Grandma Jody's Birthday

We got to celebrate Grandma Jody's birthday with her at her house the Sunday before her birthday.  We took a cake and presents and had some time to visit.

Since Grandma's birthday is on St. Patrick's day, she usually gets the kids some shirts to wear that day:

Georgetown Queen Tea

Mom and I took the girls to the Georgetown Fair Queen Luncheon this year.  Hannah really enjoyed it two years ago, and then last year she got sick and we didn't get to go, so I was happy we got to this year.  

Hannah's friend Lily was at the Luncheon!

Shooting Stars

Hannah got to play her first season of basketball this winter.  She really enjoyed it!  Josh was the assistant coach of her team.  They went to practice every Friday night together.  Then every Saturday morning, the whole family went to watch her play... at 8:15... in Jamaica.  I'll be glad to have the 9:00 slot next year!

Hannah shooting the ball for the first time ever in a game; 

I need to work on my action photography shot skills.

 Hannah was great at dribbling!

 Hannah was #23.  They asked at sign-ups what number she wanted to be, and I said how about #23 for her birthday.  I wasn't even thinking of Michael Jordan at the moment.  And then she ended up being on the Bulls.  Too funny!  Josh told her that's a big number to live up to!

 We got to run the concession stand as a family one day!

 We had a big party at the end!  One of my best friends, Sandy, is in charge of the program.  I made her take a picture with the cake like it was her baby shower!

 The kids all got trophies at the end.  Hannah was super excited about this!

  She is already asking when we can sign up again.  At this point, it's safe to say she likes basketball way more than gymnastics!

Hannah.... 6 and a Half!

Oh how I love my Hannah!  She is growing and changing so much!  This year has been a little rough for her.  She does not love having to leave home and her family every day to go to kindergarten.  I do think she enjoys school once she is there, but most days, she really just does not want to leave.  We've talked and prayed a lot through this year about being brave and trusting God and having a good attitude.  She was having a particularly rough week in February when I realized that it was her 1/2 birthday.  A mothering book I had recently read suggested doing a little celebration for your child's 1/2 birthday, which I admit, I would normally have thought to be a little silly, but it was a perfect chance to brighten Hannah's week, and it really did help her!  She was pretty excited about being 6 1/2 instead of just 6.  Who knows, maybe it's a tradition we'll just keep!  I made cupcakes for her to have when she got home from school, and Grandma Teresa even made her a new apron and brought it over:

One day at Grandma's, Aunt Betsy and Hannah were dressed the same, 

so they posed for a picture (Hannah's choice of pose!):

Hannah at Cross Training, making her Ten Commandments tablets:

Hannah and her kindergarten girlfriends: Taylor, Hannah, Anna, Ella, Michelle:

Hannah had a very exciting day this spring when she randomly got a new bike!  Usually this would be a gift for something special.  But, I was beginning to think that Hannah might be outgrowing her 16" bike, and then early in the spring, she totally shredded one of the tires out (she rides it A LOT!).  So, rather than buy a new tire for a bike that was about too small, we went ahead and got her a new 20" one in her favorite colors, pink and purple!  She loved it:

Hannah's class made 100th Day Shirts at school.  I thought they were really cute!

Her teacher also made her Abe Lincoln hats and beards for Lincoln's birthday.  

Aren't she and Morgan cute?

Hannah took two 6 week sessions of gymnastics this year.  She was pretty good for just beginning, but she wasn't really enjoying it, and it was a time and money commitment, so we crossed that off our list for now.  She seems to be more interested in basketball and t-ball and has mentioned trying ballet or piano, so we will see!  One thing at a time!  I try not to clutter up our calendar but want her to be able to try things!  I love when we have the chance to try short term commitment classes!

I love watching this girl change and grow!

Valentine's Day

We had a really fun Valentine's Day weekend.  First, Hannah got to decorate a shoebox for school to put her Valentines in.  We wrapped it in pink wrapping paper and decorated it with foam stickers.  She loved it!  I was the room mom for Hannah's class this year, so I organized the parties.  Mom came and watched the little ones so I could run up to the party at the end of the day.  I always love a chance to go see her at school!

Hannah took Hello Kitty Valentines this year, and Jacob got to take Planes Valentines to BOTH of his preschools!  I didn't get any pictures of him, though, oops!

The babies dressed up in their Valentine outfits together.  Aren't they a couple of cuties?

It's becoming a family tradition to have a "Valentine's Day Feast" candlelight dinner.  We had steaks, asparagus, potatoes, mushrooms, strawberries with chocolate fondue, sparkling grape juice, etc.  The kids love it.  And we take time to tell each person why we love them.  It's a fun night!  And Papa Ed and Grandma Teresa stop by with presents too!

 Josh and I also got the kids a few small gifts.  Josh picked out two movies (Mr. Peabody and Sherman and 101 Dalmations), and I bought them each some candy and a small toy.  Josh gives the girls gifts, and I give Jacob's gift.

Josh and Hannah got to go to their first daddy daughter dance at the grade school.  We found a new dress on clearance that she loved.  It sounds like they had fun at the dance.  Josh bought her a rose, which she was SO EXCITED about!

Grandma Jody and Grandpa Bob sent the kids some Valentine jammies/clothes too!

I think Valentine's Day is more fun with kids! Maybe less romantic.... but definitely more fun!