A selfie in the car on the way to camp.
Pit Stop at McDonald's for lunch!
One last sister hug goodbye.
Dropping your sister off at camp is EXHAUSTING!
I can't wait to hear all about Cassidy's adventures at camp!
Sunday, June 29, 2014
The Duck Has Flown The Coop
We dropped our Baby Duck off at camp today! She was SO EXCITED to get there, and I was very impressed with the facilities and staff. I could tell she was relieved when her friend Hannah arrived. I think those two girls are going to have a terrific week!!
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Blueberry Picking
Our Parent Connect group at church organized a super-fun trip to a local farm for blueberry picking, followed by a picnic at the park today. It was a truly wonderful, easy day.
Cassidy leaves for her first overnight camp tomorrow, and there was really no better way we could have spent our time today. The weather was perfect and we were surrounded by some of our closest church friends. I've started to feel a little nervous at the thought of letting Cassidy spend a whole week away from us, and I can tell the nerves are starting to get to Cassidy as well - she's getting very quiet and a little clingy.
One of the parents in the Parent Connect group is a seasoned mother, and spending the day with her was a huge blessing for our family. Sometimes you just need to be around people who have been in your shoes and know just what to say... and today was one of those days!
Today is a day that I'll remember for the rest of my life - and not because of what we did... but for who we were with.
Cassidy leaves for her first overnight camp tomorrow, and there was really no better way we could have spent our time today. The weather was perfect and we were surrounded by some of our closest church friends. I've started to feel a little nervous at the thought of letting Cassidy spend a whole week away from us, and I can tell the nerves are starting to get to Cassidy as well - she's getting very quiet and a little clingy.
One of the parents in the Parent Connect group is a seasoned mother, and spending the day with her was a huge blessing for our family. Sometimes you just need to be around people who have been in your shoes and know just what to say... and today was one of those days!
Blueberry picking!!!
We also bought some fresh corn!
We picked a TON of blueberries!
Today is a day that I'll remember for the rest of my life - and not because of what we did... but for who we were with.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Camper of the Session
When I arrived at camp this afternoon, the Camp Director said he had a surprise for me. He was holding a disciplinary form in his hand, so I obviously assumed it was a BAD surprise.
"Who did it??" I asked.
Luckily, he said not to worry - it was a GOOD surprise. A minute later, Campbell came through the back door with her face painted. I thought maybe that was the surprise, but Cassidy broke the news before I could even ask.
Campbell was chosen as Camper of the Session!!!!
I was genuinely shocked - there are about 275 kids at that camp every week, and Campbell was chosen out of all of them!! What a huge honor (and quite honestly, a shock!).
Campbell got a Camper of the Session biscuit (it's in her hand in the picture below) and was SO PROUD of that piece of wood. We stopped at 7-11 for Slur-pees on the way home to celebrate!
Way to go, Nugget!!!
"Who did it??" I asked.
Luckily, he said not to worry - it was a GOOD surprise. A minute later, Campbell came through the back door with her face painted. I thought maybe that was the surprise, but Cassidy broke the news before I could even ask.
Campbell was chosen as Camper of the Session!!!!
I was genuinely shocked - there are about 275 kids at that camp every week, and Campbell was chosen out of all of them!! What a huge honor (and quite honestly, a shock!).
Campbell got a Camper of the Session biscuit (it's in her hand in the picture below) and was SO PROUD of that piece of wood. We stopped at 7-11 for Slur-pees on the way home to celebrate!
Way to go, Nugget!!!
Monday, June 23, 2014
Dance Recital(s) 2014
Our dance studio is continuously getting bigger, so this year's recital was split into 4 shows. Cassidy was in the Production at the end of every show, but all of her technique class routines and other competition routines were in Show 4. All of Campbell's performances were also in Show 4.
That made things easy from a Grandparent perspective. The girlz routines were split across shows last year, so the Grandparents had to choose between the two shows or watch both. They could attend one show this year and see everything.
Although that made the Grandparent's lives easier, it made me a ball of nerves for Show 4. Many of the girlz performances had one routine in between, so I spent the entire show in a mad rush changing somebody's costume. In true Project Manager form, I had all of the costumes and shoes laid out in order with a color-coded spreadsheet attached to our garment rack. I missed every performance of the entire show with the exception of the Senior Solos, the Production, and the trophy presentation. I've been told the girlz did a terrific job. I can't wait to see the DVD!
I was way too busy to get any pictures during the costume changes, but I did get a few after the dust had settled...
Nicely done, girlz!!!!
That made things easy from a Grandparent perspective. The girlz routines were split across shows last year, so the Grandparents had to choose between the two shows or watch both. They could attend one show this year and see everything.
Although that made the Grandparent's lives easier, it made me a ball of nerves for Show 4. Many of the girlz performances had one routine in between, so I spent the entire show in a mad rush changing somebody's costume. In true Project Manager form, I had all of the costumes and shoes laid out in order with a color-coded spreadsheet attached to our garment rack. I missed every performance of the entire show with the exception of the Senior Solos, the Production, and the trophy presentation. I've been told the girlz did a terrific job. I can't wait to see the DVD!
