Gemma turns 6

Gemma turned 6! And it was her golden birthday, 1/6/09! I kept it very simple and inexpensive and it turned out very cute. Gemma loved it and that's all that counts right?

The straws and bottles I ordered online at the darling shopsweetlulu.com . I definitely recommend checking it out for your party needs. Its adorable!

The banner I made out of coffee filters and watercolor paint. Easy right?! And everything else was  purchased at Wal-Mart.

I got the watercolors and the watercolor paper at Target on sale. It ended up being cheaper than Amazon. Woohoo!

Let the party begin!

I wanted a very easy and inexpensive party. The only activity was painting, then cake and ice-cream, and presents at the end. For the take home goodies, I had empty gift bags for the kids to put their watercolor paint and artwork and a handful of Dum Dums in. And that was it. Quick, easy and I didn't lose my mind. ;)

Since her party ended up being on the last day of January, she got her gifts from me and the Grandparents on the day of her birthday. 

These two cuties are exactly a month apart and have been friends since shortly after the big ONE.

Thanks to all the cute kids for making Gemma's party a BIG hit!

Much to my Surprise...

My family and I got to dine over a thanksgiving feast with some of our favorite Disney characters! Yes, im most definitely bragging.

Mr. S and my parents kept this Disney adventure a secret for 3 months and I still had no clue until we were half way to Yuma.

My kids didn't know what Disneyland was all about so I was very thrilled to share this experience with them. 

We played all weekend long. There was literally no sleep being had and our feet were numb. Having to go home and back to reality, was painful and depressing. It really is the happiest place ever.

After we feasted, we took the kids around to meet the characters.

And finished turkey day with Santa, fireworks on main street, and a little snow. It was truly magical!

The next morning we had reservation at Goofy's Kitchen where Disney characters visit each table to sign autograph books and take pictures. And breakfast was filled with lots and lots of sugar. Thanks Goofy!

This is exactly how we all looked and felt each morning and perhaps at the end of every night. Its just Brynlee is the only one that looked adorable.

Now, I will overload you with parade pics because im still on a Disneyland high.

I have many more memories from this magical Thanksgiving weekend and for that, I am grateful!

I can't wait to do it again!

First day of School

You guys! I have a Kindergartener.....

AND and pre-schooler!!!

I got a headache on Gemma's first day trying to hold back from sobbing everywhere in front of everyone.

Im grateful she got into this school. Praying for a successful and happy school year for my Gem.

Walking in line with her class to flag ceremony.

Sending my babe off into the big scary world. (Or so it feels.)

Vance has Pre-K twice a week and unfortunately, I have an hour to kill between drop offs. (It's killing me because it's not worth the commute back home and then back out again.)

So we sat in the CVS parking lot and shared cupcakes on his very first day of school!

His back pack kills me!

That very fake lizard gets me every time. Just sits right outside the class room door.

So proud of my kids who are growing up WAY to fast.

Been pondering a lot lately the things as their mother I should teach them. I believe the greater influence  comes from the home if you let it.

I have my very own Paramedic

This one time, Mr. S graduated with flying colors with his Paramedic.

And the only picture I'm aloud to post is this one. And that really bums me out.

Im super proud of my guy.

And I super love this sign right outside of the Hub restaurant and ice creamery.

Which is super delicious btw.

(All I can think about, is how awesome a photo shoot during the day here would be.) 

4th of July

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

As usual we headed to our towns Star Spangled Spectacular.

And as usual it was awesome.

And free. (minus food)

Im sure it was just like all ya'lls 4th celebration.

And no matter how hard they play or late they stay up, they are up at the butt crack of dawn.

In all their loud glory.

And so it will go next year.  ;)