Florida 2017 (week 1)

Just like that the school year ended and we loaded up the car for our favorite road trip of the year!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOuFdoXcsfI

Nagymama, here we come! 

It makes me laugh to see how neat and organized the car is when the trip begins. 😊 Juliet felt like one of the big girls when she got in the car and saw that she had very own DVD player for this trip.

First stop, Grammy and G-Diddy's house for a quick dinner and visit. The girls had the best time running around the yard with Johnny. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnzHX8071Mw

It's so much fun to see these two together now that they are getting old enough to play!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-N5krDY0Wo

After dinner, everyone loaded into the car for a movie and bedtime.

This guy makes the best road trip buddy.

He immediately turns into watchdog as soon as daddy leaves the car.

After breakfast naps

You know you've arrived at your happy place when your babies get tucked in for the night by Nagymama and you find them like this in the morning.

And the morning breakfast dates with Mama begin...

Keeping the girls out of the pool before 9 am is probably the biggest challenge on vacation. They are ready to dive in as soon as their eyes open in the morning! 😍

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rlq1pPDrShQ

Abby loves to write songs. She writes and performs them for us so much that we know them all by heart. Ella is her biggest fan! I present you with...

Say Hello, Say Goodbye

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIDOlPrnnHQ

My cuties

Learning from the best

Best buddies reunited

After dinner, reading and Wheel of Fortune with Mama

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAJkVKi_ALY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6kCQGpfgik

Swimming all day is exhausting.

When it feels really special to have mommy and daddy all to yourself...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PL72JWblmgU

On this trip, Juliet became fascinated with walking the dogs. She wanted to go on all the walks and when it wasn't time to walk the dogs, she chased them around with their leashes.

Each girl got a one-on-one date with Mama. I had very specific instructions to go in another direction when we got to the mall, so Abby could have her own time. I love this so much. There is nothing sweeter than knowing my girls have the same special relationship with Mama that I've always had (even if it means I have to share Mama and walk around the mall by myself).

Abby came home with two new pairs of earrings and a face mask to play spa with.

Our big baby is almost too big for the pack and play!

to be continued...(week 2)

Last Day of 1st Grade

Abby finished first grade! It's been a great year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79NajV7xPVo

Abby received an award on the last day of school for being an encourager like Barnabas in the Bible. We love watching her strengths develop as she grows in her love for God and others. You are a blessing to us (and all those around you), Abby Em! 💙

We have a second grader!

Ella Graduates from Pre-K!

Our sweet big girl is all ready for Kindergarten! Ella couldn't stop smiling the morning of her Pre-K graduation.

Abby headed to school that morning with one week left of first grade.

Uncle Cory drove up as soon as his overnight shift ended to make it to graduation in time. We didn't tell Ella and he surprised her by walking into her classroom before the ceremony. I only wish I had the video of the look on her face when she saw him. :) Abby got to leave her class to be there for the ceremony too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRmHBZkrbMc

Ella's teacher, Mrs. K handed our character badges and shared a trait she thought described each student. Ella's was kindness. Mrs. K shared about the way Ella loves and cares for others. Ella is quick to think about what others need or how she can help them. All things we continue to see growing in her heart at home too!

Ella's self portrait!

We love Mrs. K and had a great year with her!

As we left school, she looked up at me and whispered, "I feel really special today, Mommy!" You are very special, Ella. We love you so so much and are proud of you! Kindergarten, here we come!