http://youtu.be/b4PyhxYEH_g
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Anna's First Communion Video
Scott made this video for Anna to celebrate her life on her First Holy Communion. I saw it just the evening before and it left me in tears. It was a gift that I know she'll treasure forever. Just click the link below and turn on your sound. (but make sure to scroll down to the bottom of my blog and pause the regular blog music first)
http://youtu.be/b4PyhxYEH_g
http://youtu.be/b4PyhxYEH_g
Friday Field Trip
There is nothing like the summer! I've always had the summer off (I was a teacher for 10 years before kids) so summer feels a bit sentimental to me. I love having TIME for anything and everything and just plain old nothing! Best of all I love my girls home with me all day, every day.
This year I decided to take them on a 'Friday Field Trip' using the passes from our library. Picking out books early on in the summer I noticed a sign listing all of the cool places I've yet to take them that I've always wanted to. All I have to do is call to reserve a pass, pick it up that morning and return it later in the day. I was so excited with all of the possibilities.
So for our first Friday I picked a local place. I've driven by the Noah Webster house thousands of times and have never visited it. With Anna's recent interest in Laura Ingalls Wilder books I knew this would be perfect.
We had a wonderful guide who called me and the girls "dewdrops of sun". He was so sweet and knew every detail in the small house. He quickly learned their names and it was just us on the tour. He spent two hours (which felt like only 10 minutes) with us. He asked them questions, let the girls try things, and engaged them every minute. The girls were on their best and amazing 'museum behavior'. They impressed me with how respectful they were.
After two hours and so much that we learned we headed home for a very late lunch. (I had no idea we'd be there that long). The pictures don't show how enthusiastic they really were. It was just 3:30 and we hadn't had lunch. But they never complained that day and were oh so interested and good. I regret not getting a picture with our guide. He is a real treasure to that museum.
I can't wait until next Friday. I've already reserved a few ones that I think might be good ones to go on a day Scott has off.
This year I decided to take them on a 'Friday Field Trip' using the passes from our library. Picking out books early on in the summer I noticed a sign listing all of the cool places I've yet to take them that I've always wanted to. All I have to do is call to reserve a pass, pick it up that morning and return it later in the day. I was so excited with all of the possibilities.
So for our first Friday I picked a local place. I've driven by the Noah Webster house thousands of times and have never visited it. With Anna's recent interest in Laura Ingalls Wilder books I knew this would be perfect.
We had a wonderful guide who called me and the girls "dewdrops of sun". He was so sweet and knew every detail in the small house. He quickly learned their names and it was just us on the tour. He spent two hours (which felt like only 10 minutes) with us. He asked them questions, let the girls try things, and engaged them every minute. The girls were on their best and amazing 'museum behavior'. They impressed me with how respectful they were.
After two hours and so much that we learned we headed home for a very late lunch. (I had no idea we'd be there that long). The pictures don't show how enthusiastic they really were. It was just 3:30 and we hadn't had lunch. But they never complained that day and were oh so interested and good. I regret not getting a picture with our guide. He is a real treasure to that museum.
I can't wait until next Friday. I've already reserved a few ones that I think might be good ones to go on a day Scott has off.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Abigail's 'moving up' Preschool Day (part 1)
It happened back in June but I can't not post these pictures! Abigail finished her '3 year old' preschool year and her teachers have a special 'moving up day' to celelbrate. It's part singing preschool favorites, part diploma, part party. I pulled Anna out from school that morning so that she could come. It was one very special morning and Abigail was beaming!
Here she is walking up to receive her certificate.
Friday, July 8, 2011
A new favorite
sweet, innocent, themselves
How many more years will I be able to find matching dresses? I cringe when I go into my favorite stores now that Anna is in a size 8!!! I get that panic feeling knowing that most childrens stores only go up to size 12. I'm hanging on to these next 4 years when I know I can find matching dresses.
I have very limited time on the computer (because I won't be on it when they're awake and I'm too tired at night to start trying to learn something new) but I'm learning so many new things at once. It's slow going for me on the computer but I'm taking baby steps toward photoshop, lightroom and editing. It seems that once I learn one new tool, something changes and I have to learn 10 new things along with it. So for a while my pictures will be straight out of the camera until I can figure out these new editing tools.
