Josh's Birthday

We had a laid back celebration at home for Josh's birthday this year.  Hannah made Josh a crown at Kindergarten since that is the tradition in her classroom.

She really wanted him to wear it to the Illini football game the next day, but Josh said he was worried it would get ruined if it rained.

The kids and I made Josh a cookie cake since he's not a big cake person.

 Josh is a great daddy and is so loved and appreciated by his wife and kids!

The following week we celebrated Steve's and Josh's birthday at La Potosina with the whole Downing clan.  Landon, Casen, and Jacob wanted to help blow out the candles.

Kindergarten

A big change in our house this month was Hannah starting Kindergarten.  The Sunday before school started, our church did a Back to School Blessing and prayed over all of the students and school workers.

 

Hannah was very hesitant about starting kindergarten.  She did not like the idea of being away from mommy so much.  The night before school, we read several books about kindergarten, and I told her she was just going to have to be brave and try it, and it would get easier. 

As ready as we'll ever be to send her to her first day!

 

We were very excited when we found out that Mrs. Spezia would be her teacher.  I used to work with Mr. Spezia before Hannah was born!  She is a great teacher!

Hannah was feeling pretty hesitant about school.  I took her to her room, and after a few minutes, I thought she might cry, so I hugged her and scurried out of there.  I barely made it out the door before I cried.  This is a big change after spending pretty much all day, every day with her for the last 6 years!

 

Hannah is doing ok with the adjustment.  She gets teary most mornings and tells me that she missed me all day when she gets home.  She's also gotten sick a couple of times, in my opinion, due to the stress of the change and the unfortunate combination of chocolate.  These both affect her tender tummy.  But, I know she is having fun too.  She is very social and loves music, art, recess, etc.  I'm sure she will love it soon! 

They have a pirate theme for the first quarter.  Jacob liked the hat that Hannah made!

I loved getting to visit her class for her birthday and seeing all of the kids.  I knew most of them, but now I think I know all of them.  She has great classmates and a great teacher!  I'm proud of Hannah for being so brave and pray that she soon loves school!

Hannah's 6th Birthday Parties

Hannah's first birthday celebration was on August 14th with the Downing side. 

Emily got to come to the party since she was temporarily living with us!

We had to take a picture of the Salt Fork High School Class of 2032.

Hannah had a blast!

Hannah got the backpack she wanted for Kindergarten!

We also celebrated cousin Stephen's birthday.

Papa Steve got her the Elsa dress she wanted for Halloween!

Uncle Jordan and Aunt Courtney got her some comfy jammies!

Before school started, we had to meet Papa at Le Peep for lunch! 

Hannah made herself a pancake headband for the event. 

Grandma Jody took Hannah, Aleah, and I shopping to get school clothes for Hannah's birthday. 

We ate at The Cheesecake Factory!

On Hannah's birthday morning, we went to Cahill's for a family breakfast!



Aunt Judy and Aunt Sherry stopped by with a present!

On the 24th, we had the Sudlow side over for lunch, cake, and presents.





 Hannah got "stilts" from Aunt Betsy and Uncle Nathan.



 Grandma Teresa made her a unicorn cake.

"Aunt Jessie" sent Hannah a card with money inside!

She got an Anna dress in the mail from Aunt Becky & Family!

She wore one of her new b-day dresses to school!

Grandpa & Grandma Reeves sent her a card and money!

She had fun dressing up with our neighbor, Grace, in both of her new Frozen dresses!

Hannah got a school memories book from mom and dad!

Josh picked out an American Girl bed for her when we went to St. Louis in June.

We got her the unicorn purse she really wanted!

We went to The Possom Trot with the Gurtlers on Hannah's birthday!



Grandma Jody got Hannah a charm necklace with my picture to wear at Kindergarten, and Aunt Emily and Uncle Keith got her a Frozen necklace.  She loves them!

Grandma Teresa sewed her a Hello Kitty dress that she was very excited to wear to Kindergarten!

I got to take Frozen cupcakes to her Kindergarten class.

She got a birthday chair and crown!

I got to do the tooty ta with them.  I loved seeing the class!

I think it's safe to say Hannah had a great birthday!