Soccer Starts!

Blakely has officially started soccer, and I have officially become a "Soccer Mom." (Well, minus the mini-van.) Today, we went to the soccer fields to watch as our little girl started a brand new sport. It was quite hilarious watching these little kids running around, trying to figure out exactly what to do. She is playing on a 6U AYSO team with 2 of her friends. They had their first practice 30 minutes before the game, so you can imagine how funny it was watching them try to figure it all out! Blakely was a little intimidated at first. She wasn't quite sure what to do with all those legs kicking at the ball at once. We have video of her actually kicking the ball and then running away from it during one of the plays! (This was my favorite moment...it was just too funny!) Her coach is our neighbor, and he is great with the kids. Even though Daddy was a little disappointed that Blakely didn't immediately become a super star, he was proud that she managed to make two goals! Once she figures out that she can be aggressive, we may just have a true soccer player on our hands...until then, more ecouraging words from Uncle Drew and Coach Todd will just have to do! Good job Blakley-boo!!! Go Stars Go!!!

Makenzie Time!

Spring Break also allowed for the two cousins to spend some time together! As you can see, even though Makenzie is only 3 weeks old, Blakely still seems to find different things for them to do together. She loves giving "baby cousin" Eskimo kisses, holding her in her arms, and laying down to rest with her...well, Blakely doesn't actually do much resting. They are having lots of fun getting to know each other. Makenzie already turns her head when she hears Blakely talking to her. I bet these two are going to have a blast together!!!

Spring Break Playdate!

On Thursday of our fabulous Spring Break, we headed to meet Abi and her Mommy for a playdate. We had lunch together at the girls' favorite spot (Chick-fil-a), then we headed back to Abi's house to have some fun! The girls played with all sorts of things inside before heading to the backyard. They discovered a new way to go down the slide together and had fun "riding" their horsey swings. Blakely and Abi always have lots of fun together, and I enjoy visiting with Marianne too! As always, Blakely was less than pleased when it came time to leave! Thanks from having us over, we had a great time!

First Zoo Trip of the Spring!

Last week was Blakely's official "Spring Break" from preschool. We weren't sure what the weather was going to be like, but it actually turned out to be pretty nice! On Tuesday, which was also St. Patrick's Day, we donned our green and headed to the zoo for a little Mommy/ Daughter time! It was a perfect day! We saw the prarie dogs out in their exhibit for the first time ever, the elephants were moving around too...even if they were a little stinky, and we watched the penguins as they were being fed their lunch. We packed our own picnic lunch which we enjoyed outside at the Safari Grill. Before we left, Blakely chose two souvenirs to mark our first trip to the zoo this Spring. What a great way to spend St. Patrick's Day during Spring Break!!!

Welcome to the Family Baby Cousin!

As you can see, we have recently welcomed the newest member to our family! My sister had Makenzie Grace on February 27th. Blakely was super excited about having a new "baby cousin." She couldn't wait for her to come out of her Aunt Suzi's tummy...and lots of questions had to be carefully answered about this wonderful phenomena. Unfortunately, the hospital where Makenzie was born wouldn't allow Blakely around her new cousin. So, we waited for her to come home, only to be thwarted by some viral thing. Needless to say, my little girl waited patiently to do what you see above! She couldn't give "baby cousin" enough kisses once they finally had their official meeting. She loves holding her and kissing her so much! As you can see, Nana is happy to have her two sweet little girls in her arms where she can give them lots of love!

Here is Blakely's post about the above collage...

This is my baby cousin and her name is Makenzie! I love my baby cousin with lots of, lots of kisses!!! I most like holding her because that way I can give her lots of kisses! Her head is so soft and I knew that she was going to be a girl, because they had the same doctor as I had when I was born. That's why I love my baby cousin!

Throw Me Something Mister!

During the week of Mardi Gras, Blakely's school had a Carnaval Celebration of their own...complete with floats and throws! The Greenhouse students (preschoolers & kindergartners) spent the month of February learning about Mardi Gras, and helping to make decorations and masks for the celebration. The kids were thrilled when the parents & teachers showed up with "real floats!" Senora Cindy(Blakely's Spanish teacher) took a few moments to go over the appropriate way to throw the beads & candy, they calmly loaded onto their floats, then off they went around the campus to throw their goodies to the crowds (first through fifth graders, and a few lucky parents). We were warned by the principal to keep our antics "G rated"...in other words, no authentic behavior to earn beads...ha ha ha! (It was actually pretty funny when she said it.) Anyway, the kids had a blast. I was really glad that I just happened to be lucky enough to be around when a parent was looking for someone to assist with the float decorating! After all that hard work throwing beads and candy, the kids headed back to their classrooms to end the celebration with some authentic King Cake...yum! A special thanks goes out to Mimi and Pops who sent a special package with authentic Mardi Gras throws & decorations!

More Great Pics of the Birthday Fun!

Blakely's 5th Birthday Party!

For Blakely's 5th birthday party, we headed to the mall to paint pottery at Liza Moz! It was a lot of fun! As you can see, we had lots of little 4 and 5 year olds ready to help Blakely celebrate her birthday! They started by choosing a piece to paint; then came the tricky part of letting them each choose their own colors. After a little chaos, everyone had their supplies and it was pure magic after that. Once everyone had a chance to paint their piece, we had a snack and sang happy birthday. Then it was off to unwrap the mountain of wonderful gifts her friends & family so generously gave! We weren't sure it was all going to fit in the car, but somehow we made it home with everything...even her balloons. As you can see from the pictures, everyone had a great time! She enjoyed having all her friends, family, and even her teacher join her to celebrate! What a party!!!!

Blakely's 5th Birthday with the Family!

On Friday, February 20th, 2009, our little girl turned 5!!! It is amazing how fast the time has gone by. After a family dinner at McDonald's (Blakely's choice), we went home to celebrate her birthday with all my siblings and Nana! Blakely wanted a chocolate purse cake, so I did my best. She wound up with poodle cupcakes, this cake, and a poodle cake...she was able to make lots of birthday wishes this year! It was the perfect ending to a special day, and she got lots of nice gifts...you can see her showing off one of the Calico Critters sets Nana got for her in the collage above. Happy Birthday Blakely Boo!!! We love you!

Blakely's 5th Birthday Party at School!

This was Blakely's first ever b-day party at school! Since she had chosen to have a pink poodle party this year, I decided to make poodle cupcakes for her class party. We sang happy birthday and let her make a wish before she blew out the candle. Everyone loved their chocolate poodle cupcakes! Blakely loves her class, and it was fun to have a little celebration with them at school on her actual birthday! Thanks for the memories everybody!!!