Early Summer Storm

We get some pretty crazy thunderstorms here.  It gets so hot and humid and then it just downpours.  One of recent storms produced hail and crazy amounts of rain.  Arabella couldn't believe it when she saw the hail coming down.  They were not huge, but I'm sure they could have caused some damage when they were coming down fast and furious.  The break in the humidity was nice and there was a pretty rainbow after the storm...but the break in humidity didn't last long.

Bouncing

Even though they know they are not supposed to jump on the couch, they still do.  All the while they are laughing and giggling and having a blast!

Birthday Celebrations

On each birthday, Arabella and Max wake up to the birthday number of balloons outside their door.  Arabella loves it and I am sure that Max will to when he is older.

We took in cupcakes for her class at lunchtime and surprised her with a very special guest - Auntie Lori flew in and gave her a huge surprise at school!

We had a fun time at school enjoying lunch and celebrating her birthday with her class!

After school, she decided that she wanted to spend some time at our pool.  We all suited up and drove over to the pool since it was too hot and humid to walk!  Jay, Arabella and max had a fun time splashing and swimming around while Lori and I watched from the lounge chairs.  It was a great way to spend our afternoon.

The birthday girl choose to have Chinese food for dinner and then we enjoyed cake presents.  She was so happy and had a very special day!

She was thrilled when she was able to open the huge box that was delivered to our house a few days earlier.  We decided to get her a gymnastics mat so she has something to practice on.  She couldn't believe it!

Happy 6th Birthday.

It is hard to believe that 6 years have passed since Arabella came into this world.  Since that day, when she arrived 6 weeks early, she never ceases to amaze me.  It is hard to believe, looking at you know, that this was your start in life.

But looking at you know, you would never, ever know.

You are a kind, loving, compassionate, smart and talented little girl.  Maxton adores you - the bond between you and your little brother is unbreakable - and I see how much you love him.  You are strong, honest and teach me to slow down and appreciate what surrounds us.  Never did I imagine that I could love someone as much as I love you.  I was so scared and not sure that I could be a mom, let alone a good one, and I still have my doubts, but you make me proud.  I love you so much my little bean, you are my sunshine and are one of my reasons for trying my best each day.  I hope that all of your hopes and dreams come true.

Young Author's Day

On Arabella's Birthday, her class hosted Young Author's Day.  It was a day for the class to showcase their writing achievements this past year.  I am amazed at what Arabella is being taught in Kindergarten and we are so very proud of all the achievements and hard work she has put in this past year.  She was so proud to show me her writing from September and then to show me how much she has improved over the school year.

Keep up the great work Arabella!!  Thank you letting me share this special day with you!

Spirit Rock

Outside of almost every school here, there are huge rocks.  And on almost daily basis, the rock is painted something different.  It has to be a Southern thing as I have never seen something like this before.  They are mostly painted with birthday messages but sometimes there are other occasions as well.  What I found out when school started was that you have to sign up and pay to actually paint the rock.  I went into the website in October and I was amazed at how full the rock was already.  I couldn't get Arabella's actual birthday so I had to do it a few days before.  My friend Deanna helped me paint the rock, which was a huge help.  It was hot and humid and I am so not an artist.  We took the rock from looking like this...

To this...

Arabella was thrilled and so excited!  Thank you so much Deanna, I couldn't have done it without you!

Under The Sea - Part 2

A few years ago at one of Arabella's birthday parties in Montreal, we instituted the rule of "no opening presents at the party".  I find that when presents get opened at the party, chaos ensues and the birthday boy or girl can't appreciate what gifts they have been given.  And cards get lost in the shuffle so it makes it hard to write thank you notes.  And it is just plain easier.  So after the birthday cake and excitement high is over, we sit down as a family and open presents.  Arabella took her time opening her gifts and I have to say I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere so much better.  She lucked out and received gifts that she wanted and enjoys.  I think her favorite were the Lego Friends and her Sofia the First toys.  Arabella did get to open her friend Cadence's gift while she was still her and she loved her Princess Palace Pet!

She was super excited about her gifts from Jennifer and the boys too!  And I would be too, she loved her towel, sundress and beach bag!

 Max even received a few fun things!  Can you tell he loves his sunglasses?!?!?

We had such a fun afternoon and everyone enjoyed themselves!  Happy early 6th Birthday my Little Bean!