Grace Learns to Tie Her Shoe

Grace came to me while I was outside today and said, "Look mom, I tied my shoe!"

I couldn't believe it...so I had her show me again. She did it and was so proud of herself!

I told her this is what happens when you turn 5. You start learning how to do all sorts of new things.

I'm so proud of you baby girl! Now your job in kindergarten will be to tie your friends shoes.

She wore this nightgown all afternoon. Funny girl!

Grace's 5 Year Old Interview

20 Questions on Grace's 5th Birthday

How old are you?

            4…I mean 5!

What is your favorite thing to do?

            Go horse back riding           

What is your favorite color?

            rainbow

What is your favorite food?

            Apples (dried apples…this girl does not eat the real deal)

What do you like to do with your family?

            Play tickle monster     

Who is your best friend?

            Ella

What is your favorite toy?

            Bellalina, her baby doll

What do you want to be when you grow up?

            A horse rider

What makes you happy?

            Bellalina

What makes you sad?

            When I get hurt and people do mean things

What is your favorite book?

            Pinkalicious

What is your movie?

            Spirit

What do you think about before you fall asleep?

            I think about what I am going to dream about

What are nicknames you have?

            Chickadee

What is the best part about your birthday?

            Opening presents

What do you hope to do before your next birthday?

            Go to Yabadoo

Last things said when we were putting her to bed on her last night being 4 years old:

“Am I still going to be the same person?”

“I'm going to miss being 4!"
"Even when I'm 5, I'll still be your princess."
"Do you think you will be able to pick me up when I'm 5?"

Grace's 5th Birthday

Hard to believe our baby girl turned 5 today!

We have been so blessed by her sweet, joyful personality. She lights up the room anytime she enters and can make your heart flutter with happiness seeing her smile.

I have been blessed this year to have her just a few doors down during preschool hours. I love being able to pass her in the hall or see her at recess during those days.

Grace and Mrs. Shelley celebrating at school on Monday.

We are so blessed for Grace to have her as a teacher. I know Mrs. Shelley and I will always be friends.

Woke up on her birthday morning to a sign,

 her door decorated,

 and the special birthday plate!

 She loves to draw and color. Here is a picture she drew on her 5th birthday.

 Dancing and celebrating her special day!

 Loving on Emma...although Emma doesn't look too thrilled.

 After school we got together with the neighborhood kids and headed down to the zip line park to play on this beautiful spring day.

 Jason gave Grace a flower and I caught the sweet moment just in time.

 After the park we headed back home and opened presents, had pizza and cupcakes.

 Here is the special girl wearing the dress she opened from Gaga and Daddy Don. Such a little lady!

 Grace, we look forward to the many more birthdays we have to share with you. We are thankful to the Lord for bringing our little girl to us and give all the glory to Him. I know He has wonderful plans for you, beautiful girl!

Baseball Season

Jackson has been so excited about this upcoming baseball season. The past two years he played tee ball which he enjoyed, but he couldn't wait to move up to coach pitch. (Mom and Dad couldn't wait either!)

I let the registration day pass me by and didn't realize until after when all the teams were full. So, he was put on a waiting list for a few weeks. Thankfully he got picked up and was able to play this year.

His coaches are excellent and really seem to love being there with the kids!

On Saturday they had the opening ceremonies (it was cold!) and then shortly after was his first game.

He did so well and made contact with the ball every time. He is a natural! 

Seeing the joy on his face is priceless.

 Opening ceremonies with his team and Coach JP.

Throw...

hit... 

 run!

We are excited to see of Jackson play this season! 

Last Days of Randomness in Spain

We went to an open air market on Tuesday morning that has all sorts of food, clothing, shoes and anything else under the sun.

We bought all of this for only 2,50 euro! AMAZING!

 The kids went to the kids club for the afternoon and they got a medal after the treasure hunt. They were so proud.

 At our last night we went to the restaurant at the resort. 

 What would Spain be without tapas?

Our trip was one that will go down as our favorite ones yet. We loved being at the beach, soaking up the sunshine and being able to see the sights around the area. 

But the thing that we enjoyed the most is being together as a family! I loved every minute of our special times together.

Ronda, Spain

 Ronda is a place that we have always wanted to see. The Greens were supposed to come with us, but Shawn had a case of food poisoning from the day before so they decided to stay near their place and relax.

Ronda is where bullfighting all began. It was fun to walk around and learn more about it.

They only have a fight once a year at that ring.

 The kids pretending to be bulls.

 Where the bulls hang out before the meet with the matador.

 The rectangular metal covers on the floor open up to each of the bull stalls below. We overheard a woman talking and she said they spear the bulls through this to wear them down before they meet up with the matador.

 This is for my nephew, Tommy. This gun museum had guns from the 1500's and up. It was amazing to see!

 The gorge was amazing! The beauty can't even be captured on camera.

 Grace took this photo...thought she did a pretty good job.

 Ice cream break!

 After we got back to the resort we played golf, ping pong and badmitten.

These family times are the ones I'm going to remember the most.

Grace has been really practicing how to tie her shoes. She is determined to learn it and will do it over and over again. Time to get out the bi-colored laces so she can do it herself.

 We got calamari for dinner and AJ loved it! 

Beach Days at the Mediterranean Sea

We LOVED being at the beach! The kids couldn't get enough of the water and sand. 

One night after dinner we took a stroll along the shore and took in the beauty of the ocean and the sound of the waves.

 I love this man!

 In this picture Jackson was rolling in the sand. He was having so much fun that we all started laughing at his craziness. It was quite a sight to clean up...but definitely worth it!