I was way too busy to get any pictures during the costume changes, but I did get a few after the dust had settled...
Nicely done, girlz!!!!
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Campbell's 72-Month Well Baby Check-Up
The short story: Campbell is fine, but the appointment didn't go exactly as I'd planned.
The long story: Campbell was so excited about her doctor's visit today that she dressed up in her Doc McStuffins lab coat and brought along her doctor bag with her most important doctor tools. She was ready!
All the nurses and office associates oohed and ahhed over her outfit and her doctor tools. Everything was going GREAT until we got to the part where the doctor asks questions.
It's no secret that Campbell's eating habits are atrocious. She never eats anything green and flat-out refuses to eat any fruits or vegetables. Cheerios and candy have carried her to where she is today - a 41-pound, 44-inch tall 6 year-old. It's been an ongoing issue for several years, and I mentioned that it doesn't seem to be getting better as she gets older.
The doctor looked at her measurements to check her growth rate. Unfortunately, the nurse input one of her measurements incorrectly and she was deemed underweight. LT and I were treated a nearly hour-long review of healthy eating habits and ideas to trick Campbell into eating better. It wasn't until I mentioned her weight that the doctor took another look at her measurements and realized a decimal was misplaced.
It turns out, Campbell is perfectly proportioned. Her eating habits still need improvement, but she's not underweight.
Even still, it was good for Campbell to hear a strong message from the doctor about healthy eating choices. I'm hoping today's discussion will help grease the wheels and make her a little more open to new foods.
I can hope, right?
Oh, and by the way... she also has an ear infection.
BOO!
The long story: Campbell was so excited about her doctor's visit today that she dressed up in her Doc McStuffins lab coat and brought along her doctor bag with her most important doctor tools. She was ready!
All the nurses and office associates oohed and ahhed over her outfit and her doctor tools. Everything was going GREAT until we got to the part where the doctor asks questions.
It's no secret that Campbell's eating habits are atrocious. She never eats anything green and flat-out refuses to eat any fruits or vegetables. Cheerios and candy have carried her to where she is today - a 41-pound, 44-inch tall 6 year-old. It's been an ongoing issue for several years, and I mentioned that it doesn't seem to be getting better as she gets older.
The doctor looked at her measurements to check her growth rate. Unfortunately, the nurse input one of her measurements incorrectly and she was deemed underweight. LT and I were treated a nearly hour-long review of healthy eating habits and ideas to trick Campbell into eating better. It wasn't until I mentioned her weight that the doctor took another look at her measurements and realized a decimal was misplaced.
It turns out, Campbell is perfectly proportioned. Her eating habits still need improvement, but she's not underweight.
Your child is 41 pounds, and that is
at the 26th percentile for weight.
Your child is 44 inches, and that is
at the 26th percentile for height.
Even still, it was good for Campbell to hear a strong message from the doctor about healthy eating choices. I'm hoping today's discussion will help grease the wheels and make her a little more open to new foods.
I can hope, right?
Oh, and by the way... she also has an ear infection.
BOO!
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Let's Celebrate One More Time!
We've always taken the girlz to the toy store as part of their birthday celebration. Toys R Us has a cool Birthday Club and the girlz genuinely look forward to the birthday balloon, crown, and having their birthdays announced on the store intercom.
Campbell had already gotten several pretty extravagant birthday celebrations, but I couldn't say no when she asked if we would be able to go to Toys R Us for her birthday.
And really, who could say no to this sweet face? Not me!
You only turn 6 once, right?
We ended up walking in the doors of the store 10 minutes before a big Lego Movie event was about to start. So on top of everything else, we got new Legos!!! YAY!!!
I believe this may be the end of Campbell's marathon birthday celebration... until she comes up with the next fun idea!
Campbell had already gotten several pretty extravagant birthday celebrations, but I couldn't say no when she asked if we would be able to go to Toys R Us for her birthday.
And really, who could say no to this sweet face? Not me!
You only turn 6 once, right?
We ended up walking in the doors of the store 10 minutes before a big Lego Movie event was about to start. So on top of everything else, we got new Legos!!! YAY!!!
I believe this may be the end of Campbell's marathon birthday celebration... until she comes up with the next fun idea!
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Campbell's Birthday Celebration at Great Wolf Lodge
Campbell had asked to celebrate her birthday at Great Wolf Lodge, so I booked us a room and included the birthday package this time. This trip makes the third time we've been there in about 6 months. It seems like the older they get, the more they love it!
Sunday was a super-busy day. Nana had come over first thing in the morning to squeeze in some time with Campbell for her birthday. Then Campbell went to a birthday party and Cassidy had dance team auditions. Once everybody was back home, we packed up the car and headed out. Thankfully, it only takes us about 25 minutes to get there!
