Sunday Funday

We've seen every kids' movie out there, we've done all the splash pads and played in the pool all summer, and all of the usual indoor play areas didn't sound like too much fun... so we came up with a new idea that the kids had never tried before - bowling!

To my surprise, the bowling alley was actually pretty empty for a sunday afternoon, so we got a lane right away {with bumpers of course... which helped me just as much as the kids!} and Bella went on the hunt for a perfect ball. Of course, she was choosing by the color and the amount of sparkles the ball had, so we had t steer her in the direction of the lightest ones other wise she would have been bowling with a 15 pound ball :-)

And how cute are bowling shoes in toddler sizes?! So adorable!

First up was Ty.

John explained the instructions to him, and helped him with carrying the ball.

STRIKE!! =)

Bella insisted on doing it mostly on her own. She actually had a pretty cute walk and technique to it.

And check out this cool contraption! Its like a bowling ball slide for kids- I had never seen one before! Bella actually preferred throwing the ball herself; I think that was part of the joy in bowling :-)

It was a perfect way to get out of the heat and do something new and fun with our sweet little munchkins. And since its a three day weekend, we are off to do something new and fun with them today too! More pictures of today will come later =) Happy labor day!

Today Was The Big Day

Today Bella arrived at her new school.... Scottsdale Christian Academy.

I've been talking about this day, and thinking about this day for a long time now. But it didn't seem real until we watched her line up at the sound of the playground whistle, and enter her new room. My baby seemed so old now, and thank goodness my big sunglasses hid my tears because I just couldn't stop them. I didn't want Bella to see me cry, so I smiled beneath the tears as I waved her good-bye. I had totally kept it together all morning, and even as we arrived at the playground and watched her play. But when she actually lined up, and marched right into this new phase without even turning back or hesitating for a second... I started feeling that lump in my throat- and it was all tears from there. I made a beeline from the school straight back to the car- really unable to even talk. I honestly didn't anticipate on feeling so emotional! But I'm a mom. And those kind of emotions just come with the territory. Bella and I have a very special bond, and I'm thankful for these types of emotions because it just reminds me of how deeply I feel about her, and how special she is to me.

We started out the day with a family breakfast, and John made her special mickey mouse pancakes {her request}. Then I got her all dressed and ready, and braided her hair {again, at her request. She is very opinionated these days}.

She looked so stinkin' adorable, and she had her cute backpack and matching lunchbox in hand- all ready to go!

I packed her lunch last night, and included a special shortcake desert and a little note for her as a surprise :-)

Of course we made her pose for pictures all morning so that we could forever remember this big day with our little girl.

Of course, Ty had to hug his big sister and wish her good luck on her big day :-)

She gave him a little pep-talk and told him that she would be fine, and he needed to be a good boy :-) They are so precious!!

Then it was time to head out for school, so we had a quick family prayer for Bella's big day, and then we all went as a family to see her off.

We arrived at school early, so Bella played on the Kindergarten playground while we waited for the whistle (and of course, took more pictures)

The time had come for her to go into class, so we watched with heavy hearts as she lined up and walked away.

Sometimes I feel like I love my kids so much, that my heart will burst.

Isabella and Tyler mean the world to me, and I never in my wildest dreams thought that being a mom would change me in the way that it has.

And although I can't do anything to stop her from growing, I feel so blessed. Blessed that Bella and I are so close... blessed that we are able to send Bella to such a wonderful school... blessed that she is happy and healthy and blessed that this is only the beginning of all new adventures waiting for us..... :-)

Tasti-Delite

So our little Miss Bella Jade turned 5 this past weekend (and I still can't believe it).

We celebrated by doing a small get-together at her favorite ice cream shop, Tasti-Delite. Something small, but pleasantly refreshing on such a hot weekend here in the valley. All Bella was primarily concerned with was her cousin (and best buddy) Marley being there :-)

They decorated their own ice cream bowls to take home, and everyone enjoyed their own ice cream and toppings.

And we tried to get a picture of the kids... but who were we kidding. Getting everyone to sit still and look at the camera?? It just wasn't going to happen.

Because this is what happen when you make the cousins try to look like they love each other.... it starts out as a "hug".....

... and ends up as a choke hold.

But really, they honestly do love each other :-)

Happy birthday again sweet Bella!

You are truly an amazing little girl, and we can't get enough of you :-)

This Week...

