Lucky #7!

Our girl is seven now! SEVEN! Seven and stubborn, strong, sassy, smart, sporty and seriously, seriously sensational! (Sensational, but don't forget stubborn. There's a reason why I listed that first.)

We kicked off the "Week of Lainey" last weekend with a visit from Grandpa, Sharon, and Chris. We finally got some gorgeous weather after all the rain and extreme heat. It was perfect! We kept it low key with presents and ice cream cake at home on Saturday and a trip to the Botanic Garden on Sunday. For her actual birthday on Wednesday, we granted her request for dinner at Chili's, followed by presents at home. She raked in the game Life, new books, a hula hoop, and a new sleeping bag. The sleeping bag is significant--after her Girl Scout sleepover a few weeks back she shunned her Cinderella sleeping bag and said she needed a new one "with a pattern and NOT a stupid princess." See, I told you--she's departing the "little girl" space and rushing straight into "girlhood." *Sigh*

But, the BIG birthday deal happened today, when we took Lainey and three of her friends to a horse stable for a pony trail ride. Not just a walk in a circle on a spoke-and-wheel job, but a REAL pony ride through a forest preserve. And Lainey got a BIG pony--almost the size of a horse. It was SOOO hot, but her smile made it SOOO worth it! Afterward, we went to Pequod's for her favorite pizza and then back to the house to decorate cupcakes. It was a pretty awesome day!

Laineybug, you take my breath away some days. I know we clash--like really CLASH--but, I am so proud of you and cannot wait to see what amazing things you'll do. I love you to the moon and back and back again. Keep the fire (even if you have to practice against me); you'll need it someday!

Happy Birthday to our girl!

School's Out!

Another school year in the books! Lainey had a fantastic first grade year—with PERFECT ATTENDANCE! She had such pride on her face when she accepted that certificate at the end of the year celebration. She was the only one in her class to get one! I don’t think I ever had perfect attendance. But, with a school as fun as Wildwood, who wouldn’t want to go? In addition to the first grade celebration, the whole school rang out the year with its annual Fun Day! Obstacle courses, water slide, face painting, and tons of junk food. A kid’s dream!

While Lainey was living up the last few days as a 1^st grader, Nick was starting his first days at the YMCA camp. I was a nervous wreck dropping him off Monday morning. I don’t know why I was so emotional about it. Maybe because he’s less mature than Lainey was at 5, maybe just because he’s my baby, but I was anxious all day long. For absolutely no reason. He LOVED it! When I picked him up he was playing basketball with another boy his age. When I asked Nick to tell me his friend’s name, he said, “Everybody’s my friend, Mom.” And my heart exploded right out of my chest.

Summer is off and running…we’re going to do our best to keep up!

First day vs last day!

Wonder Women!

Going crazy under the fire hose!

The Graduate - Nick's Turn

Nick had his Pre-K graduation last night and it delivered all the feels! The teachers did a wonderful job putting the program together and the kids ratcheted up the adorableness to new levels. Nick won the "Super Scientist" award and was very proud. I posted the videos of the program below. They are longish, but you MUST checkout the remake of "Summer Nights" from Grease (in Part II at the 5:41 mark).

This was our fourth graduation program at Care-A-Lot, but the most emotional because it was also our last. Next week will be Nick's final one with the Care-A-Lot crew before moving on to YMCA camp for the summer and Wildwood next year. There are no words to give proper justice to the women at this center. They are pure love and dedication, and I cannot be happier with our experience there. We will miss all the teachers and friends!

But, while we hope Nick can keep in touch with his old friends, we're ready to give him some new experiences! Get ready Kindergarten...Nick is coming for you!

With his teacher Sarah

 

With Sheri the Director (she's always had a soft spot for Nick)

The whole family!

Olivia! Best friend (and possibly future wife!)

Celebratory ice cream!