The End of an Era

Today is the day that it becomes official. Today is the day I look in to my little boy's eyes and am thankful we didn't do it a few years ago. Today is the day I count my blessings in the 3 beautiful children I have and rejoice in their health, happiness, and love. Today is the day I know my age is real, that I am getting older, that certain milestones have come and gone. Today is the day I realize we don't attend weddings for friends anymore because we are all married. Today is the day I realize we don't attend baby showers any more because we all have complete families. Today is the day reality smacks me in the face and I understand that my childbearing years are over.

And although I am very aware that we have no room in this house, no room in our budget for another little face around here, the thought of it ending is still quite sad. Even though my heart hurts at this thought, my mind tells me to look to the future...to the baseball games, the dance recitals, the family vacations, the important milestones we haven't reached yet and be glad in them...enjoy them. Because, we might not be able to bring another child in to this world, but we have so much to look forward to with the ones we have!!

Mother Daughter Tea

Today was the Mother Daughter Tea for Harmony on the Lakes. Jackie signed us up to go with her and Ava. When we arrived, we were shown to our seats. The clubhouse was decorated in pinks and browns. The tables were set with fine linens and pretty silver. And, each girl had a place card and a coloring page. Once everyone was seated, there was a Parade of Hats and then it was time for refreshments. The event was catered and it was delicious. We had chicken salad and fruit. The girls had peanut butter and jelly with fruit. After tea, we played games...based on age. Kelsey and I played a relay game to set up a tea party on a table as fast as we could. We didn't win, but we did a good job. Ally and I played a game where we had to match up answers without looking at each other. And, we finished in 2nd place. I was so proud of Ally for knowing so many answers. After the games, we had dessert and each girl went up front to get a rose for their mother. It was a super fun afternoon for all of us!!

Birthday Bash

Today the girls had their birthday party at JJ Biello Park. Since they had decided to do it at the park, we invited all of our neighborhood friends and all of their friends from school. The party was very low-key. I was able to talk with some moms I hadn't seen in a while or had never met. And Bo enjoyed his time playing with the kids on the playground. Drew was a perfect baby and sat in his stroller for the party. I wish we could have let him roam around the playground, but there were just too many people. The kids sang Happy Birthday to the girls and ate cupcakes and chips. Here are just a few pics. All of the pictures are on the shutterfly site...courtesy of our neighbors Angie and Michelle. I was entirely too busy to take pics and they were nice enough to do it for me. Visit the site to see all the fun!!

http://therealjacksonfive.shutterfly.com

Happy Birthday Kelsey!!!

Today, our sweet Kelsey turns 5 years old!! This little girl has brought smiles, hugs, laughter and love in to our lives for 5 years now and we are so excited to see what the next 5 years, 10 years, 20 years bring to her life. We love you Kelsey Bear!! May you have many more years of love and happiness in your life!!

Last Day of Pre-K

Today was Kelsey's last day of preschool. And, we were just as sad to see it end as we were excited to see it start. Kelsey will miss her teachers a lot...Mrs. Pam and Mrs. Tera.
The end of year program was fun. The kids came out and did some songs and then they headed back stage to change in to their caps and gowns while the younger kids sang. After the program was over, the younger kids went to their classrooms and the 4 year olds processed back in to the sanctuary for graduation. Kelsey looked so cute in her cap and gown. And we were so proud of her!! Enjoy the pics.

Tu-Tu Cute!!

The girls had their annual dance recital this weekend. And, it is sad to say that this might be the last one we get to attend. The girls have decided that dance is no longer their choice of extra-curricular activity, so we are starting gymnastics in the fall. Ally has been dancing with FBCW for 4 years and Kelsey has been there for 2. We might return to the program one day, but for now, we are exploring other options.
The recital was a huge production, as always, and the girls did a great job with their routines. Ally has always been one to memorize her routine and know it well. This being Kelsey's second year, we hadn't seen that in her until this year. She did such a good job with her routine. And, we were very proud of both girls for their effort and "finishing the race". Below are a few pictures from the recital. This being the last one for awhile, I found it more important to enjoy the show and watching them dance than snapping pictures of the whole routine. So, there are no pictures on the Shutterfly site...these are the only ones. Enjoy!!

Ally and Hannah backstage before the show.
Ally and Hannah cheesing it up for the camera!!
Hayden and Kelsey backstage before the show.
Kelsey's Ballet Dance - God Parted the Red Sea

Ally's Tap Dance
Ally's Ballet - Morning

Kelsey's Tap Dance - Down to the Promised Land
Aunt Jackie and Ava with the girls after the show.

Happy Birthday Ally!!!

We can hardly believe how fast seven years has come and gone. You have grown from this tiny little 5 pound baby into a sweet, caring little girl who is learning to understand the world around you. We hope you have a life filled with love and happiness always!!! We love you!!

Darby Rose Photography - Spring 2010

I guess this makes the third time we have had our family pictures done with Darby (www.darbyrosephotography.com). We traveled to BUMC for pictures in the Memorial Garden. The theme for this spring's pictures was based on a picture I saw on a friend's Facebook page. It's a very "posed" picture of feet, but it is timeless and I had to have one of our family as soon as I saw it. You can see the full set of pictures at the Shutterfly site, but here are a few to get you started.
http://therealjacksonfive.shutterfly.com