Awards Day

We are down to the last two days of school.  Today is field day, dress down day and it all started off with the school awards ceremony. 
Lily Grace was recognized for Choir and  Excellent Attendance as well as Excellence in Music and Excellence in Language Arts.  She was also the overall 3rd grade winner in points for Accelerated Reader.  
Lily Grace absolutely loves school and learning.  
We are so proud of you Gracie!  Daddy and I hope that your love for learning grows with you all throughout your life. 

Hooked!

Matt and I have always enjoyed fly fishing.  Matt also enjoys tying flies.  This summer, we will even tick an item off our bucket list- fly fishing the Madison River in MT.  
I have a feeling this trip will be even more special with the addition of our little fly fisherman.  In preparation for the trip, Matt got Lily Grace her own fly rod and waders, both pink of course.  
He has also introduced her to fly tying and I have to say, forgive the pun but the girl is completely hooked.  She loves it.
She can sometimes be found reading Matt's fly tying books before bed and asking all sorts of questions about technique and materials.  It is too cute.  One night she even yelled downstairs to Matt, "goodnight fly tying buddy!"  Melt his heart!!!!!!
Her casting is really coming along.  If you have never fly fished, it's not like simply casting out and reeling in.  It involves a lot more line and a little more grace and technique.  
Lily Grace still strives to be fashionable while fly fishing.  Oh the outfits! 
I can't wait to see these two in MT.  They've been busy tying flies and getting in some casting practice at one of the ponds in our neighborhood.  And all the while, Matt has been getting in a lifetime of memories.  Who knows how long her interest will hold, hopefully it will last, but her daddy is enjoying it here and now all that he can.  

One very proud daddy

Her first catch all by herself

This was their second day down at the pond when Gracie landed this bass by herself.  And yes, she is wearing a leotard, fashion glasses, leotard and scarf around her neck and hat.  She learned that bugs love it near the water and this was her fashionable way of combatting them.  HA!  I love it!  This fish was also caught on a fly (woolly-bugger) that she tied herself.

All ready to tie flies as soon as they both got home

She can now tie these completely by herself.  Keep in mind, her color patterns may be a little nontraditional, but according to her some fancy fish will appreciate it.

Happy Mother's Day!

My cup runneth over... Psalm 23:5
Thank you Lord for entrusting this blessing to me. 

Spa-tacular 9th Birthday !

Lily Grace celebrated her 9th birthday on Saturday with a spa party. 
We started Saturday morning just as we do each birthday with breakfast in bed and gifts from mama and daddy.  This year, she requested strawberry crepes with syrup and whip cream on top with a side of bacon.  Oh bacon!!  
She received Grace, the American Girl of the year who she was so hoping for, along with the matching pj's for her and Grace.  
The afternoon brought with it some excited girls and a 6 hour party.  We had the best time.  It had to be one of the cutest and most fun parties we've had.  According to LG, it was the best to date.  
This year she invited only her very best friends.  These girls were nonstop party goers for 6 hours. When they weren't eating or being pampered, they were running up and down stairs, playing, giggling, dancing and just having an all around good time.  
At Gracie's request we had tacos for dinner. This year, she made it known that doing a cake was old news and she wanted to do a cupcake tower.  The cupcakes were as cute as could be and really yummy.  
The night ended around 11:30. I tucked her in and kissed her goodnight and she was then and will always be, my baby- regardless of what her age is. 
Thanks to everyone who called, text and sent gifts.  You made her day extra special.   
We love you Lily Grace.  Daddy and I so enjoy celebrating the blessing of you.  And remember, you are never too old for mama to throw you a good party.  We love you!

Molly was quite interested as well.

One excited girl

Let me just say that Molly enjoyed the day just as much as LG did.  You will see her pop up a lot throughout the pics.  We all got the biggest laugh at her attempts to make herself a part of things.  Lily Grace adores this dog and was adamant that Molly be a part of everything.  No arguments from Molly...

This year we made a nail polish banner.

Each girl got a monogrammed robe, sparkle flip flops and 
flower headband to relax in. 

With three Lily's at the party, Gracie wanted to go by LG. 

LG choose this flower to welcome guest to her spa.

The flip-flops, cucumber and nail polish fondant toppers were adorable!

Four girls ready for some fun and looking very cute I might add

Notice the fifth girl in the picture?  I told you, she made herself a part of things throughout.  

The girls made their own pink lip gloss.  

Once they mixed up their lip gloss, they put it into a heart shaped  lip pot.  They also got a pink rhinestone mirror to see how to put their gloss on and a little pouch to hold it all. 

Soaking for pedicures

How cute are they ?!  

The birthday girl went with pink and purple toes with rhinestones.  

Once again....

This had to be one of the cutest parts of the party.  I have never heard so many giggles.  The girls gave themselves chocolate facials.  Lily Grace and I mixed plain yogurt, honey and cocoa powder to make chocolate masks.  

Once they applied their masks, it was off to relax and let the magic happen all while de-puffing with cucumber slices.

Funny pants wiped off all but a mustache from her mask and the girls thought is was hilarious as she wore it through getting manicures.  

Soaking for manicures and while Molly didn't get a manicure, she managed to get involved yet again.

Dazzling nails

Opening gifts- the girls were so sweet and thoughtful

It's official!!!!

A sweet ending

Happy 9th Birthday Gracie Cakes!