100th day of School 2012

For the 100th day of school, first grade decorated hats with 100 items and paraded them around the campus.  Julia had the idea of covering a chef's hat with cupcakes.  Well - we tried to figure out how to attach real, mini cupcakes, but it became a real mess.  So we went for the foam cupcake stickers.

Look at all the creative hats!!

Laker Legend

Being named a Laker Legend is one of the biggest honors at WPS.  Andrew was named a runner up his 7th grade year and a finalist his 8th grade year.  We were hoping that Katie would also achieve this honor ... and she did.  BIG TIME!!  She was named a finalist and she competed in the math competition.  That makes her momma very, very proud.  Not only was she named, but her close friends Claudia and Alex also were finalists.    They were recognized in front of the entire middle school and will travel to Las Vegas to compete against all the other Meritas Schools.  This was a great moment for a girl that works as hard as anyone I have ever met, gives 100% and sticks to her convictions.  Proud to be her mom!!

Cream of the Crop!

Proud Mommy and Daddy

Happy Katie - our Math Whiz!!

Jumping for Joy!

The Finalists

10 MOLTEN

So after mini club, Julia decided that she wanted to play a full season of club volleyball.  Club season runs from November - May!!  Wow ... that is a lot for a six year old.  OVA assured us that others had played at that young of an age and they did just fine.  So we took the plunge ... she has a really nice team.  Definitely not the most competitive group of girls, but we think it will be a great introduction.  Hopefully we will have some fun pictures throughout the season.  We also made the decision to purchase her sport goggles ... I think that it will be a big help.  

Cutest team ever with Coach Elaine and Alexander

Happy 10 Molten girls!

Best Server on the team!!

Great pass! 

Look at that focus

Super Speller

Julia won her class spelling bee and was one of the representatives for First Grade.  We have always known that Julia is a good speller, but didn't even realize she made it to the finals until someone congratulated us on her win!!  Sean and I went to watch the Spelling Bee and were surprised at a few of the parents of 1st and 2nd graders with binders and lists and acting like this was the finals of the BCS National Championship.  I guess this is a sport to some people.  One mom asked me what I did to prepare for the Spelling bee .... I don't think she liked my answer, "I took her to the school store and bought her a new bow!".  Julia did really well and made it through six or seven rounds.  She ended up finishing 4th and had a lot of fun.  One of he words was muse - I thought this was pretty hard, but she nailed it! She is hopeful that she can qualify next year.  Maybe we will download some practice lists ... 

A Stunner

 I love watching Julia and Katie together ... even though they are 7 years apart, they are very close.  One day,  I saw Katie take my camera and off they went.  She was doing a photo shoot with Julia.  These are some of the beautiful pictures that Katie took.  Julia is such a photogenic little girl!!  Love those big, brown eyes!!

Build - A - Bear

Julia and William got gift card from Aunt Melinda and Uncle Charlie for Build-a-Bear for Christmas.  We didn't waste any time.  We went to the mall right after New Year to get our new stuffed animals.  Julia wanted to take her bestie, Emily, so we all went to Florida Mall.  William got a koala bear he named MoJo, Julia got a crazy monkey and Emily went super pink with a pink bear in pink clothes.  We came back to the house and Julia and Emily and had a sleepover.  They played with their new animals all afternoon and evening.  Such a fun, simple day!

Happy New Year

What a wonderful way to spend January 1st ... a quick trip to the beach with my girls.  Looking forward to 2012.  A new year always brings excitement, hope and promise.  Love being a mom of five vibrant and unique children - bring on TWENTY TWELVE!

New Years Eve 2011

For the first time in a couple of years, we went out for New Year's Eve.  Thanks to the wonderful Tower family for hosting a family friendly New Years Party.  Us, the Garners and the Towers spent the evening playing games, eating, more eating, laughing, and just enjoying being together.  Everyone made it until midnight!!  Maybe next year we will host!!

Three great guys!!!

Besties ... lucky to have each other!

Can't wait to spend 2012 with these two guys!

The bookends ... love these guys!

The whole gang!!

Can't find a cuter partier anywhere!

Not the best picture of me ... looks like 2011 wore me out!!  Better work on that for 2012!