Kate's First Dance Recital

Saturday was Kate's first dance recital and I could burst with pride.  I was blown away with how well she did.  I had no idea what to expect - she has had a couple bad reports from dance lately which have resulted in her being dismissed from dance class early. Based on this, I wasn't sure if she was enjoying dance or not but after seeing her performance, I'm thinking she was board with rehearsing her routine over and over those last few weeks.

Not only was this Kate's first dance recital but it was my first dance recital too!  I have never taken a dance class in my life. I will never forget when I asked my mom one time why I had never taken dance when I was little, she told me I wasn't really built to be a dancer.  Haha.  I honestly never expected Kate to be interested in dance but she is and loves it.  It was exciting getting her all dressed up - tights, dress, tap shoes, hair bun (ok - that was NOT fun), hair bow and gloves.  Kate called it her "Minnie Mouse" dress and it looked adorable on her.  I thought she would want to wear some makeup but she refused to let me put anything on her - not even lipstick or blush.  She looked beautiful! 

 Close up of the hair bun.  This was quite an accomplishment since this girl can't stand to get her hair brushed, much less styled in anyway other than a small side ponytail.  I think the bun makes her look so much older! 

  The dress rehearsal and performance was at Lincoln High School.  It has been years since I have been on that campus and it brought back lots of good memories.  Granddaddy met us at the school to take Mason and Gigi came to get a sneak peak at the performance.

Our pretty princess.

  Kate nailed her routine at the dress rehearsal.  I tired to take several pictures during the performance that night so I could focus all my attention on Saturday night's performance (very smart decision). 

 She didn't hesitate for one moment.  She got up there and danced her little heart out.  On Saturday, Kate had all the family attend her performance: my parents, Justin's parents, Nanny, Uncle Jordan, Aunt Katie, Camden and Mason.  The boys did great sitting through the performance - thank goodness!

 I could just eat her up!  So precious!

After the show, Mimi and Papa invited us all over to their house for a delicious dinner.  My parents were able to join us and we enjoyed celebrating Kate's big night together.  We are so proud of you Kate!

Swimming Lessons!

We have just completed two weeks of swimming lessons at the Killearn Estates Swim Club and we couldn't be any prouder of Kate.  She has been the star student - well behaved and willing to try anything the teachers asked.  There were a lot of criers in her class this year, which could have been distracting, but Kate didn't let that phase her one bit.

 Little man came a couple nights, but he was not happy that he wasn't able to swim too.  Maybe next year, Mase!

 Getting the goggles ready.

 Working on kicking.

 This year, the class was taught by Ms. Olivia (Kate had her last year too) and Ms. Mary.  Kate worked a lot with Ms. Mary since Ms. Olivia was busy with the little ones who kept crying - constantly. I'm so relieved Kate wasn't like that.  In fact, she loved lessons this year. She was always smiling, even when it caused her to swallow water. She told me after the first lesson that she "swam like a mermaid".  Very true, Katie-Boo.

  Getting ready to do the "survival float" and posing for a picture.  So cute.

Love that smile.

My handsome boys watching the show.

 Jumping into the pool to Ms. Olivia.

 I'm not confident that she was able to swim on her own just yet, but she is definitely getting there.  She's not afraid this year like she was last year so that's an improvement.  Maybe if we keep working hard, she'll be swimming all by herself later this summer!

Great job Kate!  We are all so proud of you!

End of the School Year 2013-14

Today marked the end of another school year, although it doesn't mean that much to us right now since both kids go to school year round.  However, today was significant because it was the last day for Mason in the Mice room (baby room) and the last day for Kate in the Bears room (4 year olds).

I'm not ready for Mason to move up but I know he will do great in the "big" class.  I felt the same way when Kate was ready to move up - it just happens too fast!  We have loved all the teachers in both classes but I have extra heartache leaving Ms. Leah and Mrs. Betty.  They have been second mothers to Mason and anyone can tell he adores them.  He rarely ever cried in the mornings when I dropped him off - which made it SO much easier on me.  I was so thankful to know he was in good hands and loving life!

 Ms. Leah and Mason.  

Mason goes running into Ms. Leah's arms every morning grinning so big and then usually looks at me as if to say, "you can go now".

 Mrs. Betty and Mason.  

Mrs. Betty reassured me they would keep an eye on Mason and let him visit whenever he wanted.  I hope he has a smooth transition into the Bunnies class with Ms. Veranda and Miss Allison. 

Miss Priss is also moving up on Monday into the Kittens class.  She has had a wonderful school year in the Bears class and luckily most of her friends are moving up with her.  It's hard to believe she will be starting VPK this fall.  Both Mrs. Stephanie (who is expecting her first little one in August) and Mrs. Rachel have been wonderful to Kate and always very complimentary of her.  We will miss them so much but we are also looking forward to the next class with Miss Cindy and Ms. Janet.  VPK - here she comes!  

Mrs. Rachel, Kate and Mrs. Stephanie

Memorial Day Weekend

While most of our friends were out of town this weekend, we stayed in town this year (like most) and enjoyed our family time together.

On Saturday morning, we met the Mundie's and explored the Tallahassee Museum.  We have had passes to the museum for more than a year so I'm glad we were finally able to put them to good use! It was hot, but not unbearable and the kids had a great time running from one exhibit to the next. 

 Kate, Maddox and Maclain

 Checking out the snake exhibit - my least favorite! 

I have been to the museum several times over the years but I have never been when I saw so many animals.  Usually we can spot the animals sleeping, but we must have picked a great time to go because this time, the majority of the animals were out roaming.  Unfortunately for me, we were not able to see my favorite animals (the otters).  They usually put on the best show!

 Mrs. Katie and Miller

 Mason

 Kate

 Maddox

 Miller

Maclain

  Checking out the bald eagle.

 Watching the horse.

 Family pictures before we left...

 We had a great time and hope we can do it again soon!

Saturday night, we went over to Mimi and Papa's house for a steak dinner - yummy!  It was a great end to a very busy day.  I don't know where the time went but it flew by on Saturday.

 Being silly.

Sunday, we relaxed at home after church and got rested for another fun packed day today.  I have been wanting to go to the beach but since we are going in a couple weeks, we decided to go over to the Olk's and swim.  I love going over there and the kids love it too!  We invited the Mullinax family to meet us over there and we all had a great time!  Aunt Katie and Camden came back from the coast early so we were able to spend a little bit of time with them too.

 This boy is fearless.  He played and played and even ended up having to be rescued more than one time.  We can't take our eyes off him for one second.

 Peyton

 Mr. Rob and Landon

 Mrs. Sarah and Peyton

 Chillin with daddy.

 Me and my Katie-Boo.

  Aunt Katie and Camden

 Mrs. Sarah and Landon

 Such a mess.

 The kiddie pool got a little wild with these boys but it didn't contain them for long.  They wanted to swim in the big pool with the rest of us.

 Sweet friends.

 I couldn't let our time together end without an attempt at a group picture...

This evening, the kids and I went over to my parent's house for a cookout while daddy had to stay at home and work.  It was quieter than normal since my brother, Aunt Katie, Camden, daddy and Nanny weren't able to join us.  We still had a great time but we missed everyone!

Kate was showing off her new talent of jumping high enough to touch the flag. 

 Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend like we did.  I'm so thankful for the men and women who serve our country and make it possible for us to celebrate weekends like these with our families.

Happy Memorial Day!