear out!

Claire had a few cap issues but she worked them out and looked beautiful in her cap and gown.

My little graduate with her official diploma.

While we were waiting for the ceremony to start Oliver hung out with his girlfriend Elizabeth.  Oliver and Elizabeth are in the same class and they LOVE each other.  Whenever they see each other they hug and kiss each other like crazy.  It is adorable.

Here is Claire with two of her buddies Addison and Jaycee. 

Abbie and Claire were thrilled to see each other!  They were buddies in their class last year but this year they were in different classes.  Needless to say, they still love each other.

 We wanted to get Claire something special for her big day and she has been begging for this National Geographic about the solar system (she is a little obsessed with the solar system) so we decided to make this her special gift and she was THRILLED!

Nana and Papa got Claire a grown up Minnie Mouse watch for her special day!

And Grandma and Grandpa got her a beautiful butterfly ring!  I think our little graduate is a little spoiled by her grandparents!!

After the ceremony Claire wanted to go and get some ice cream to celebrate.  So what the graduate wanted the graduate got!

I don't think that Oliver was upset with his sister's decision to have ice cream.  He was there to support her 100%.

Claire got a little treat bag from her teachers and she was super excited!  It was really sweet.  They made each child a movie with all of their pictures from the school year.  They also made them a yearbook/memory book.  It was really sweet.  One of the questions was "where are you going to live when you are older" and Claire answered "with my Mom because I told her I would" I love her.  They also gave them these t-shirts, which was gigantic on Claire so she was pumped to have it as a nightgown.

I am so proud of Claire. She worked so hard this year and LOVES school!  Her teachers just kept telling us how smart she is.  I am so proud!!  My baby is ready for Kindergarten!! I can't wait to see what next year brings!!  CONGRATULATIONS CLAIRE!!  WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY!!!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the most amazing father in the world.  No matter how busy you are you always give your children 110% and that is why they think the sun rises and sets at your feet.  WE LOVE YOU!!!

Also, Happy Father's Day to my Daddy!  You have made me the woman I am today.  You are always there to listen and help me out.  You are not only an incredible father to me but you are an amazing Papa to your grandchildren.  We all love you very much!!

Sidenote:

Mark started to teach Claire how to ride a two wheeler today.  She was very nervous and cried a little because she said "the bike is shaky and it scares me!"  But when I asked her if she wanted us to put her training wheels back on she told me (through her tears) "NO!  I will just have to learn how to ride without them!"  I love her!!!

Oliver's Birthday Party!

We had Oliver's birthday party last weekend.  The weather was gorgeous and we all had a great time!

Since Oliver is obsessed with Thomas The Train, that was the theme.

Oliver loved wearing his conductor's hat while we had cake.

He loved when everyone sang Happy Birthday!  He smiled the whole time!

Then it was time for presents!!!  He loved EVERY single gift he got this year.  Thank you to everyone!  He got some great gifts!

Nana and Papa got him a Thomas tricycle that makes noise.  He was in love.

Mark and I got Oliver a train table for his birthday.  Which Jenn and I put together all by ourselves (thank you very much).  And he LOVED it!  When I showed it to him in the morning he actually shook.  Then he walked around it a few times yelling "TRAIN.  TRUCK. CAR." and then I told him that it was all his and he could play with anything he wanted to and he actually shook again.  Oliver and Claire played with it ALL morning!  Which was great for Mark and I so that we could get everything ready for the party.  Here is Owen, Claire, and Oliver enjoying the train table at the party.

Happy Birthday Owen!!

Today was Owen's Angry Birds 3rd birthday party.  We had a great time!!  The weather was perfect and the kids had a blast!

I can't believe that Owen is already 3!!  He had a blast at his party!

Our little angry birds.

Oliver tries really hard to keep up with Owen and Claire.  He usually does pretty well keeping up but, sometimes he needs a hand from the big kids.

 Claire and Owen had fun watching the adults play Can Jam.

While Oliver showed Daddy around the yard.

Then they found the hammock and the kids had fun pushing Daddy in it.

Then Oliver enjoyed his turn.

And Claire enjoyed her turn too.

My gorgeous girl with her freckles.  I LOVE her freckles.

My handsome little man.  

The kids loved watching Owen open all of his great presents.  

The pinata was a hit!

Even Aunt Erin gave it a shot!

Erin and Nikki made the most adorable cake!

My godson loving his cake while we all sang happy birthday!

Then he posed as an angry bird.

Overall, it was a great party.  It is so nice to spend time with the family and watch the kids play together.  They have so much fun and I cannot believe how old they are getting!

As the party winded down (and Owen passed out) I noticed this on Erin's back.  Someone who shall remain nameless (Grandma :) hugged Erin with some sunscreen on their hand.  Now Erin has an interesting tan line :)

I have pictures from Oliver's birthday party last weekend but I still have to go through them.  So check back for some pics of my Oliver's 2nd birthday party!

Claire's Recital

Yesterday was Claire's dance recital.  She was so excited!  She loves to be on stage.

Claire loves the madness of the Black Box while everyone puts their finishing touches on their costumes.

And the kids always have fun playing.

And of course, this is where I take a bazillion pictures.

After Claire's dance (Feel The Beat) then it was time for Daddy and Me!  She was so excited to dance with her Daddy again this year.

She just loves being on stage :)

And getting her presents from Nana, Papa, Grandma, and Grandpa afterwards.

 We weren't even out of the parking lot and Claire looked like this.  She loves her recital but it takes a lot out of her!

Claire you did a wonderful job (yet again).  I am so proud of you!!!!  I love watching you on stage!  But, then again...I love watching you all the time!