Laina's Gymnastics Party

Laina celebrated her 5th birthday with her friends having a gymnastics party at the place she takes gymnastics. Laina has been going here for a couple of years and she really enjoys herself. Having her party there was wonderful. She had the whole gym to herself for just her and her little group of friends. The instructors were incredible and did such a wonderful job with the kids. Everyone had a wonderful time and I truly felt like this was the most fun birthday party Laina has had yet. It did my heart a world of good to see the constant smile on Laina's face at her party.

We Love You Grammy Liza

Today was a sad day. We said goodbye to Grammy Liza today. Grammy just loved Laina to pieces. She used to watch Laina's every move and just ate up every second with her. Grammy loved her grandchildren more than anything. We will miss your smiling face and rosy cheeks. We know that you are watching over us now and we feel protected and safe. We are relieved to know that you are at peace now but we will miss you terribly. We love you Grammy. We love you very, very much.

Scooter!

One of Laina's favorite birthday gifts was her new scooter from Grampy. She's been having a great time mastering the two wheel scooter and she flies down the driveway and down the street!

Happy 5th Birthday Laina!

What a BIG day! Happy 5th Birthday Laina. We took our traditional trip to the beach for your birthday. This year Daddy made a cool "5" sign to bring with us. You loved digging in the sand and playing at the beach and didn't want to leave. But we had a fun day ahead of us. We all headed down to Grammy and Grampy's house and had a fun celebration with everyone who loves you to pieces. You had a Princess Tiana party and we had a wonderful fun day celebrating YOU!

Good Night Sweet Four Year Old

Laina,

Tonight I put you to bed for the last time as a four year old. I gave you 5 kisses because we always give one kiss for each year plus one for good luck. Tomorrow you will wake up a five year old which just feels so grown up to me. You're a school kid now. You're not my baby, you're not my toddler, you're not my pre-schooler, you're my school kid. But you know what - even when you're my 18 year old school kid - - - you'll still be my baby. I love you sweet four year old. Tomorrow's a big day!

Mommy

Soccer Girl

Laina is really enjoying soccer. She plays in an all girl league and her team name is The Sandpipers. She's figuring out how to get in there and be aggressive to get the ball. Joe is coaching her team which Laina just loves. I'm having a blast watching her on the side lines. I love how much my girl loves sports and I hope she never loses that love. I also love how she likes to come home and get dressed up in her girlie little dresses. She's just the best of both worlds that Laina.

First Day of Dance

With fall comes dance! Laina started dance class this week and this year she is taking both ballet and tap (one class that teaches both). This year's class is one hour long and she gets to wear two different types of shoes. This is her first time taking tap and let me just say, she is beside herself with joy over those shiny white tap shoes. She doesn't ever want to take them off.

We have ourselves a kindergartener!

The big day finally arrived and Miss Laina started Kindergarten! Such an exciting day. Still cannot believe she's almost 5 years old and officially a school kid now. Where has the time gone? They aren't kidding when they tell you it goes fast....because it really really does. We started the morning off with some fun decorations in the living room to celebrate the big day. Laina and Joe had Wheaties for breakfast - - - breakfast of champions! Ok well Laina only ate 1 bite and didn't care for it. We walked her down to school and waited outside while the kids lined up and then were brought inside by their teachers. Day 1 was just a 2 hour visit and the next day is her first full day. She loved it!