Last day of Pre-Pre-Preschool

No I am not stuttering, but I am not sure what to call it.  Grace went to a Mother's Day Out program this past year.  She seemed to really enjoy it and really learned a lot!  She was in the Toddler and 2s room - all kids who were turning 2 this past year.  She will be in the 2 yr old room in the fall.

This was Grace on the first day on Aug 23rd.

And on her last day - May 17th

My goodness she was just a baby last fall and she looks like a little girl now.  I will probably say that same thing the next few years, but the change is amazing.  She will start up the summer session next week.  It is fun picking her up from school and asking about her day.  Her typical response was that she ate lunch, took a nap and played on the slide or swings.  Also Jackie seems to be her best friend.  She will mention Parker or Ella or Lanie, but Jackie is always the first.    I hope they are in the same class next year.  It is so cute when I drop Grace off and she runs to Jackie and one or the other will say 'Hi Jackie' or 'Hi Grace'!  

My little toddler!  Love you!

Birthdays and Baby Showers

A few days after Mother's day was my birthday.  I have a love hate relationship with my birthday now.  I love the presents and celebration, but am not loving the number anymore.  Keith's parents came into town to visit us and we all went out for dinner for my birthday.  I picked a local fancy pizza place - Fireside Pies -  of all places, but it was family friendly, near by and had great cocktails!  I really enjoyed it.  Great food and company.

Cake! - Grace sure was eyeing the cake - haha!

Some one loves her Cake! 

A couple of days after my birthday I helped host a baby shower for a good friend of mine.  She is having a boy and her colors are orange and turquoise for the nursery so we incorporated that into the theme.  I think it turned out super cute and we all had a great time!

Favors

Table before the food.  Those are stenciled burb clothes on the window. 

I made a diaper bike for my gift and for a centerpiece.  I think he turned out so cute!!

Blue Liam cocktail - though it looks more green in this picture.

Here is another more detailed picture of the bike.  It had a bottle for the headlight, 2 bibs, 2 flannel blankets, pair of socks, Pacifier, teether, 74 newborn diapers, etc.

I also made finger sandwiches.  Grace helped!

I have a couple more May posts - I said we were busy.  Thanks again to my in laws for coming in town to visit.  We had a great time and can't wait to go to Michigan this summer and see everyone. 

You called that Spring??

This winter was mild by all accounts.  No snow or ice to really speak of.  I don't even think we hardly ever even wore our coats this year except the week we went to Colorado skiing.  So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when April showed up with temperatures in the 90s.    We spend most afternoons outside enjoying popsicles and baby pools.  The pools in our neighborhood opened on April 1st, but this weekend will probably be the first weekend we try them out.  I don't really care for super chilly pool water :)

Popsicles on the Patio

I was super excited to be picked as a Copperone Mom.  We've already used so much sunscreen and it is only May so I know that I'll have lots of opportunities to try the new products that Coppertone sent me as well as handing out the samples.  Too bad the hat they sent didn't fit Grace.  She really liked it, but I doubt it would have fit her even as a newborn.  

Argh Matey!  I couldn't resist when I saw this baby pool.  Grace has taken to pirates so it was pretty appropriate.  

A little Sword fighting.  

May was a busy month for us.  Of course we started out with Mother's day.   Brunch has started out as our tradition so after early church we went out for Brunch.  Afterwards I headed out to a movie by myself.  It was nice to have a little me time and movies are a rarity these days.  I saw Hunger Games.  It was pretty good.  I think I am Team Peeta after seeing the movie.  I read all 3 books in a week over Christmas so I was looking forward to seeing the movie.  

Grace fell asleep on the way to brunch but didn't drop her book.  

Beautiful Girl before Brunch

 Thanks to Keith and Grace for a great Mother's day.