Ladybug Release

Aniela received ladybug larvae for her birthday.  We have been watching them grow and change over the past couple of weeks and now it's time to let them go.

Ladybug Land

 

As soon as we opened it, these two came right out.  The others took a little while.

Grace's 10th Birthday

It is hard to believe that we are already celebrating Grace's 10th Birthday!  She had a spa birthday party which consisted of facials, manicures, pedicures, and they made salt scrub and bath fizzies.  They also decorated flip flops! 

Monogrammed towels for all the guests

Enjoying the "ogurt" on her face

The Birthday Girl getting a pedicure

 

 Hand massages before their manicures

Aniela's cute flip flops

 

 

Had to put in a picture of Grace when she was born!

School's out for the SUMMER!

We celebrated the end of school at the pool with Aniela's preschool class.  

 
Aniela and Olivia (hope to spend a lot of days at the pool with her!)

 

Some of her classmates

 

Favorite pastime, jumping in!

Last Day of Preschool

First day of 3 year old preschool 

Last day of 4 year old preschool

Preschool Graduation

Aniela graduated from Preschool on May 21st.  Ms. Wendy gave each student an award and spoke about each of their strengths.  It was really sweet and brought tears to all our eyes.  Aniela's award was for her pleasant demeanor and her willingness to help and lead.  St. Andrew's is a really great school and she has loved all of her experiences there.

Aniela and Ms. Wendy

 Time for some snacks

Ms. Wendy and Ms. Gayle

Drew and Aniela

Erin and Aniela swinging ... her favorite pastime on the playground.

Durham Bulls

We spent the night with the Durham Bulls!  Thanks to a colleague of Dave's we were invited to spend the game in the picnic area.  It's ideal for kids as there are tables to eat and room to run around!  

Thomas sporting his Orioles jersey from Dave.  Sammy had on a cute basball tee also, just didn't capture it.

Quick photo op with the Bull

First taste of cotton candy

Maybe Thomas will play there one day ....

Thomas Reading

Thomas reading his favorite book Dear Zoo.

Aniela is 5!

My little girl turned 5!  It seems like just a blink of an eye since I held her in my arms for the first time.  It is amazing to watch such a beautiful little being grow and change into such a sweet girl.  She is very good with Sammy and Thomas and is often a big help to me.  She continues to love books and "reading" and anything arts and crafts.  She enjoys swimming especially jumping in the pool.  

Aniela really flourished in preschool and soaked up everything she could.  Everyday I am amazed by what she knows and what she learns.  She has really blossomed and we are excited to see what Kindergarten brings.  I can't fathom what it will be like in another 5 years as she turns ten. 

She often says goodnight to me by saying "Mommy, I love you more than you know."  Little does she know how truly loved she is.

Getting really good at her name

Her new bike