Neighbors and Friends

Today we had a "severe weather alert" and I had to chuckle when I clicked on it and it was because of "extreme heat" as high as the mid-90s. 

Anyway, I knew it was going to be a bit warmer than we have become accustomed to since moving to the Pacific Northwest. 

This morning the girls rode bikes and it was so fun because Ella came out to play and then I got to borrow her little brother- baby Finn- and all four kids played outside allllll morning, 

Gracie's friend, Eden, was coming over this afternoon for a sleepover so her parents could have a night out. She came equipped with her swim suit and scooter. They were ready for sprinklers outside and went to get Ella. Then the neighbor was outside and said they would bring their niece out but she doesn't have a swim suit. She is almost five so I knew we had something that would fit her and I said come over! Kaitlyn, Ella and Finn's mommy, brought her little pool over and we had sprinklers and a pool. Then I got out some leftover birthday balloons and we made giant water balloons. We sat in the shade and they played and played (with lots of sunscreen!) I couldn't believe how warm it was- and as I watched the kids play- I thought, this is what childhood is all about. Five kids, water, balloons, bikes, and scooters and they were happy. I am so thankful that our house is situated sort of in a central location in the cul de sac and it is becoming a gathering place. Now I just need to stock up on Popsicles, iced tea, and maybe some squirt guns! Looking forward to many more days like this one.

This was RIGHT before she dropped this thing in my lap!

Preschool

Gracie really had a great year of preschool. After the program the other night Tim and I agreed that we really chose a great school. It was the only one we toured last spring, but we both felt like that was where God wanted Gracie. She learned a lot and just as important was that she was able to come out of her shell a little. She earned an Outstanding Student award for finishing all 9 of the extra packets they handed out to work on at home. She made friends, and even though she isn't very vocal about it, she told me she will miss her preschool. Today was her last day and after school they had a little carnival for all the families. When Charlotte and I went to get her from her class she had flowers and said "these are from Michael". Of course I had to get a picture of this sweet little boy who brought our girl flowers. According to his grandma he has had a bit of a crush all year. 

We are grateful for Gracie's teachers, Ms Tina and Ms Carol who have been a great team and exactly what Gracie needed. 

We made them each a mason jar straw cup with some lemonade for the summer and Gracie made the cards

We had a fun last day of school. Kindergarten, here she comes!

Bye Bye Diapers!

I didn't want to be too premature with this...but we are on day three of panties with Charlotte. 

I didn't think this day was going to come, and I thought I would have to throw in the towel and try again after she turns 3 in a few weeks. 

BUT

We had progress.

Day one: this was a little spontaneous since I realized that the girls and I had 4 days we could dedicate to staying home. We got up on Saturday and Charlotte was so excited to put on her panties. I kept it simple- her Elmo potty in the family room with her toys and movies. She went and sat many times but nothing came. Except when she was playing and all the pee came out. All over the floor. Then again when she went to nap- only this time on the carpet. After that she woke up dry and spent many more times on the potty with no action. Then it happened. She sat and peed. Gracie and I were so excited. I think Charlotte was just as surprised. I rewarded her with the only treat I had in the house- rainbow sprinkles. She peed on the potty like 5 more times before bed. That gave me the encouragement I needed. Which is good because she woke me up at 2am because she peed the bed. Well at least days might be diaper free! 

Day 2: Sunday we stayed home from church. She peed in the potty all day, but had a #2 accident. She went to bed last night in panties and woke up dry. 

Day 3: we have a totally trained girl for pee, but I am still waiting for the poop to go in the potty and have bribed her with m&ms  if she does ;) We have a very excited little girl to wear panties and a very excited mommy and daddy who don't have to buy diapers ever again!

The Perfect Day

Gosh this was such a big day! We took Gracie to preschool and did some errands before picking her up. Then we took the girls on a picnic lunch to the Rose Garden at Washington Park. Unfortunately Charlotte was leaning a little too far to smell a rose and fell into the bush. The poor thing looks like she's been attacked by a cat. She was a trooper and when we headed to the other end of the park to go to the zoo the first aid station got her all fixed up. We got to spend the afternoon at the zoo. Afterward we grabbed dinner at Panera and still had an hour before Gracie had to be back at school for her end of the year program and graduation so we stopped to hang out at a nearby park. Then it was time for the main event- preschool graduation. 

We got to watch our big girl on stage with her class while they sang songs together. 

It was a perfect day.

Even though we had to stop at a potty eleven times for Charlotte. Yes, eleven. And she did her business every time! 

I love spending the day with my family like this. I went to bed last night thinking about it and I'm still smiling.

Neighborhood

We are so fortunate to have a sweet family next door with a 3 1/2 year old little girl named Ella and the most adorable baby boy named Finn.  The girls play with Ella so well!  The other day our friends Andrea and Eden came over so Ella joined us and we had four little girls running around the house.  It was a blast!  I see the girls growing up going back and forth between yards and houses.

It brings back memories of my own cul-de-sac and growing up with my best friend across the street.  We have countless memories- and I think most of them are being outside.

Also, another neighbor came over a few nights ago and invited me to join her on a walk in the neighborhood.  I had a great time, so every night since then I have taken Lacie and headed out by myself.  Last night it was so nice to see two teenage boys in the driveway playing basketball and another teenage girl at another house out (happily) doing yard work with her mom.  Every night I have been thankful (but tired!) as I get back that we get to call this neighborhood "home".

Kindergarten Night

I had applied for Gracie to go to a charter school in town, but she is still pretty far down on the waiting list.  The neighborhood school was not my first choice, but at the kindergarten round-up, Tim and I were thoroughly impressed.  They talked to us briefly and then split us into groups.  Our group headed to the school bus for a ride, followed by a walk around the school, ending up near the kindergarten classrooms for the kids to plant seeds with the teachers.  The teachers explained that when the seeds grow and start to bloom it will be time to start kindergarten!  We all had a great time!

Unger Farms

Gracie had her last field trip of preschool last Friday.  Unger farms is in a beautiful area and the kids learned about how berries grow and then got to pick and eat strawberries to their hearts' content!