It's a...

BOY!

I haven't really been keeping up with my blog, but we're happy to announce that we're expecting a little BOY in November! Audrey was happy to help us make the announcement!

Photography by me, of course!

Ballerina 4th Birthday Party

Audrey's birthday is December 28th, but we usually celebrate before Christmas. This year, she requested a ballerina party! I was completely unprepared and did almost everything the day before, but she loved it, so that's all that matters!

There were lots of pink decorations,

 paper ballerinas,

and marshmallow ballerinas as favors.

One of Audrey's nicknames is Bear, so I made her this teddy bear ballerina cake,

with some cupcakes.

 I didn't really do themed food this year, but we did make some Pirouette Punch!

And we played Pin the Tutu on the Ballerina, of course!

Audrey - 4 years

Audrey,

You're four! Can you believe it?!

You continue to love the outdoors, which makes Mommy & Daddy happy because so do we!

We had a summer full of fun, including a week at the beach with family in South Carolina,

 Aunt Anisa's wedding,

our annual camping trip in Lake George, complete with a visit to the fair of course, 

and a few photo shoots!

In September, you started back at pre-school, and you also started dance class! Instead of two half days like last year, school this year is three full days. You started off fine, but you're not a fan of rest time at all! And in the last month, you've started crying every morning and not wanting to go to school. It breaks my heart! I'm hoping it's a little bit of holiday chaos and a small case of separation anxiety, and that we'll be back to normal in no time because I hate leaving you when you just want your Mommy.

You love dance and anything to do with ballerinas! And you are the cutest little ballerina, if I do say so myself!

With fall came lots of our usual fun, fall activities,

and to add a little variety, we went to Disney World at the end of September!!! We had so much fun at the most magical place on Earth! I will treasure your joy and the memories always.

We we returned from Disney, there were pumpkins and leaves,

and of course, some Halloween fun!

Around Thanksgiving, we spent a lot of time talking about being thankful and we even made a Thankful Tree. It was so much fun for me to see what you were thankful for each day as you added a leaf to our tree.

Winter brought with it lots of holiday, family fun! Playing in the snow, your first school Christmas program, visits with Santa and even a ride on the Polar Express!

And we can't forget your birthday party! Ballerina themed, of course!

You're growing in all aspects, my sweet girl! You're taller, of course, but smarter, too. Your writing continues to improve and you're sounding out any letter combinations that you find. I think reading on your own is not far into our future. Three was an awfully whiny and defiant year for us, but you are starting to communicate your thoughts and feelings more, instead of resorting to that horrific whine voice.

You're very caring and maternal, and love playing doctor and Mommy. Arts & crafts, reading and playing outside still remain some of your favorite things. But board games, homemade play dough and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles also rank high up on the list now.

You continue to surprise me at every turn and definitely keep me on my toes! But your smile lights up my world and I thank God every day for choosing me to be your Mom.

Happy 4th birthday, sweetheart!

Love always,
Mommy

First Day of Preschool 2014

After 2 half days of preschool a week last year, Audrey is going 3 full days this year! She has the same teachers and even some of the same friends in her class, so she was so excited to go back. In contrast to last year, I was actually excited for her to go back, too! There was so much less anxiety for me knowing what wonderful teachers she has and how much she loves it.

Today was the first day of school and I'm spending some time reflecting on how much she has grown, physically, mentally and emotionally, in only a year.

Mommy loves you so much, sweet girl! Wishing you another amazing year full of learning, growth, and friendships new and old!

Spring & Summer Bucket List!

We had a crazy, busy summer! I felt like we were always running around doing something or going somewhere, but even though it was exhausting, we had a lot of fun! In the spring, we made a list of things we wanted to do before school started, and we accomplished them all!

1. Plant a garden.

2. Play tag.

3. Have a picnic.

4. Build a sandcastle.

5. Roll down the hill.

6. Fly a kite.

7. Go fishing.

8. Learn to ride a bike.

9. Roast marshmallows.

10. Swim in the ocean.

11. Pick berries.

12. Have a backyard camp out.

13. Go for a hike.

14. Play hopscotch.

15. Blow bubbles.

16. Make homemade playdough.

17. Play mini golf.

18. Have a squirt gun fight.

19. Make a pinwheel.

20. Celebrate Aunt Anisa's wedding!

21. Go to the zoo.

22. Make a daisy crown.

23. Go to the fair.

24. Go out for ice cream.

25. Go to Natural Bridge.