Shore Trip 2016

My mom is always nice enough to rent a house for my side of the family to enjoy for a week at the Jersey Shore!  It's always crazy but fun having so many little kids in the house.  The kids absolutely love spending so much time with their cousins and it keeps their bond so tight!

This year they had lots of fun playing in the sand together and jumping over the waves!

These two had fun playing in little blow up baby pools to keep cool on the beach!

I just love when he puts his hands in his pocket!

These group shots always crack me up!  Getting all of them posed is impossible!

Vera turned 1 (June 29th)

Vera turned 1 on June 29th and I'm just now blogging about it when she's 18 months old- third child problems!

Vera continued to be an easy happy baby!  She didn't walk yet but got around by crawl/walking on her knees!  She loved animals, especially dogs, and continued to be a portable little go-with-the-flow baby!  She said "mom" and "dada" and had a great appetite!  She continued to be a big and tall baby! Her hair started to get a bit curly.

Vera-  we're so lucky to be your parents, you make us smile and laugh everyday!

She could swing all day at this age!

"Yay, I'm 12 months old!"

Sister love!

Maya's Dance Recital (June 2016)

Maya tap danced away to "Sunshine, Lillipops & Rainbows) in June.  She did a great job with her little group of dance friends!

Leo is 3

Leo turned 3 on the 25th and we had his birthday this past weekend!  He loved his birthday and was excited to have two days where it was all about him!

Leo you know can count, sing your ABCs (you used to always just be silly when trying), can identify a fair number of letters and you actually know more sounds than letters.  You love dinosaurs, super heroes, planes, rockets, your tricycle- which you just started pedaling, your scooter (which you are crazy fast on but can't yet lean to steer), cars, sports, and most of all- you love playing with Maya.  You are very good with Vera and she already looks up to you! You are a fun loving kid who enjoys trying to be the funny one!  We can't wait to see what your fourth year of life brings!

Leo really want a "Big dinosaur like his friend Aaron."

He requested a dinosaur themed party!

These were dinosaur eggs (frozen balls with small dinosaurs inside) that they had to hatch!

Dinosaur Dirt Cake!

Vera is 11 Months Old

Vera is 11 months old- that means she's almost one (cry, cry).  Slow. down. time.



Vera- this past month you started crawling (finally).  You now love following Maya and Leo around the house and trying to engage in their play!  You love to eat- you especially love meat and cheese! You are at the wonderful age where you will eat anything (and even try to eat things that are not food!).  You continue to be a happy go-with-the flow baby! You love to clap and laugh and watch the dogs.



You now say:

"Dada"

"Mama" only if you're crying and need something

"doggy" only sometimes



You sign:

more



We love you Vera Paige!

"Got it!"

"I'll take it from there too Mom!"

"They took the sticker from me!"

"Ok, I'm already over it!'

Leo's Last Day of Preschool/Parent's Morning Out 2016

Leo had his last day of preschool on his birthday!  He absolutely loved his little introduction to school.  He went just one day a week for a little over 2 hours and shouted in joy the mornings that I told him he got to go to school!

He shared with me that his favorite things from preschool this year was "getting treats" (from birthday bags).

Leo apparently did very well at school, shared well, interacted well with his friends, and was a great listener!

Leo- we are so proud of you buddy and can't wait to see you continue to grow and learn!

Leo opened this dinosaur (birthday present) before school so he wanted him included in his pictures!

Maya had pajama day at school on Leo's last day!

Maya's Last Day of Preschool- ever!

Maya finished preschool (sniff, sniff).  I feel like I was just dropping off a tentative little 3 year old for her first day.  Now she's a confident 5 year old ready for kindergarten!  We are crazy proud of her. Her little teacher note in her memory book said "Maya is happy and loves preschool  She is knowledgeable and participates at rug time.  She cares for others and is concerned when they have been treated unfairly.  We will miss her cheerful manner."  Her enrichment teacher stated that she is a "teacher's dream." :)

Maya we know that many new adventures await you.  We hope you continue to share your confidence, empathy, smarts, and joy with the world!

Maya's favorite thing from preschool was "playing with her friends!"

Here she is at her preschool graduation!

Maya with her teacher, Mrs. Brideau!