Ellie's Birthday Part II & III

So, Ellie's birthday turned into Ellie's birthday week, with the arrival of a Disney Store package the next day from Nana (thanks Nana...we now have a glittery floor to match Ellie's dress! ;), and a Peter Piper Pizza Party the next day. It was a blast, with lots of friends to help us celebrate. Everyone had fun playing games, and getting tickets- we even had a jackpot winner! The pizza came, we cut Ellie's princess castle cake, and oohed and ahhed over all the girlie girl gifts :) 

(Checking out the leftover treat bags!)

Happy Birthday Ellie! (Part 1)

Here's my teeny baby...5 years old! These past few weeks have brought tears to my eyes a few times, thinking of her starting Kindergarten, and now the reality of our first little baby girl turning five...sigh. Not that it's gone by so fast, it doesn't feel that way. I just can't believe what it sounds like. Like she's getting to be such a big girl. Sniff...

I had fun creating cake-pops for her class to enjoy as a treat for her birthday, and I had made this "birthday princess" tiara for her to wear along with her new dress. It was fun to hear about her birthday morning at school.

 And then, our birthday adventure took us to "the Bear Store" where Ellie got to spend a gift from Grandma, and Lia chose something special for when she shows us that she's a big girl, and we can say goodbye to diapers forever...now there's something to sigh about! :) 

 (She was so darned cute in her tiny voice telling answering the lady's questions. I melted.)

 A little early, dontcha think?!

 A little bit of a fancy birthday dinner for a little girl, but a nice birthday treat at the end. Ellie's requested "princess" (in actuality, castle) cake will be created for her party (birthday, Part 2) on Saturday.

(Wonder who liked this cupcake more...?)

Ellie's Second Day

Our new snazzy backpack :)

 Smiles, excited about going to school again!

I wanted to share how she just raced into that classroom today, after a quick hug and kiss, with no hesitation- smiling in fact. We were relieved! Of course, I couldn't resist catching her in this cute zebra number ;) Also- I forgot to tell yesterday how Lia suddenly has an imaginary "class" that she tells us about. You feel a mixture of feeling sorry for her because she obviously sees the attention Ellie's getting over the whole school thing, and just a smile, because it's so sweet how she's trying to be included too. Guess I'd better work harder on making my time with her on her own when Ellie's in class, more special :)

Here we go!

So off we went this morning to take Ellie to her first day of Kindergarten. After a hectic rush getting everyone ready to go, making sure Ellie had a proper breakfast, and gathering the multitude of things we had to bring with us for her and her classroom, we snapped a couple of quick first day pictures on the sidewalk, and joined in the herds of cars lining up around the school. We actually had to park in the nearby neighborhood and walk in, since it was that busy.  (Mommy should know this from first hand experience, but after a year or two, things get kinda fuzzy, ya know?) So, in we went, on time, amidst the craziness...lots of parents and kids everywhere...

We weren't supposed to be able to, but it turned out that we were invited inside to get her situated and say our goodbyes. 

 She really was excited, and had been the few days beforehand.

 And then, the tears started. She does look so small, doesn't she? Almost had me started, but I was strong, and tried to be encouraging. The class went to the carpet together, and thankfully, her teacher came over and asked if Ellie would like to sit next to her...perfect chance for a quick exit. 

 We (ok, I) were worried about her, but went on to their "Boo Hoo Breakfast" for those of us dropping off kinders for the first time. I really was ok, until I unrolled a note the teacher had asked us to take with us on our way out, and started to read this little poem about how she knew how hard it was dropping off our baby to her and how she would love her, etc...oh boy. About five lines in, the tears were coming. I had to stop. Thanks Mrs. Trotter ;)

At 11:20 however, we picked up an exuberant little girl who loved going to school...yay! She was full of stories about the morning, and was eager to go back tomorrow. (Good thing!) 

(The big girl a few days ago..."I'm not tired..." (this is the doorway to their room!))

Back to School! What!?

 Konked out after a busy morning at the pool...

 Meet the Teacher Night! Ellie starts Kindergarten on Monday!

 Not so sure about this ride thing...

 Aurie joins in at the water table...

A glimpse into the craziness that is our home :)

Little steps...

My beauty... (daddy's usually quite opposed to the big headband deal on babies, but he even had to admit how cute she looked!