It's her last day being 4

This is one smart kid. All parents want to brag on their children, we do too, but more importantly we want to offer this child the learning environment where she can continue to excel. This 4 year old entered kindergarten "early" because she misses the birthday cut off by 4 days. She had to do early entry testing, & she tested at the average age of a 7 year old at 4 1/2, she entered kindergarten in the 99.7% which means on average her learning ability & comprehension are ahead of 997 out of 1000 kids entering kindergarten. She had to do many tests, & she loved every minute of it. She has rocked her first few weeks of kindergarten making new friends, having a perfect behavior record & loving coming home to only do homework right when she walks in the door. Her writing beats most males (sorry guys) & her drawings, well, lets just day it's in her blood. Her attention to detail is impeccable, & her maturity amazes us on a daily basis. Her memory, well, it's probably fair to say she remembers every person she has met, every place she has been, every book she has read, pretty much her brain is a sponge that soaks it all in. Kate, we promise to do our best as parents to let that amazing brain of yours continue to soak it all in. We couldn't be more proud of you and what you have already accomplished, & we can't wait to see what you do & learn as a 5 year old. We thought you were amazing 5 years ago when you were born, we had no idea being your parents could truly be this good. 

Let the birthday season begin...

It's a regular dinner conversation around here, all year long. Birthdays are big. It usually starts right after one birthday passes with Kate planning what type of party she wants for the next year. Of course themes change over 365 days, but a butterfly party was this years choice for our rising 5 year old, and this one has stuck since at least April. She chose a butterfly backpack for school, we picked out butterfly bushes at the farmers market, and now, the time has finally come for the real butterfly party. You know Kate is my child when she's truly more into the decorating & the theme than what will actually take place at the party! In true Kate fashion, she is gluing, cleaning & setting tables for her special day...and now that the party has come and gone, was it worth it? Of course it was. Her friends were amazing, everyone laughed & smiled, all of the girls were courteous and well mannered, and most importantly, Kate loved her party, every detail of it. 

Now for the last birthday detail, tomorrow, the real day she turns 5. This day is saved for our family of 4, it's one of the best days of our lives, can't wait to celebrate! 

Life

Life. It's a gift given to us from God. We all have many options on how we choose to live our lives. We can plan for the future, we can live each day as if there is no tomorrow, or we can do our best to do both. Today is Monday. It's a Monday coming off of a wonderful weekend with my family of 4. We took in some history walking around downtown Raleigh, we swam, we ate out, we ate at home. We went bike riding, we finished projects around the house, and we soaked in Gods best present to us ever, our amazing daughters. We watched Kate choose to work on subtraction by herself because she has a thirst for learning. We belly laughed at Lyla because she is gifted with humor that brings laughter to all who know her. We took videos of her voice so we will never forget this precious stage.

On this Monday, I am proud to take them to school with smiles on their faces & excitement to play and learn. I am eager to make great things happen at work to offer my children the futures they deserve. I am thankful for my family & I do know that every day is a gift. Life is good. 

Lyla's new room

The big girl bed came when she was two, but we waited to decorate until we knew what colors & theme would fit her personality. Bright & wild works for this 2 1/2 year old, & it's been a family project to get this one together. We aren't done yet, but here is the room that fits our colorful Lyla. 

I did a little touch up after Lyla got her hands on these, but I can honestly say Kate did many roofs, bases & trim lines on her own! I think the reason I love this is it is unique, just like Lyla. No ideas from Pinterest or magazines, just having fun playing with a bird comforter MiMi spotted at Homegoods. Now it's time to get the rest of the room to match, oh how we love to complicate a project! But it sure makes it fun having two little helpers. 

First beach trip of 2013

It was a bit chilly, but weather did not stop the kids or adults from enjoying play time on the beach. Thanks to Amanda for making it possible to have our toes in the sand.

Go Wolfpack!

Raised in Raleigh, Mickey has always been a fan of NC State. Kate has been to a few football games, and this week was her 1st basketball game. She had a great night out with Daddy!

New Year, new pics

It's been a busy start to 2013, somehow time continues to fly by with March quickly approaching! So far this year we have continued Saturday morning dance classes, made it to 4 different four and five year old birthday parties, had our first bowling afternoon with the girls while visiting MiMi and GrandDad and we are preparing for Mommy's longest time away ever for new job training in just a week! Here are a few bowling/park/fun at home pictures from February. (And you can tell which one is Kate dressing herself for school!)