the Paladinos

Today our Gabby girl started her first day of kindergarten.  Wasn’t it just yesterday that I shakingly told Michael “ummm, I think my water just broke.”  I have no doubt that those parents who say it will fly by and she will be graduating from high school before you know it are right.  What a treasure our first 5 years with this little princess, rockstar, diva have been.  I cry over what I’m loosing but am so excited for what’s ahead.

We have been in a whirlwind of “doing” before she starts school for the past two weeks.  School supplies, school clothes, going to jump zone, the pool, Chuck E Cheese, play dates, etc. because we have to fit it all in before we’re locked down by a school schedule.  But we have been blessed to be in a year round school with lots of breaks throughout the year which makes this obsessive mama feel much better. 

Gabby said she wanted to have a party before starting school so we had some friends meet us at chick-fil-a to play and have cupcakes yesterday.  With 5 girls and poor Peter there was of course a little drama and a whole lot of giggles.  What sweet friends we have.

At 7:20 this morning we arrived at school and walked our little big girl in and said goodbye.  She was nervous with the crazy noise and people everywhere but once she got into her class she put on a smile and started coloring.  At registration earlier this year she saw a really cute classroom that she wanted to be in and that happens to be the one we got!  She also has a friend in her class from her preschool which is a big help.  Her mom and I will be the classroom moms which I’m really looking forward to (I might have a problem with control). :)

After I sat in the car line (for 40 minutes!!!) to pick her up she bounced to the car with her teacher and said that it “was awesome.”  Now of course she says she was bored but she’s just trying to play it cool.  Her favorite part was lunch because she could have some private time which I think translates to she didn’t have anyone telling her what to do.  :(  It makes me sad that she needed that break but it’s also good for her to have structure.  So I guess this begins our days of getting up early, getting to bed early too and life revolving around school (or so it feels). 

Saw this idea on Pinterest and thought it was cute.


 
In her classroom and in the act of telling me “you said no more pictures mom.”


Peeking in through the window after we left.  Can you find her?


Had to include a picture of Gabby’s sparkle binder. 


Our party yesterday. 



Love this girl!

Saturday we celebrated Peter’s 3rd birthday.  It seems like yesterday that he was born and now he’s left the baby years behind and is officially a big boy.  We had a great time with friends and family at his party which we’ll call an outside big mess party basically.  :)  We set up a kiddie pool and a sandbox which is one of Peter’s favorite things to do.  Dig!  He wasn’t a fan of the pool after all the kids had been in and out and it was “gross and had grass all in it.”  I guess we’ll have to work on that whole boys are supposed to like gross stuff thing. 

At Peter’s request we had “dirt” cupcakes and root beer.  He decided the cupcakes also tasted gross but at least he got to have homemade ice cream and of course the root beer.  He absolutely LOVED his presents which included a construction truck, monster truck, remote control car and other fun boy toys.  We should have enough to keep him entertained for a while thank goodness.

I also stole an idea from a fellow friends blog and interviewed Peter at 3 so we can look back and see what he was like at this age.  I have to say some of his answers may have been influenced by the dinner he was eating.  I would say his favorite food is really chicken nuggets and his favorite thing to play with would be cars, trucks or trains. 

Peter Michael you are exactly the little boy we prayed for and we are so blessed to be your parents.  You are such a sweet, smart happy boy (just like your daddy thank goodness).  You wake up with a smile every morning and it’s impossible not to smile with you.  We want to laugh at almost everything you say just because of the way you say it.  Even your little fits are cute and make us laugh.  We’re so proud of you and love you our sweet Pete. 


Peter’s Birthday Picture from today

The birthday boy didn’t want to have his picture taken on party day. 

Sassy pants :)


Blowing out his candle.


The remote control car was a big hit! It’s his very first and sure not to be the last.

Sand buckets for everyone.


Kind of funny to decorate with a can of dirt but that’s just the kind of party it was (and a plastic worm of course). 

The kids last day of school was yesterday so I guess that means that summer is here.  I’m ready for a little break from activities and looking forward to a lazy summer.  Below are just some pictures from the last couple of weeks/days. 

What?!  Like you don’t water your plants in a bathing suit, tutu, princess shoes and a crown!

She’s going to hate me someday for this but it was just too cute not to share. 


Michael finally got his very own basketball goal. 


This week Gabby’s class went to the splash park.  They were a little cold. 


Fire Chief Peter


Ballerina Gabby


We had pictures taken today for Gabby’s recital next month.  This costume is soooo Gabby.  She just kept a little smile on her face the whole time she had it on. 


Gabby’s Nativity Scene complete with an Ariel Mary and a Prince Eric Joseph.  Her imagination and personality crack me up. 


Michael’s garden.


Bell Pepper

Squash

Cherry tomatoes

And tomatoes of course.