With a cluck, cluck here...

Last week, Lily Grace's Kindergarten class took their first field trip.  They visited a large farm about 30 minutes away.  They got to see and do so many things.  They got to feed several animals, milk a goat, go on a  hayride, ride a pony, take a train ride, take part in the turtle races and visit the pumpkin patch.  We also enjoyed a picnic lunch outside before returning to school.  
Matt and I went along and I have to say, it is still pretty surreal to be the parents of a Kindergartner.  We are having so much fun and just cherish and adore sharing in all of these new experiences with Lily Grace.  What a blessing!

Fall Festival and a Cool Cat

 You really had to be there to appreciate the frighted look on her face as she came down this slide at the Fall Festival.

 Two silly girls having a great time

 Lily Grace's favorite game at the festival was this toilet paper toss.  Funny!

 These girls LOVED the funnel cake.  

With one of her teachers at church

A few weekends ago our church held it's annual Fall Festival.  Lily Grace was so excited about going.  To add to her excitement, she was going with her friend Claire and then, just when she thought things couldn't get any better, her name was drawn to bring home the class mascot for the weekend.  The huge smile and excitement on her face when I picked her up from school was priceless.  

We had a great time at the festival and loved having Cool Cat for the weekend.  Cool Cat went everywhere with us, from the Fall Festival to church and everywhere in between. We even took Cool Cat to Build-A-Bear for some new pajamas.  
What an exciting weekend!

Special Visit

A couple of weekends ago, (yes, I'm a little behind with the blogging.) our cousin Jessica and her boyfriend Cody came to visit.  Lily Grace was beside herself with excitement.  She loves and adores her cousin Jessica.  
Jessica and Cody went out of their way to make Lily Grace feel special during their visit.  They visited her at school where Jessica read to her class and then returned later in the day to have lunch with her.  
After school, Lily Grace was all too excited to take Jessica and Cody to one of her favorite places, a quaint little cupcake shop.  (They have the best chocolate icing!!)
The three of them spent countless hours playing and Cody even taught Lily Grace to draw stars.  

Thank so much Jessica and Cody for visiting and for being so giving of yourselves to Lily Grace during your visit.  You made her feel so special and loved.  And she loves you right back!!

Pretty in Pink

Lily Grace loves to dance. She gets excited months ahead of time in anticipation of the Nutcracker ballet and she can be found months after it still twirling and reenacting each dance.
 She has been sooo excited. First of all, she is required to wear all pink and according to her, they must know that pink is  her favorite color. Ha! Secondly, she is taking lessons at the same ballet school that performs the Nutcracker each year. When we went to tour and register, she had one question for them, "Where is Clara?" (the main character in the Nutcraker). According to Gracie, when she grows up she is going to dance on the Nutcracker stage.
Today finally arrived and she started ballet class this morning. Needless to say, she LOVED class and came out twirling, showing us what she had learned and asking when she could go back. So cute!!
It's so much fun to see her get to do something she really enjoys!!  

Her Many Sides

Self proclaimed Super Hero Bride shopping at Costco

Recreated Angelina Ballerina on her way to Target and a few other stops

Lily Grace loves to dress up and when she does she likes to get into character and usually does so for most of the day. Matt and I love watching her.  She is so cute and some of the things she comes up with are quite entertaining.
She doesn't think twice about going out in public all dressed up either.  She is convinced that other people really believe she is the character and being embarrassed doesn't even cross he mind. She has an abundance of confidence. I love that about her.  I'm happy to foster that confidence too. Other than church, school or a special occasion, I'm fine with her wearing it out and about.  (Too cute! An older couple got behind us at Costco when she was in the above dance outfit and I could hear the wife comment fondly to her husband about how she could remember those sweet days.  They are fleeting and certainly should be cherrished.)  I know the day is coming when she will likely care more about what others think ( I pray not ) but until then, she is definitely her own girl.

Best Lunch Ever

Yes, these two friends actually ended up in the same class.

Last Friday I began voluntary lunch duty at Lily Grace's school. Now I know that lots of my teacher friends are thinking that I must be crazy volunteering for all things, "lunch duty." Acutally, it was one of the best lunches I've ever been to.
The kindergarten classes at Lily Grace's school have their own cafeteria so when you volunteer, it's just to work with Kindergarten. I loved being able to see her interact with her friends and getting to know them.
I prayed and prayed for these days, and I don't waant to take a one of them for granted, not even if that means lunch duty. When I picked Lily Grace up that afternoon, I told her how much I enjoyed seeing her at lunch. She smiled a big smile and said, "My heart almost burst I was so excited to see you.". She then proceeded to tell me about the friends I may have helped at lunch. It made for a great conversation on the ride home.
I want her to always know that what is important to her or is a part of her life is very important to me. And I really want to savor and enjoy all the moments I can before I become "an embarrassment." Ha! Ha,

Our Kindergarten Girl

 Right before leaving home

A Kindergartner in the car

 Before entering the school

 A sweet moment with her teacher

 She is blessed to have two teachers.