Our baby girl, the one responsible for making me a "mommy", will be turning 5 this week.

My heart is heavy at the thought of her growing up so fast, but I am looking forward to so many amazing memories we still have yet to make together.

So peek over at the photography blog for a special photo shoot and video of our baby girl -

www.briandersonphotos.com

We love you Bella!!

Let The Traditions Begin!

When I was a little girl, I l-o-v-e-d back to school shopping.

My mom and I would make a whole day of it, complete with going out to lunch together and hitting the malls. One summer I even worked odd jobs around the neighborhood so that I could have even extra money to shop with {so apparently, my habit started young} and to make the deal even sweeter, my mom told me she would double whatever I earned. Now that was motivation!

So with Kindergarten looming {just a few weeks away!} it was time for me to begin the tradition with my own little girl.

Isabella and I got up early and went out to breakfast, just the two of us, to IHOP where Bella got her first chocolate chip smiley face pancake. It looked totally gross to me now that I am an adult, but I remember ordering that when I was little...and eating chocolate for breakfast seemed like a dream.

{ignore the quality- it was taken with my iphone}

Then we began hitting the stores and crossing off things on our shopping list. We stocked her closet full of new shoes, sweaters, cardigans and adorable uniform outfits {yay for uniforms! It made shopping soooo much easier} and we got all the school supplies that her Kindergarten teacher requested. Bella was an excellent little shopper, and it was so wonderful to spend an entire day with just the two of us.

I just cant believe that my baby is turning 5 next week, and I am so thankful for every moment we spend together. She is becoming this amazing little person, and I just can't imagine life without her!

Never Too Old...

... to enjoy playing with some slime :-)

John got this idea recently to make home-made slime with the kids, and so he bought the ingredients, and helped Bella and Ty make their own slime batches to play with.

First, it was Bella's turn-

Oh the wonder and joy!

Bella, of course, decided hers had to be the perfect shade of pink.

A few minutes later, the finished product was ready to be played with, molded, cut by cookie cutters, and ready for imagination to take over.

* and please note that even when playing with slime, Miss Isabella is wearing her pearls *

:-)

Then it was Tyler's turn to make a batch of his own... in blue of course.

And let me just say- pouring glue into a bowl and mixing it with random ingredients until its squishy and slimy is like a dream for a 2 year old boy!

Ty can just never seem to contain his joy.... it's just beaming all over his face :-)

Sometimes it's the simple things that they enjoy the most!

Big Man On Campus

A new dawn has arrived.....

There will now be a few mornings a week that I have to myself!!

Yes, it's true!

Ty will be 3 this fall, and we decided to get a little jump start on the "school" routine. Obviously, it's not so much school at this age, as it is "learning to play well with others" , but we felt it would be good for him to spend a few mornings learning, playing and interacting with kids his age. I think it's good for him to have some time away from the house and learning to play and understand a social structure outside of just his family. And to be honest, the first day didn't go so well.... but today was a little better, so I'm feeling encouraged!

This was my best attempt at getting him to stand still long enough to take a picture on his first day :-)

Even as I look at the pictures, I just can't believe how old and tall he is looking. Definitely more like a "big boy" which just crushes me :-( To me, he'll always still be my baby!

Gimmie a B-E-L-L-A!

Bella has been taking cheer classes this summer, and oh-my-goodness, it is too cute for words! I love when she comes home and performs new cheers for John and I :-)

So the other day before we left for class, she was in a fairly cooperative "photo mood" for me {which is rare!} and she let me take a few pictures of her adorable self.

And by the way- who taught this girl to pose? I swear she is just too much!

Look out Tyra!! :-)

Bella tries to demonstrate a jump she learned....

A day without Bella is like a day without sunshine :-)

Conversation with Bella....

Bella: Mom, when I'm 5, can you buy me a kitty?

Me: A real one?

Bella: Yes, one that eats real food. 'Cuz it's real.

Me: I'll think about it.

Bella: Ok, because it's want I kinda want.

Me: You just kinda want it?

Bella: Well, I want a doggy. But you can get me a doggy after you get me a kitty.

Me: {smiling} And why's that?

Bella: Because doggies are a big 'susponsibility' {her own word}

Me: {laughing at this point} And kitties aren't?

Bella: Nope. You just give them food and they do the rest. They don't really do anything. I think they just sit there. So I can have one because they aren't a big 'susponsibility'.

** I {heart} these conversations of ours **