The beginning of the show.....about to pass out programs!
Gunnar and Cade presenting their magic
One of Halle's performances...singing a solo!
All three singing together!
Taking a bow!
It's official.....my baby boy is a pre-school graduate. He will start Kindergarten in the fall and although I am super excited for him and all the fun it will bring, I am also very sad to see him leave. Not only is it just the growing part, but it's the memories of this place known as School Days. All 3 kids have gone here and I just cannot say enough about their 'home away from home.' The morning rituals of me racing the kids to the door to get them in faster, or me making funny faces at the window, then going outside to do a little good-bye jig in the driveway. Then there is the good wave and kiss blowing that takes place as I pull off. A funny story just this past week. I was running late and got to school to drop Cade off and realized I forgot his lunch. I was like "UH OH." So I was in such a tizzy I walked out w/out the wave, the dance, the kiss, etc. I get in the car and pull off and was like 'oh my gosh, I forgot all the important stuff.' So I park and go back in. Of course he's already gone about his business to the puzzle table. I poke my head in and he sees me and he's like 'what are you doing back mom.' I motioned him over and whispered, "I forgot my good-bye wave." He was like "I know." He could've cared less, it was mom that was tore all to pieces. So I said "I'm sorry, let's do this again." So, we did and I ran home, got the lunch, and brought it back. Yes, I was late to work, but didn't really care either! Halle, Gracie, and Cade have all loved School Days and the teachers have loved them back even MORE! I am so sad to leave this happy place of centers, art, playground fun, picnics, and fieldtrips to Winthrop. I know we'll visit but it will never be the same.
The cutest song ever about 'throwing junk in your backyard.' Don't throw junk in my backyard b/c my sisters play here. Cute as pie.....and brought me to tears!
Cade was the "baby bear" in a song about Goldilocks and The Three Bears.
Cade w/a solo...he rocked it of course!
Singing 'Puff the Magic Dragon'
The Grand Ole Flag
My heart!
Priceless!
Daddy's pride and joy!
Cade gets his diploma!
A rare family photo, and we are by no means, sporting our best attire, but this is the real 'us.' I thought a lot about Mother's Day and what it means, and mostly I am just thankful to have a healthy, happy family. I keep thinking of all the people who have to go through this day w/out their mother, especially young children who did not get enough time w/ their mothers. Or those that are in an unloving situation and just want a mommy to give them some attention. And then there's the flip side. Mother's who have lost children, something I do not like to even think about. It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, and as the kids get older, it's easier to do that because they have so much going on. A funny memory of this past Mother's Day kind of sums it all up. We come home from church and I slip out the back door to soak up some sun ALONE. And I mean I slip to the very back of the yard, almost hidden. Literally within 5 minutes I had Halle in a chair to my left. A few minutes later, Gracie is in a chair to my right. Then a few minutes later Cade is sitting at the foot of my lounge chair. Then to top it all off the dogs follow their lead and are sitting diagonal from me. It was kind of hilarious. I feel like the momma duck w/ all her ducklings. Thankfully I have forgiving children b/c sometimes I sure do not deserve them. Sure there are times when I wished everyone would just be quiet, but in the rare event they are all 3 gone at the same time, I realize just how boring it is and it makes me want to stop time. For I know time will fly, and they will be gone in a flash....each to lead their own lives. I pray while they are with me I can teach them as much as I possibly can so they can be confident, strong, and loving people. I am so thankful God chose me to be their mommy. 
I always love a picture of the 3 of them. 
Lydia and Halle.....friends and competitors!
This is one determined kid! And I am so proud of her. 
Happy to be done!
Gymnastics……it has all come full circle. I competed when I was young, and I was pretty good. I have lots of medals, trophies, uniforms, and pictures as evidence to show my competitive childhood. And now my 2 girls have taken on the sport. Halle truly loves it. She will show off her splits, or back handsprings and I’ll joke and say “I paid a lot of money for this split.” It is a joke, but it is true….I DO pay a lot of money for this extra-curricular activity. She spends hours making up routines and then poor Gracie has to perform. Ha! Usually Halle creates the routine as a duo routine and they perform them together. It is so fun to watch. And although I didn’t have a sister to do this with, I would use my neighborhood friends as my guinea pigs. Gracie has no fear and has come a long way just this year. But it’s funny how different they are. Halle is more flexible and dancer-like in her moves and gracie is more powerful and not really that flexible. I’m not sure if we’ll get into competing or not. I haven’t encouraged it yet b/c I think they are still so young and there are too many other fun things to enjoy right now. But, I would never keep them from enjoying their passion if that’s what they choose. So I guess time will tell. 
After the haircut....all handsome and ready for the summer heat!
