Family Pictures 2014

I love getting our family pictures done and try to stay on top of it every year. I especially love the photographer we use - Rose Alene Photography! She is the best. She is great with the kids and always manages to get a lot of good shots (even when in reality the kids may not have been cooperating)! We've used Rose three times now and I've been highly satisfied each time. This year, we decided to go to Cantigny in Wheaton. It was the perfect place, with many good spots to snap a few pics. I loved how the pictures turned out! We had them done in May and it wasn't quite warm outside, but at least it didn't rain.

Leah's Step-up Program at Preschool

I can't believe three year old preschool has come to an end for Leah! She definitely loved school and made many new friends. She enjoyed learning and grew attached to her teachers, Ms. Deb and Ms. Julee. I loved being able to parent-help a few times during the year too. It was great being able to meet all of the kids and interact with them. I have many of Leah's projects and special creations saved in her memory box. It will be fun to go through them all when she is a bit older.

To celebrate finishing up the year, there was a 'step-up' program held at Settlers Park in Plainfield. The kids walked up to the stage and had a few songs prepared. It was very cute. Each child was then recognized individually and received a certificate of completion. Leah was so proud and I was definitely proud of her too. Unfortunately, during the ceremony we received the sad news that Rob's grandma passed away. We had to leave the program early and met his family at the hospital to say good-bye. We didn't get the opportunity to do pictures after the step-up event.  Overall, I am so proud of my little for having a great year at Great Adventures Preschool! I am sure she'll enjoy summer break, but will be ready for 4 year old preschool in the fall! She will start going 3 days a week. My little girl is growing up (tear)!!

 All ready for the program!

 Me and my girl

 Leah and her daddy

Flowers to celebrate

 Walking to the stage

 Leah and her classmates

 Getting ready to sing!

 Leah and her good friend Laney

 Leah receiving her certificate, waiving to her family

So proud of her!!!

Mother's Day 2014

My family made me feel so special this Mother's Day! I am so thankful for my sweet munchkins and so blessed to be their mom. Honestly, they make my job so easy and really are great kids. I don't know how I got so lucky with them! I live and breath for my babies and can't imagine my life without them. They are my everything! I hate that my mom is not able to share in this special time with me watching these kids grow. I learned everything I know from her and wish we all would have had more time with her. There is still not a day that goes by without me missing her and thinking of her. Mother's Day is especially tough since I am not able to share this special day with her. She was with us in spirit though.

We had a great day that started out with an omelet breakfast, followed by lots of presents. They sure spoiled me! Leah planted some flowers at daycare and made me a sweet pin at preschool in a fancy decorated box!

I also received a dozen roses, a gift card for a mani-pedi, new perfume, a pair of shoes and tickets to go see Beyonce' and Jay-Z! Everything was so thoughtful!

It was a beautiful day, so we decided to hit the zoo. It would be our first visit this year. It was pretty crowded but we still had a great time. We saw a lot animals, went to the dolphin show, rode the tram and went for a ride on the merry-go-round. The kids loved soaking up all the fresh air.

After spending a few hours at the zoo, we worked up an appetite for lunch. We didn't have any reservations for lunch but decided to take a chance at Kona Grill. Luckily, the patio was all open seating and we were able to find a spot right away. We enjoyed some sushi rolls (YUM) that were really good. After lunch, we made a stop at the cemetery to see my mom. We spent a little time there before heading home. Overall, it was a great Mother's Day with my family. It was all possible because of two sweet little children that call me Mom!