Max's Sampler

Max has a very special piece of artwork hanging in his room.  Grandma Ricki cross-stitched a sampler for him.  His pattern was created by a team of ladies in the United Kingdom and then Grandma Ricki did the stitching.  It is beautiful and fits his little personality to a T.  We are very thankful for these family heirlooms that we have for both Max and Arabella and they will be treasured for a long, long time.

June Randomness...Before Montreal

June was a very busy month.  Between school ending, swim lessons and getting ready for our trip north to Montreal, we hardly had time to relax!!

I tried out a few new recipes from Southern Living (hey, I am trying to acclimate) that were a big hit.  The first was a watermelon, feta, orzo and arugula salad!  And they other was a mixed berry cake, delicious!

Max loves being silly - he has the cutest little giggle and keeps us laughing with his antics.  He had to wear Arabella's swim goggles around the house one day and then there is his bike helmet that he likes to wear around the house...safety first!

He also started the phase where he wants to do everything himself and to be like his big sister, including using utensils.

The backyard frog was still hanging around.

We found a fun science project to do - growing crystals on a paper tree.  It was fun to watch and Arabella loved it!

I used to hide in this same spot when I was little....

We kept cool in the sprinkler and at the pool with swim lessons.

Max and I even rescued a itty, bitty baby frog while Arabella was in her swim lessons.

My Weekend

Last weekend, I went on a quick, mom ONLY, trip.  I flew to Fort Lauderdale for some "me time" and to relax before Summer was in full swing.  It was so nice to stay on the beach and do what I wanted to, when I wanted.  Really, I did nothing!  I am thankful that Jay was able to take care for the kids so I could take a break.  I'm thinking this is going to be a new tradition for me..

Storms as I was landing...one of the bumpiest landings I can recall.  It was like a roller coaster.

Then the storm came...

But in typical south Florida fashion, it ended shortly after I arrived at the hotel.

I was totally in my happy place.  I love the beach and how it calms and centers me.

The early morning beach right before I left.

Family Photos

I finally decided it was time to update our professional family photos.  The last time we had them done was when Arabella was about 3 months old.  And with Max being almost 18 months, it was time.  I found a photographer in our neighborhood and we booked the date.  We had to reschedule a few times because of weather issues and then allergy issues (mine we horrible this year!).  Anyway, we finally we able to get the session in at the end of April, before it go too hot, so we could do them outside.  We decided on taking them in one of the green space areas of our neighborhood.  We had so much fun and I am beyond thrilled with how they came out!!  Thanks Jessica and JLR Photos!

Surprise from Dad

Jay's office building had an ice cream social the other day.  There was a man who made balloon animals, etc and so Jay asked him if he could make Ariel.  Arabella loved the surprise and it is amazing that it looks pretty much like Ariel!

Another Crazy Storm

Last night, we had a crazy thunderstorm.  The rain and wind were so strong that when it blew off the rooftops, it looked like snow.  The rain just poured down that the downspouts couldn't handle the rush of the water.  I was surprised that it came out of nowhere and lasted for a good while.  But that is what happens here in the South...

Countdown is On!

Welcome to Summer!!!

I found the cutest banner on Pinterest (and thanks to Pinterest, Jay thinks I have too much time on my hand...but that is a whole different post...) to make for the last day of school.  I thought it would be a fun way to welcome in Summer Break.

Arabella was excited when she saw it when we pulled into the driveway after school!  And by the looks of these pictures, she is happy to be on Summer Break!  Here's to 74 days of Summer!

Last Day of Kindergarten

I can't believe that today was Arabella's last day of Kindergarten.  She has grown so much this year.  I am so very proud of the intelligent, caring and compassionate little girls she is turning into.  She has learned much more that I ever did in Kindergarten and she had fantastic report cards all year long.  She has made new friends and adjusted to American school much easier than I thought she would.  She is such a resilient child who has a bright future ahead of her.  We are so happy for you Arabella and all you have accomplished!  keep up the great work, we know you will be successful in First Grade!

Arabella decided that she wanted to give her teachers flowers and she picked out beautiful ones.  They were thrilled to receive them!

Her class had an ice cream party and a "certificate ceremony".  It was adorable.  The kids sang 2 songs and then were so excited to receive the certificates from their teachers.

Arabella is going to miss her friends over the Summer but before long, we will be back to school! Summer goes by so fast!

 Arabella & Lucy

 Hannah, Sofia and Arabella

 Arabella & Matthew

George, Hudson, Arabella, Matthew & Rebecca

Arabella loved her teachers and has already told me that she will miss them.  Thank you so much Mrs. Martin and Ms. Combs for all your hard work and dedication to this Kindergarten class!

Her teachers gave out these adorable water bottles to all the parents.  It was such a sweet surprise!

I was able to snap this picture of her walking out to the car...her last time as a Kindergartner!