Preschool Graduate

The day came...our big girl graduated from preschool. I'll be honest, I've had a REALLY hard time with this. It feels like we are entering a new stage of parenting. She's been in such a small, sheltered preschool with familiar friends since she was 2. It just didn't seem real that she is old enough to go to kindergarten! I thought I was going to have a very hard time at the graduation, but luckily, it was not that at all. I sat there with such a thankful heart thinking about the foundation that has been set forth for her faith, learning, and friendships. So I sucked it up and enjoyed the day to the fullest! 

Our big girls ready to drop Payton off in her classroom for the last time.

I just had to include this picture, not because Harper is pitching a fit, but because I want to remember once again how precious these girls are. Each morning when Harper would walk with Payton to her class, Payton would let her "move her monkey" (check in system). From what I understand, Payton was always so loving (as she typically is) and would then give Harper a big hug and kiss and tell her bye. On this particular morning, Payton was so excited about graduation she just walked right in. We turned around to Harper doing this...

She was devastated because she didn't get to the move the monkey. The teachers had already packed up the classroom and had already put the check in system away. We reassured Harper that it would be okay and she pulled it together. Just another example of the sweet bond these sisters have!

The graduation was in the chapel where they sang "The Rains Came Down," the "I" song from their weekly alphabet songs,  "Every Good Gift" (from James 1:17),  and "Every Move I Make" which was their official graduation song. I think that's when it really hit me that she would most likely never sing a Christian song at school again. I just can't say enough at how much her preschool puts into teaching these children about the love of Jesus, and for that, I am forever thankful.

Next it was time for diplomas and awards!

Payton won the artist award, which couldn't be more fitting for our precious girl! Mrs. Etheridge always told me how creative and devoted she was to her artwork at school, which we saw at home also.

Our graduate!

Class picture outside. On this day in May, it was FREEZING! You will noticed the girls shivering.

She had a fan club as you can see. There was a sweet reception following the ceremony and it was certainly surreal walking out knowing that was the LAST time she would leave being a preschooler. Words can't begin to express how proud we are of our sweet Payton. Mrs. Gard and Mrs. Etheridge reassured us that she was extremely obedient and incredibly smart. I am just so thankful for all of her preschool teachers and others that have made her preschool experience so wonderful. Like I said, this Momma left with a thankful heart!

Just for fun, here is one from her first day.

Next stop, KINDERGARTEN!!!!!

Gymnastics Spring Spectacular

Payton started back gymnastics in January. She has really made a lot of progress in a few months, and  loves practicing her handstands and cartwheels at home. They had their annual Spring Spectacular the end of April where we got to go watch her show off her skills.

We were so impressed with all that she has learned and Harper especially loved watching her sister do all of those fun tricks. Now she's just anxiously awaiting her turn to be old enough. 

Preschool Art Show

At the end of April, the girls had their annual preschool art show. Both girls love art, but especially Payton. Payton's teachers had told me that her art an "original" so I was so excited to see. It's a picture of her lake house and she out a picture of herself and glued it on. I just love to see her artwork and have her explain her reasoning behind it all. She definitely did not get those skills from her mama!

Harper's art show was later that week and thankfully Bamama sent me pictures of both. Hers is the butterfly in the background. 

They are both now hanging proudly on our playroom art wall.

Finish on the 50

Two years ago my friend Anne and I decided to run in the 5K finish on the 50. I guess we started running together about 4 years ago, but have taken breaks for having babies. We've done a few races together since, but wanted to really challenge ourselves. Neither of us really enjoy running, which is why we have to have each other's accountability. We decided that we were going to attempt the 10K. By attempt, we meant finish. We had no expectations other than to "hopefully" cross the finish line. When it came down to it, we really hadn't trained like we had hoped. School and life had been busy, I was sick the entire week prior, etc. We just decided to make the most of it.
All ready at the start...

At about mile 2 I thought I was dying. Like I said, being sick I felt like my lungs were on fire. I even told her she was going to have to leave me. After a brief walk, we started back up again and I kept going. Somehow we made it to the end. There were quite a few hills the last few miles on the course, so we did some walking, but that's okay! We finished in about 1 hour 10 minutes or something like that. Who really cares! 

Check that off the list. I can't say I'm ready to do another one anytime soon.

Swim lessons

Both girls have taken swim lessons this spring. Harper is not a fan of the water, there's no secret about that. Payton, on the other hand, is a fish. We decided to sign Harper up for private swim lessons because we heard such great things about her program. Harper was so excited to begin her lessons...until she got there. She pretty much screamed and cried for a whole week, but goodness she was swimming at the end! She still isn't a fan and I feel sure we wasted our money since we can't convince her to get in the water. I keep telling myself at least I feel like she could get to the edge if she fell in. I didn't get any pictures of Payton at her lessons, but she did an awesome job! Now we're all ready for summer!

Family Easter Festivities

The Saturday before Easter we had my family over for a quick meal and hunt. Payton and Jonathan wend to the A-Day game while the rest of us rested and got ready for dinner.

The girls were ready for a hunt!

Everyone got a prize egg. Harper's expression says it all.

Little man loved watching the festivities. (He was right at 8 months here.)

After everyone left, Nana and Pop came over with egg dying supplies!

It was timer o crash and get ready for the Easter bunny. The girls each got an Easter dress, goggles for upcoming swim lessons, dive rings, vitamins, bubble bath, and a few pieces of candy.

Anderson just enjoyed his bottle.

He made it to early church that morning, but Anderson and I were both starting to feel yucky.

The girls played a lot outside.

One of the best attempts yet at a picture of all three.

Anderson and I hung out a lot together. He didn't want to be put down, and I didn't have energy to play with the girls. This was just the beginning of a long week for us both.

We will count this as his official 8 month picture.

Pitiful eyes.

It was time for the official egg hunt!

That ended our Easter festivities for 2014!