More Celebration for Rossco

 Jessalyn, Brant, G, Pa, and Mammaw came to celebrate Ross's big Three Oh birthday and we had a yummy meal and then unveiled the present of the night: A Daddy Scooter.  If you remember the Mommy Scooter from my birthday, you will know how happy the girls were that we could ALL ride together now.  There was a lot of outside fun and scootering around. 

So thankful that G and Pa made the trip to get Mammaw and then took her all the way back home so that we could spend a little time with her.  It was a great evening and we can't wait to have everyone back over. 

Ross is 30!!!

Little ole Ross finally turned 30.  Amelia was pointing out over and over that I was older than her dad and how "WEIRD" that was since he was bigger than me.  We talked about it forever and she finally just dropped it, but I'm not sure it ever made sense to her, haha.  Love that girl and our conversations.  We had a party for Ross and Derek and Tom and it was a blast.  Derek turned 30 as well and Tom is 30 and some change, hehe.  There was delicious food and a Mexican theme, complete with a donkey pinata. 

Our family has always had a blast together, but I just love how much life these four precious girls have breathed into our crew.  Such an awesome way they all entered our world in a row and just as unique as they can be.  Ross and Derek took off camping in the bus and after naps we headed to the Hot Air Balloon Festival.  It was breathtaking!  I loved seeing them up close and all of us (minus Liv) got to experience a tethered ride.  I couldn't believe all three of the girls did it because I was mildly nervous myself.

To Amelia and Elise

Obviously it is a given that time moves quickly, my sweet ones.  But Mommy has been rather slow to understand just how quickly.

 

 There was a time when it was so exciting for me to dream of the next thing.  I couldn't wait for you to sit up and eat baby food and walk to me and talk and run.  But now, you can do all of those wonderful things.  The joy I felt at each event was tangible and the million pictures I took serve as permanent memories for me to reflect on.  I still remember each moment and am looking forward to all the things you will do in the future.

 

  However, I have reached a new place in my momhood.  These ages you are at right now, and this time we are in right now; this is my next.

 I am savoring this stage, because I fear if I blink we will be in the next of 1st and 3rd grade.  The next of middle school.  The next of dating talks... (oh heaven help me)  I know that the joy of your accomplishments will be tangible then too.  Heart-bursting joy and a million more pictures. But for now, these little moments are enough. 

I'm living my nexts.  Thank you both for the countless lessons on love and life. 

First Day of Preschool

Oh man, the nerves.  Momma was so nervous on the first day, but luckily the girls weren't.  Amelia did so much better this year.  Largely in part to already knowing Finley, but also just being more mature.  It was so awesome to watch her walk into her class and not hold on to me or get super teary due to nerves.  Praise!  Elise was very ready and I was not that worried about her except for at nap.  She walked in and waved me off and was playing a big game of animals by the time I peeked back in.  It is weird how I often wish I just had an hour or two to get some laundry done or something cooked or bills paid, but the moment I dropped them off, I just sobbed and wanted to stay in the parking lot.  Haha.

Amelia has continued to do great!  She has already earned an item out of the treasure chest for good behavior (a beaded cross ring) and has had nothing but huge smiles every day. She cried TWICE because it was time to leave school.  I am so excited for them to really get into their curriculum in the coming weeks! I sit in the parking lot like a crazy woman at least 20 minutes before it is time for them to come out because I cannot wait to hear about their day.

Elise has struggled quite a bit with naps.  They lay down for naps insanely early- 11:15- and she isn't the least bit tired.  She has cried for me or asked to just play and that is a huge adjustment for her.  We lay down at one for naps at home, so the schedule is just entirely different.  I am so proud of her though for laying down and going to sleep anyway.  For a sweet baby who has never been away from her mama, she has done fabulous.  I intended on her going M and W and having some time with me on Fridays, but she balked at that and wanted to go on Fridays because Amelia does.  It wasn't worth the fight, so I have let her go the past two Fridays.  WAHH.

Honestly, I couldn't be happier that they are adjusting well and love it.  School was such a safe, happy place for me.  I loved learning and friendships and sports and my teachers and I just get giddy thinking about school being that for my two.  Here are some pre-school preschool shots.  I know.  I am hilarious.

Saturday Fun

 Last weekend, Amelia and Elise were invited to Max's 4th Birthday Party and boy were they excited.  I told them we would probably play games and made up a few other things they might do at the Youth Center.  Imagine their (and my) surprise when we walked in and there were three huge inflatables to play on.  Oh the joy.  I was so glad Ross was with us to go on the HUGE slide.  They literally had to lay back on it, it was so vertical. 

After the fun, we shopped around at Stage, ate supper, and got ready to meet the Butler's at their dock.  Lake night!!  We went for a couple hours before sunset and it was gorgeous.  There was virtually no one on the lake and we had the place to ourselves.  Great company and conversation and it is always a blast watching the kids play.