Pool Party - June 24, 2011

Gracie 

 Jacob

 Gracie Girl

My Little Man Jake

The kids had lots of fun at Hampden Township Pool where the Daisy Troop(s) had their end of the year party which included siblings.  Jacob jumped at the opportunity....my kids love to go swimming. Gracie pretty much kept to herself and practiced her handstands and flips and Jacob opted to be in the deeper end of the pool where the big slide was. The party was from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. and they were all tuckered out when it came time to go home.

Dance Recital - June 11, 2011

2.5 hours....yes....2.5 hours of "recital fun" - How I managed to sit in one spot that long is beyond me, but I did it and it was so worth it. The week of the recital was a busy one - lots of rehersal and I pretty much saw the recital 3 times before the actual performance on Saturday (June 11th) - long evenings....very long evenings - all the time and energy was worth it though - my princess shined! Gracie and her entire dance class did a spectacular job and all their time and hard work paid off and surely showed.  I was the proud mommy sitting in the crowd literally do her dance routine with her from my seat...I was so nervous for her but there was NO reason to be nervous - Gracie had her two dance routines DOWN!! She knew exactly what she was doing. I took lots of pics and it will take me some time to get them posted. Attached are some pics of me and the kids after the performance.

Daisy to Brownie - Bridging Ceremony - June 4, 2011

My Little Daisy is now a........................

BROWNIE!

Princess Grace

 My little redhead, freckled Irish girl!

My Little Slugger - JACOB IS THE MAN!!

MY LITTLE SLUGGER!

I was so proud of Jacob. Cardinals first playoff game, bottom of the 6th inning (there are only six innings in minors) and game is tied 7 to 7 and Jake is up to bat....need I say more??? My baby got a great hit and brought in the winning run!! The team had a great game - I was so proud of everyone (especially my little slugger)!

Bridging Ceremony - Daisy to Brownie

Gracie's Birthday Bowling Party with Family and Friends

We opted for a party outside the house this year (way too much cleanup recommened for house parties) and we had it at the local bowling alley. It was alot of fun and very entertaining to say the least. Friends and neighbors joined us (Tracy, Ethan, Bianca, Jordan and Griffin) and made the day extra special for Gracie. I chose cupcakes this year rather than a birthday cake - just easier if you ask me!  I am all about "easy" the older I get. We have Big George's birthday at the end of June and Jake's 10th birthday on July 24th - he will become a double-digit midget and he requested to have a "cookout" at the house uggg......I can't win:)

Daddy & Gracie

Mommy & Gracie

Big Bro Georgie

Jacob, Ethan, Griffin, Bianca and Jordan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACIE GIRL!

Opening presents!

Gracie' Turns 7

My baby girl is 7....can you believe it? Her birthday fell on a Wednesday the year and it was on the last day of school AND Jacob had a baseball playoff game which led to very little time to celebrate Gracie's special day. So...we are having a birthday party for her this Saturday at the bowling alley with some friends. 

After the baseball game I took the kids to for ice cream at Meadows and then home so Gracie could open some presents.  Below are some pics....enjoy!

Celebrating Jacob & Gracie's Birthday at School

Me and Little George managed to bring cupcakes to school to celebrate Jacob and Gracie's birthday with their classes - uggg is all I have to say:) Gracie's birthday is June 2nd and Jake's birthday is not until July 24th but the school likes to recognize summer birthdays at the end of the school year (which I thought was nice). Below are some pics of my babies.

Birthday celebrations!

Jacob and his teacher Mrs. Shellenberger!

Jacob the birthday boy!

Gracie and her teacher Mrs. Hart (aka Miss Fosbenner).

Birthday girls of Mrs. Hart's class!

Gracie the birthday girl!

Build-A-Bear with Daisy Troop June 1, 2011

Gracie & her Daisy Troop at Build-a-Bear

I must admit, "encouraging" Gracie to stick with Daisys has been hard task but I think it's one of the best things she has been involved with.  The troop leaders (Miss Ruth and Miss Lori) are not only two remarkable women, but they are outstanding role-models.  I was just amazed at their poise, patience and commitment when it came to troop. 

Daisy Troop 571