More rose garden shots to come. They were so silly that evening and had so much fun together. Most of my shots are so funny.
How many more years will I be able to find matching dresses? I cringe when I go into my favorite stores now that Anna is in a size 8!!! I get that panic feeling knowing that most childrens stores only go up to size 12. I'm hanging on to these next 4 years when I know I can find matching dresses.
I have very limited time on the computer (because I won't be on it when they're awake and I'm too tired at night to start trying to learn something new) but I'm learning so many new things at once. It's slow going for me on the computer but I'm taking baby steps toward photoshop, lightroom and editing. It seems that once I learn one new tool, something changes and I have to learn 10 new things along with it. So for a while my pictures will be straight out of the camera until I can figure out these new editing tools.
More rose garden shots to come. They were so silly that evening and had so much fun together. Most of my shots are so funny.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Anna's Day in NYC
We love taking the girls to New York City. It's a short 2 hour drive or a 1 1/2 hour train ride away. It was a hot one... 90 in May! Our first stop was Central Park...
After too long on the tire swing Anna was sick, poor thing. The water spray area cheered her up a bit.
A short walk to FAO!
Abigail picked out a little doggie and named him "New York City"
No day in NYC is complete without a taxi ride.
We always take a picture of the girls in Times Square.
Super fun day to celebrate Anna's birthday. Looking forward to going back again in the fall.
After too long on the tire swing Anna was sick, poor thing. The water spray area cheered her up a bit.
A short walk to FAO!
Abigail picked out a little doggie and named him "New York City"
No day in NYC is complete without a taxi ride.
We always take a picture of the girls in Times Square.
Super fun day to celebrate Anna's birthday. Looking forward to going back again in the fall.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
ballet
A few pictures of Anna's end of the year ballet recital.
I love how Abigail adores Anna oh so much and wants to do everything she does.
Honestly, I was so proud of her but (shh) glad the year of ballet was over. Only because it's on a very busy night already and at a difficult time. Somehow in the fall and spring I didn't mind it but yuck, in the winter I never wanted to go. Maybe next year her class will fall on a better day. I do know that I'm so enjoying the summer unscheduled!
I love how Abigail adores Anna oh so much and wants to do everything she does.
Honestly, I was so proud of her but (shh) glad the year of ballet was over. Only because it's on a very busy night already and at a difficult time. Somehow in the fall and spring I didn't mind it but yuck, in the winter I never wanted to go. Maybe next year her class will fall on a better day. I do know that I'm so enjoying the summer unscheduled!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
It's great to be 8!
While everyone is posting their summer pictures I'm still back in the spring busyness. I just don't want to forget these moments. I'll be caught up soon...
Anna wanted go to NYC for a day instead of a huge "friend party" this year. I was excited! So we headed to to NYC with our special friends at the end of May (pictures to come soon)
We had a pioneer themed dinner party on her birthday with family. Anna loves the Little House on the Prairie books. (my all time favorite) I've been reading them to her at night one after another. Yes she can and does read them but I still like reading to her at bedtime. We are on 'By the Shores of Silver Lake'. I love the descriptions in those books. I love the pure hard work that went into raising a family. I makes me so grateful to simply throw my clothes in the washer. I find myself complaining less when I have to run the vacuum while I'm reading those books.
We found some slates for the table. Anna picked out the wild flowers in mason jars for the table too.
Anna's birthday is always a bit difficult for me because I wasn't there when she was born and I missed her first birthday. I always find myself with such mixed emotions on her special day. So happy for her, a regular kid loving turning 8 and then remembering back... Her birthday always reminds me of her first year of life and it makes me sad. It still does and always will make her Dad and I so very proud of her for enduring more than anyone I know has ever been through. No child should ever know a life without parents. No child should ever spend infancy without love. But they do and she did.
8 great things about Anna:
1. She's a fighter. No matter how hard it is to overcome PTSD she gets better each year. She lets our love in a little deeper with each birthday.
