The End of a Great Season

 

 Jackson's baseball season came to an end today. I have to say I am a bit sad. I loved going to watch him play. Jackson had a great season, playing on a team with a few of his good buddies, but also made a few new friends as well. Jackson LOVED having Todd coach him this year and I think Todd equally loved coaching the team. What a change from coaching the big boys. The kids played hard and had a great last game. After the game Todd handed out trophies to all of the players. Go THUNDER!
After the game we went home and got ready for Jamie's 40th birthday party. It was a bit of a rushed day, but we were able to get home and get everything ready for her party. We had a babysitter on call for the  night, but the kids were having such a great time they ended up staying at the party with us until 11:00pm. They  had fun, playing with the neighborhood kids, dancing to the music the DJ was playing  and watching fireworks. Fun was had by all.

Our Chicago Trip

Aubrin and I got up early on Monday morning and headed over to grandma's house to pick her up to head to Chicago. Aubrin was so excited for our girl trip and she was so happy that grandma was coming with us. Our drive was pretty smooth and Aubrin was a great little traveler.
Once we got to Erin's house the fun started before I could unpack the car. Aubrin was eager to see where Aunt Erin and her family lives. The kids took her in the house and they quickly got everything out and started some serious play. Later in the day Erin had planned a mini birthday party for Aubrin!
Aubrin loved having a sleep over with the kids. She brought her sleeping bag and slept in Will and Emerson's room on the floor between their beds. Once the kids went to bed it was great to sit and visit with my mom and sister. I always cherish the time that the three of us can get together and have our girl time.
The next morning we woke up, played a bit and then got ready for our day in the city. Of course the kids got their babies ready for our day and off we went. Even Will was excited to brig his "Boy Doll." So we walked a few blocks from Erin's house to the El. Aubrin wasn't sure about getting on, but once we did she thought it was so cool.

When we got to the American Girl store I wish I could have bottled that moment up. When we walked in Aubrin's eyes lit up. I had been telling her about the store, but I don't think she really understood how great it was until we walked in. When we walked in all of the dolls were lined up at the front of the store. I told Aubrin that she could pick any doll that she wanted. She looked at me and said, "Mommy, look at all of these dolls...and they all have hair." All of Aubrin's dolls are bald babies.  I told her that she already has a Biddy Baby and she should get a big girl doll. It didn't take long before she spotted the doll that she wanted. As soon as she saw McKenna I knew she found her new favorite doll. After picking out the doll we of course had to accessorize her... a ridiculous amount of cute stuff was purchased. You're only 4 once, right?
Aubrin also got to pick out a few special outfits for her doll with grandma. After we shopped we headed upstairs for lunch. This lunch may have been the cutest thing EVER! We walked into the dinning room and of course it was decked out from ceiling to floor in cuteness. All three kids got baby seats for their babes and they were hooked to the table for lunch. Lunch was so yummy and dessert was so cute. We especially loved the pudding in the flower pot.
After lunch we headed back to Erin's for some fun in the sun.

  The next morning we got up and got our things packed to head home. It was such a  wonderful trip. Aubrin said that she loved going and she can't wait to have another girls trip to Chicago.

Our big girl turns 4!

Aubrin was so excited for her Hello Kitty birthday party. It was a beautiful day and we were excited to celebrate with friends and family. Aubrin was very specific about the cake that she wanted. I have made most of the kids cakes/cup cakes for their parties, but for this one I went to the bakery. I'm so glad I did, because when I showed Aubrin she said, " Oh mom, this is just what I wanted. It's so pretty!" Although when it came time to put candles on the cake and sing to her, she wanted nothing to do with it. Lately, our little lady is not wanting to be center of attention. So, we sang quickly, she blew out her candles and moved on. She opened up her presents and loved everything. She got a Tangled dress, alarm clock, books and puzzles...and much more! She got a very special present from grandma and grandpa the week before her birthday- a four wheeler! She LOVES it and loves that it goes fast and she an keep up with Jackson.

 Nolan brought Aubrin flowers for her birthday. She was so excited to put them in her room. She thought everything was so pretty and fun! Later we got out the water slide and slip n slide for the kids to play on. There was fun had by all. So much, that our last guest didn't leave until 9:30pm (party started at 1:00).

On the day of Aubrin's actual birthday I had to work in the morning and wrap a few things up before summer vacation started later that day! We told Aubrin to think about what she wanted to do and she said she wanted to eat lunch at the Burger Joint in Milford and then play at the park.  


We were happy that that Campau's could join us for lunch. While Todd was ordering lunch I ran down to the bakery and picked up cupcakes for us to feast on after lunch. After lunch we headed to the park. Aubrin was very happy that Tessa came with us. The kids had a great time running around the play scape and looking for frogs.
When we got home Jackson couldn't wait any longer and he had to give Aubrin her present. He got her a Barbie car, books and a pink ball, all in which he picked out. Todd and I gave Aubrin a few little things and then told her what her big present was...a trip to Chicago to go to the American Girl store to pick out a doll. She was so excited!!!!! We played for the rest of the day outside and celebrated our little peanut.

Kindergarten Graduation

This year flew by in a blink of an eye. I feel like Jackson was just getting on the bus for the first time and now he is getting on the bus for the last time of the school year. Jackson has certainly surpassed any expectations that I had for him during his kindergarten year. I knew he would love school, make new friends and do well with his academics, but now looking back on the year I am speechless. Jackson has made wonderful friendships this year. As Todd and I have also made friendships with some of the parents. There are a few little guys that Jackson has become so close with, I think it's safe to say that the three of them will not be placed together next year...chatty, chatty, chatty:)

Jackson has grown into a more confident reader and writer. I loved looking through his folder each night to see what he did at school and to see his excitement to do his work when he got home.  Jackson LOVED his teacher. Ms. Stachura has been nothing but perfect to lay the foundation for Jackson. He really cared for her and will really miss her. I knew he was hooked when he came home from school about a month into school and said Ms. Stachura was out sick. he said, "Mom, we need to go the the flower store. Ms. Stachura was out sick today and I need to take her flowers tomorrow." Yep, his love for her started early in the year and still hasn't fizzled out. She was the perfect balance of a caring teacher and also one that could be firm and provide structure. Next years teacher has big shoes to fill.

The morning of kindergarten graduation Jackson was so excited that both Todd and I could be there. We met him at school later in the morning. His class came into the library with their graduation caps on and looking so big. They sang a few songs, recited a few poems and received their diplomas. I thought for sure I was going to cry through it, but it wasn't possible because I was laughing so hard. Jackson was such a lover of life that morning. He had an ear to ear smile, singing so loud and looking so proud. Todd and I were both cracking up at his enthusiasm.
After that we went back to his classroom for a writer's celebration. Jackson went through and showed us a piece of writing from each month that he was in kindergarten. His teacher made a beautiful scrapbook for each child with collective pieces of work from the whole year.

We then headed to a park where all of the kindergarten families and teachers met for lunch and played games. It was a wonderful day of celebration for our family.

First grade here we come...