 Big girl

 Wearing her gingerbread headband at pick up

I’ve never contemplated a post for so long.   I knew this day was coming and for weeks I have actually been thinking about it and how I would even begin writing about it.

The range of emotion that comes with being a parent is limitless.  Today was no exception.  I have never felt so proud and excited and yet so sad all at once.

I am blessed, blessed, blessed. I have spent each day of the last four and a half years with the love of my life, right by my side. And today, that all changed. Today, I woke as a mom of a Kindergartner and watched her begin a new chapter in her young little life. 

Lily Grace awoke bright and early and from that moment on, she has beamed with excitement.  After eating a breakfast of her choice (homemade blueberry waffles) she quickly got into her uniform. (which she loves because it twirls) She was so proud and all to happy to pose for pictures.  

Once at school the emotions really started to kick in.  I was trying to hold it together and so was Lily Grace.  I was trying not to cry my eyes out and Lily Grace was trying not to burst from excitement.  She was the first to arrive and was greeted with hugs from her teachers.  It was just the sweetest sight.  My baby was in fact, a big girl.  She was shown around the room and then sat to start on a project.  With one last hug and kiss and a lot of tears, daddy and I said goodbye.  Matt was very supportive today and while he didn't cry, his proud daddy side showed all through him.

Upon pickup she was still excited and couldn't wait to share all about the Gingerbread hunt she had been on, the places she had gone in the building and the new friends she had met.  It was priceless. 

Daddy and I then honored her request with a trip to Build A Bear where she got to enjoy the gift card Gran sent her as a Starting School treat.  Once there, she ran into one of the little girls that joined her at school today and they were both quick to share who the other was.  Too cute!  Once her lamb was all stuffed and dressed, it was off to a special lunch at the restaurant of her choice. It really has been a special, special day.

Lily Grace, thank you for always making me smile.  I will always, always cherish the alone time we have shared. I will certainly miss having you so close by and with that, feeling as though I could protect and shield you from being hurt.  I know however that I need not worry so much about that because other than bugs, you are one of the bravest little girls I know.

Daddy and I are so excited to watch you grow.  We can’t wait to share in your excitement in all that you learn and do.  We look forward to working on homework with you and hearing about your new friendships and class happenings.  And we will always be here to help lift what may feel like the weight of the world off your shoulders when trials come along.  School is about learning in so many ways. 

We are at such peace knowing that you will hear about God each day and learn about your faith.  Remember, even though mommy isn’t there, God always is. 

You, Lily Grace are more than a Kindergartner.  You are a blessing!! We are very, very proud of you and even more proud to be your parents.  We love, love, love you!!

       If I could keep you little, I’d keep you close to me.

But then I’d miss you growing into who you’re meant to be.

                            If I could keep you little… by Marianne Richmond

Last Week before Kindergarten: Day 5

It's grocery day around our house, and Lily Grace and I are two people who actually enjoy this task.  We get in no hurry, often enjoy a snack and browse extensively.  (one of the hazards of grocery shopping at Super Target)
I've recently started printing my grocery list.  Lily Grace asked that I print her one.  I did and let me just say that we have had the most fun with it.  She loves checking behind me and even trying to find an item on the list for mark off  before I do.  She is so cute telling me where to find it on the list if she comes across it before I do.  She carries it around guarding it and making sure we get everything.  So fun!
Lily Grace you are the best shopping buddy!!!  You make grocery shopping sooooooo much fun!

Last Week before Kindergarten: Day 4

Today we enjoyed lunch with daddy.  Lily Grace has always loved going out to visit Matt at work.  She loves to mimic what Matt does and ask him how things are going out in the plant.  According to her, she's going to be an engineer like daddy and ride to work with him when she's a big girl.  Oh how your daddy would love that my girl!!!
You will notice however, that the standard issued safety glasses won't cut it.  Lily Grace fancied hers up a bit and these are the ones she wears each time we visit. Too cute!  
Once back home from lunch, her day got even better. She received a package from her great grandmother, Honey.  Just look at these adorable handmade dolls.  Honey had a friend make these for Lily Grace and as you can see, she is just smitten.  What a treasure they are!  
Thank you Honey for such a special and thoughtful gift!!!!