2. She is fiercely devoted to her little sister. I love how Abigail is truly her best friend. She is the one she wants to play with when she comes home from school and on weekends. She watches over her everyday. She is kind and considerate about her food choices around Abigail and her allergies. She shares her most important toys and actually wants Abigail to play them with her. She gives her special jobs to do when she's busy. She just loves her more than I could have ever imagined.
3. Anna has a wonderful childhood imagination. Rather than play a game, watch TV, or play something the way 'it's meant to be played,' Anna creates a world of play all on her own. She is especially creative and comes up with the coolest ideas.
4. She forgives easily and has to since she is my 'first' and I often make the most mistakes with her.
5. She still lets me (most of the time) pick out her clothes. And that's a big on since I would list one of my hobbies as 'loving childrens clothing'. I'd rather buy a georgeous dress for my girls than a new something for me.
6. She is content where she is (which is younger in emotional age). She is not at all interested in what the 'older' 8 year olds are. She loves the shows her little sister watches. She's drawn to 'old fashioned' books, she listenes to fun and silly children's cds. It sure makes my job easier and I adore that she's still enjoying her young childhood.
7. She creates awesome 'shows' for her and her sister to perform in for her dad and I.
8. When I look deep into her eyes I can see and feel what God's love is. We are all His adoped sons and daughters. Anna is a mirror image of that love. I love you sweetheart.
Anna wanted go to NYC for a day instead of a huge "friend party" this year. I was excited! So we headed to to NYC with our special friends at the end of May (pictures to come soon)
We had a pioneer themed dinner party on her birthday with family. Anna loves the Little House on the Prairie books. (my all time favorite) I've been reading them to her at night one after another. Yes she can and does read them but I still like reading to her at bedtime. We are on 'By the Shores of Silver Lake'. I love the descriptions in those books. I love the pure hard work that went into raising a family. I makes me so grateful to simply throw my clothes in the washer. I find myself complaining less when I have to run the vacuum while I'm reading those books.
We found some slates for the table. Anna picked out the wild flowers in mason jars for the table too.
Anna's birthday is always a bit difficult for me because I wasn't there when she was born and I missed her first birthday. I always find myself with such mixed emotions on her special day. So happy for her, a regular kid loving turning 8 and then remembering back... Her birthday always reminds me of her first year of life and it makes me sad. It still does and always will make her Dad and I so very proud of her for enduring more than anyone I know has ever been through. No child should ever know a life without parents. No child should ever spend infancy without love. But they do and she did.
8 great things about Anna:
1. She's a fighter. No matter how hard it is to overcome PTSD she gets better each year. She lets our love in a little deeper with each birthday.
2. She is fiercely devoted to her little sister. I love how Abigail is truly her best friend. She is the one she wants to play with when she comes home from school and on weekends. She watches over her everyday. She is kind and considerate about her food choices around Abigail and her allergies. She shares her most important toys and actually wants Abigail to play them with her. She gives her special jobs to do when she's busy. She just loves her more than I could have ever imagined.
3. Anna has a wonderful childhood imagination. Rather than play a game, watch TV, or play something the way 'it's meant to be played,' Anna creates a world of play all on her own. She is especially creative and comes up with the coolest ideas.
4. She forgives easily and has to since she is my 'first' and I often make the most mistakes with her.
5. She still lets me (most of the time) pick out her clothes. And that's a big on since I would list one of my hobbies as 'loving childrens clothing'. I'd rather buy a georgeous dress for my girls than a new something for me.
6. She is content where she is (which is younger in emotional age). She is not at all interested in what the 'older' 8 year olds are. She loves the shows her little sister watches. She's drawn to 'old fashioned' books, she listenes to fun and silly children's cds. It sure makes my job easier and I adore that she's still enjoying her young childhood.
7. She creates awesome 'shows' for her and her sister to perform in for her dad and I.
8. When I look deep into her eyes I can see and feel what God's love is. We are all His adoped sons and daughters. Anna is a mirror image of that love. I love you sweetheart.
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