So if recent history is a good indicator of things to come, we should be heading back to Great Wolf Lodge within about three months. Oddly enough, LT is scheduled to attend a conference there in early September.
Call me crazy, but I'm feeling like the girlz and I might be going with him!
Sunday was a super-busy day. Nana had come over first thing in the morning to squeeze in some time with Campbell for her birthday. Then Campbell went to a birthday party and Cassidy had dance team auditions. Once everybody was back home, we packed up the car and headed out. Thankfully, it only takes us about 25 minutes to get there!
We have arrived!!
The girlz found Rachel the Raccoon, (Campbell's favorite) right away!
Eating lunch on the balcony
The birthday package included a card, a poster for the room door, balloons, and a birthday cake!
A poolside lunch on day 2!
Playing mini golf!
The girlz with their new friends... no surprises here -- Campbell chose Rachel and Cassidy chose Violet!
They even got glitter tattoos!
We stopped for a picnic lunch at Pierce's on the way home. What a fun birthday Miss Campbell has had!!
So if recent history is a good indicator of things to come, we should be heading back to Great Wolf Lodge within about three months. Oddly enough, LT is scheduled to attend a conference there in early September.
Call me crazy, but I'm feeling like the girlz and I might be going with him!
Friday, June 6, 2014
Happy Birthday, Campbell!
I can hardly believe Campbell turns 6 years old today. When I look back, it feels like the last 6 years have passed by super-quickly. The weird thing is that the daily chaos and hysterical meltdowns also make those same six years feel like a lifetime.
It's strange how that works.
So today we get to celebrate Miss Campbell and all the joy and fun she adds to our lives. We have been abundantly blessed!
Happy Birthday, Campbell!
It's strange how that works.
So today we get to celebrate Miss Campbell and all the joy and fun she adds to our lives. We have been abundantly blessed!
Happy Birthday, Campbell!
Hello, Nugget!
You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
Oh, the places you'll go!
Thursday, June 5, 2014
The Last Day of School!
Today is the last day of school!!
I took a few pictures this morning so I could see how the girlz have changed from the first day of school to the last day of school. Cassidy didn't seem to change too much, but I can see a huge change in Campbell. She looks so grown up!
I took a few pictures this morning so I could see how the girlz have changed from the first day of school to the last day of school. Cassidy didn't seem to change too much, but I can see a huge change in Campbell. She looks so grown up!
Cassidy was VERY excited to rip the last link off of our Final Countdown paper chain this morning.
Welcome, summer!!
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Kindergarten Graduation 2014
Campbell and her Posse graduated from Kindergarten last night. I was one of a handful of parents tasked with planning and pulling the whole thing off, so all of my attention and time for the last few weeks has been focused on this ceremony.
It was terrific, and the kids did SUCH a good job with their speaking parts! Campbell was fantastic, and I was so very proud of her.
The children wore caps, gowns, mortarboards, and tassels. They even processed in to Pomp & Circumstance. And just as I expected, I was a hot mess. I just can't believe that my little nugget is old enough to be participating in all of this!
She was so grown up when she shook the Headmaster's hand and accepted her diploma.
Watch out, First Grade! Here comes Campbell!
It was terrific, and the kids did SUCH a good job with their speaking parts! Campbell was fantastic, and I was so very proud of her.
The children wore caps, gowns, mortarboards, and tassels. They even processed in to Pomp & Circumstance. And just as I expected, I was a hot mess. I just can't believe that my little nugget is old enough to be participating in all of this!
She was so grown up when she shook the Headmaster's hand and accepted her diploma.
Campbell says "Peace out, Kindergarten. I'm going to First Grade!"
Campbell and her phenomenal teacher, Mrs. H!
Watch out, First Grade! Here comes Campbell!
Monday, June 2, 2014
Campbell's Classroom Celebration
It's not a birthday until we bring cupcakes to school. So guess how I spent my afternoon?
Like this!
Campbell chose a beach theme for this celebration, so I gave the kids leis and played beach Boys music on my iPod. The plates and napkins had a fun beach scene on them.
Simple, but fun!
Campbell chose a beach theme for this celebration, so I gave the kids leis and played beach Boys music on my iPod. The plates and napkins had a fun beach scene on them.
Simple, but fun!
She's already had an outstanding birthday, and it's not even her birthday yet!!
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Nugget's Birthday Party
We celebrated the nugget's 6th birthday this weekend. We decided to do something a little different this time around -- since this girl LOVES Sweet Frog, we rented a limo to take her and her best friends to Sweet Frog and followed it up with a sleepover at our house.
They all had a terrific time, but I was completely exhausted by the time we said goodbye to the last party guest this afternoon. Whew!
I suspect this will be a party she'll never forget!
They all had a terrific time, but I was completely exhausted by the time we said goodbye to the last party guest this afternoon. Whew!
The Posse, headed to Sweet Frog in the limo!
We spent the rest of the afternoon decorating t-shirts and playing.
And eating cake, of course!
I suspect this will be a party she'll never forget!