Just sharing our 2016 Santa pictures...
I use my blog as a means to preserve memories and pictures. These are going up late, but being backdated to December. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.
If you are interested in viewing our previous Santa pictures, here is a link to our 2015 pictures.
Well, it finally happened, the day Chris and I have been looking forward to for years, the day that Chloe and Evan would both be attending the same school!
Here is a peek into our back to school excitement.
Evan met his new teacher at Kindergarten Open House the week before school started.
My new camera came arrived just in time to bring to Chloe's 2nd Grade Open House!
I had my traditional back-to-school meal. This year it was breakfast! The smiles quickly faded once they realized the boxes were filled with new school clothes. Ha!
After breakfast, we had our back-to-school photo shoot;)
Of course, we had to get a picture in front of the school marquee.
Chris and I were able to walk the kids in on the first day of school.
Evan was so excited that he cut in line to give his new teacher a big hug. I was able to stop him just long enough to get these pictures before he ran into his classroom to start the new school year. He was so brave and I was so proud!
We dropped off Chloe at her classroom next. As always, she was prepared for the new challenge.
And, that was that. Another start to a new school year in the books.
We just completed the first nine weeks of school and both Chloe and Evan are making great academic progress, all A's for both of them. This momma couldn't be prouder! I have prayed over my children countless times in these past couple of years in regards to their educations and making the right decisions for them individually. I feel like so many prayers have been answered this year. He is good! We are so blessed and thankful! This is going to be a great school year!
We recently celebrated Chloe's 8th birthday at The Ice Palace!
If you know me or have read my blog, then you know that I love a good party theme. Inspired by Eleanor Rose's County Fair line of clothing and my rough and tumble girl, I decided on a cowgirl theme for Chloe's party. Chloe was right on board with the theme, which to be frank, isn't always the case with my very opinionated daughter. When did she decide that it was okay to have ideas and opinions of her own, especially when they contradict with mine?? I guess that it comes with the territory and having an 8-year-old daughter.:)
I kept it very simple and went for more of a shabby chic version of a cowgirl party.
Here are a few of my detail shots.
I died over this cookie cuteness. We gave them out at party favors.
All wrapped up and ready to go!
There really wasn't much to decorate, since the ice rink is in the middle of our local mall, but here was our party table.
We managed to take a few pictures with the birthday girl before the party started.
Then, our friends showed up!
We sang "Happy Birthday" and opened presents.
Chloe appreciated and enjoyed all of her gifts, but she was most excited about receiving this little guy! She had begged Chris and I for weeks to agree to let Uncle Tommy and Aunt Dana give her a hamster for her birthday. For the record, she has done an excellent job caring for it.
There is something about this picture that I just love. The kids watched the Zamboni after the party.
Thank you to all the friends and family that made Chloe's day so special! We love and appreciate all of you! Happy 8th Birthday, Chloe!!!
Links to some of Chloe's previous birthday parties:
We didn't have a party last year, but celebrated at Disney!
Chloe's 6th Rock Star Birthday
Chloe's 5th Vintage Barbie Birthday
Chloe's 4th Strawberry Shortcake Birthday
(I started blogging in 2012, so that's it.:))
I officially have a second grader!
Chloe just finished her first grade school year. We attended an Honors Program where she was recognized for good conduct and all A's for the 2nd semester.
In addition to that, she received the Principal's Award for all A's for the year! That's two years in a row. I'm super proud of my girl.
Aunt Dana, Uncle Tommy, and Jack made it to the program. Here is a picture that I snagged of the kids.
Chris and I also took our turns posing with our smarty!
We took last day pictures. I didn't make a chalkboard sign. Although, now I'm wishing that I had because I love to see how much she has grown in comparison to the sign. Between Evan's gymnastics spring show and making a last-minute decision to let Chloe miss the last official day of school, time just got away from me:(
First Day-Last Day Comparison
The biggest physical changes are Chloe's hair and her new smile. Both are adorable. The short cut suits her personality. She chopped off her hair last fall and donated it to Wigs for Kids in honor of her Granddaddy, a leukemia survivor. It definitely makes her look more mature. In addition, she has been losing her baby teeth like crazy these days. The tooth fairy is making another visit tonight! She practically has a whole new set of front teeth than from beginning of the year.
However, she'll always be my bold, independent, quirky, and beautiful baby girl. Great job, Chloe, on another successful school year! I pray and hope that you'll always strive to do your best and make your mark on this world.
