Madison's Birthday Party

Madison basically wanted the exact same party she had last year this year.  Swimming, ocean cake, blue squeez-its, etc.  For a little variety she didn't want a beach on her cake this year - just blue ocean, fish, and a mermaid.

She put all the things on herself.

Madison is in a weird friend space in her life.  1 - there is only 1 other girl in our ward that is her same age and she goes to a different school.  2 - she went to preschool with Megan - so she thinks all those girls are her friends 3 - she thinks all of Megan's firends areher friends too.  4 - There are no girls on our street herexact age - but a TON just older and just younger.

She of coure wanted to invite all of her friends and perceived friends - BUT now that she is in Kindergarten I would love for her to make new friends that are her own age - so after struggling for a while about what to do for her party - i just decided to go all in and invite 35 girls (all church, neighborhood, preschool, and all girls in her kindergarten class)!  It was insane - about 24 showed up

I know I can't name them all, but I am going to try.

Lucia, Eden, Hailey, Madison, Kaylin (Madison's new best kindergarten friend)

Bree, Aspen, Afton, and Sarah

Zelda, ?, ?, Zoe, and Sophia

?, ?

Megan, Jackson (our only boy), Ivy, and ?

The worst part about having 24 girls - is 24 presents.  It was insane.  She was in heaven though.

Madison's Birthday

Madison turned 5 back in August.  Because of our crazy August we put her birthday party off a few weeks.  But on the day of her birthday we had a family party (just us 6).  I let her pick a dessert.  She wanted ice cream sundaes (vanilla AND chocolate ice cream, sprinkles, chocolate and caramel sauce, whipped cream, and cherries)

For her present she got a squishy caterpillar that she saw at Michaels craft store about 8 months ago and has reminded me everyday since that she wanted one for her birthday.  She LOVES squishy things.

And a scooter.

She would ride her scooter all day everyday if I could just sit out there and watch her.  She loves it and is getting really good at it.  Yesterday we went on a 4 mile bike ride and she scooted the whole way.

Back to School BBQ

They boys never ever cared about "school things" - fund raisers, activities, spirit week, etc.  Since they never really talked about that stuff or seemed to care we have never been that involved in our school.  But now that both the girls are at school they care a lot about all that stuff.  It makes life a little more complicated.  

So this fall we went to our fist school sponsored activity - just me and the girls.  We went to the back to school BBQ.  It was fun.  Too expensive for my liking - but most things are.  It was 50 cents at ticket and most things took 2 - 4 tickets to do.  They each got 5 tickets.  First they went to a bouncy house, then got their faces painted, then got cotton candy.  

First fake day of school

On the second day of school we took it seriously and pretended like it was the first day.  Good dinner, good night sleep, good breakfast, and pictures.

Brock - 4th grade.

Madiosn - Kindergarten AM

Megan - 1st grade.
She got this idea that she looks better with out her glasses.  I am glad that she is over that now.

I made her take one with her glasses - can't you tell I MADE her?

Noah - 4th grade

Our school has a 3/4 split class.  We decided to put Brock and Noah in it together.  So they are in the same class.  It felt inspired - and so far is going great.

This is my favorite view.  Not becasue they are leaving me (that is sad) - but becasue they love each other.  One of my goals as a parent was to make sure they loved each other and needed each other.  I think sibling relationships can help and sustain you even more than parent/child relationships.  I feel good about sending them into the world knowing they have each other.

I have to admit.  I didn't really cry.  My eyes welled up a little - but never really fell.  It was strange.  I had thought about this day for years.  Mostly because this month of August was probably the most crazy stressful month of my life (I will write more about why later) and I was just to busy to really soak up the reality of what was happening.  I had too much to do to really care.  But they are all doing great and thriving in school.  I am also thriving at home alone. 

Swimming

While the big kids were at school we still had some cousins and some visitors - so we went swimming.  It rocked!