Science Museum

Pete and Laura and their kids came down for a visit.  We thought it would be fun to go to see the Endeavor Space Shuttle at the California Science Center in Los Angeles.  We had a great group who decided to join us on the outing.  Dad and Barbara, Tom and Bonnie, Richard, Tony and Michelle all came to check out the massive shuttle.  The science museum is a great place to go with kids even without the space shuttle exhibit, but it added to the excitement.  We were all amazed at the size, expense, and information available about the shuttle.  It was a fun day.

 Gracie, Brylie and I standing in front of a sign of them transporting the Endeavor through Los Angeles.

 Brylie and Daddy in front of the shuttle.

 Some of the group learning about the space shuttle.

 Bo, Layla and Amy in a Hurricane Simulator

Brylie trying out the job as a news anchor

Cousins at Yard House for dinner in LA Live after the museum

After dinner we went to see the movie Planes.  This was Brylie's and Gracie's 1st time at a movie theater.  Everyone had a great time.  So much fun spending time with all of them.

Graceyn's 1st Time in the Merry Muscles

We brought out the Merry Muscles jumper for Gracie to try since Brylie was such a big fan of it as a baby.  Graceyn was a little unsure of it at first, but she loved being able to be at eye level to her sister.  Brylie loved watching her and was a big help teaching her how to use her legs to jump.   I love being able to use things again and see how each child responds to it.  

Brylie's 1st Day of Preschool

I can't even believe that our little girl is now off to preschool.  I am so happy for the adventures that are ahead and can only hope that the school that we have chose for her will continue to help her develop personally, academically and spiritually.  Nick and I spent a great deal of time and prayer thinking about which school would be best for Brylie.  It was a far more difficult decision than I had ever imagined. I know that so much of a child's emotional wellbeing is created from birth to 5, so we wanted to think about how the people we bring into her life will help to be a positive addition.  Ultimately we liked this school for many reasons, but we love that it will encourage a relationship with Jesus Christ.  We know that academically she is challenged at home and want to make sure that we make every attempt to secure a spiritual foundation at a young age.  She is going twice a week for half a day.  Her 1st day Nick came with me to drop her off to school.  It is so nice that he shares in these special memories. It seemed like such a huge milestone as we walked her in and took many pictures to commemorate her 1st day at school.  Nick and I played with her on the playground and stayed until she went into her classroom. Brylie did have some hesitation about us leaving, but I think we may have overextended our stay.  When we left I held back the tears.  It was a very strange feeling to be without her, needless to say I was the 1st parent in the parking lot for pickup.  The smile she had as I walked into her classroom reassured me that she is in a good place. I am loving all the projects she comes home with and the fun things that she shares with me. In her 1st week she learned the pledge of allegiance and her language and relational skills are developing quickly.  I think we made a good decision with her school.  I am so excited to continue to watch her learn and see the person that she is growing into.

 The night before her 1st day of preschool I took a few pictures.  As i looked at her I had one of those moments where I couldn't believe how quickly she is growing up and how proud I am of her.  I am so lucky to be her mother and think that she is such a blessing to our family.

 

Growing so fast.

After putting her to bed I decorated her chalkboard to help her celebrate her 1st day of school.  It included some of the things that she loves as well as what she wants to be when she grows up.  

She was so proud to take a picture with her backpack on in front of her sign.

Holding up a sign in front of her school.

Checking out her new classroom with Daddy.

This is a look of pure excitement to start her day at school.

Cautiously exploring her new playground.

After picking her up we decided to go to our favorite frozen yogurt place as a special treat.  It was so much fun to have her back with me.  I love my girls!!

5 Months Old

5 Months old!!

Likes: Gracie likes to spend time in her exersaucer and loves to giggle.  It is the cutest thing to hear her laugh as she is playing with or watching her big sister. She has also found her feet and loves to grab and play with them.  She always seems so amazed by her feet and her hands.

Dislikes: Gracie is not a fan of these hot summer days and driving in her carseat.  You would think that they would have figured out a way to cool the car seat without comprising any of the safety features.  She is just a sweaty little mess after a few minutes in the hot carseat.

Tender Moments: I love how when laying in bed with Nick and I Gracie will turn to check to make sure we are both there.  She is usually in the middle of us and she will look over smile and sometime reach for one of us and then turn the other parent.  It is so cute how she goes back and forth and is so happy.