Some Cousins and a Lightning McQueen Car!

Family!

I promised my mom that I would take some pictures of her grandkids for her birthday present. Given that my sister, brother-n-law, and favorite nephew live all the way in Phoenix, it isn't often that the cousins get to spend time together. These pictures aren't perfect by any means, but I thought they caputred just how much these kids love each other.

Even More B-Day Pics!

More Birthday Party Pics!

Happy 6th Birthday Maya!!!

I can't believe our favorite girl is "6" today. We celebrated big time with a good Ole Cowgirl/Cowboy themed party. A huge thanks to our friends Colleen and Randy for hosting such an amazing afternoon full of hayrides, horse rides, potato sack races, games, and a real gold hunt. Fun was definately had by all!

A Cowgirl and a Cowboy!

A Boy and His Balloons!

The Princess and the Princess!

More First Day of Preschool Pics!

Kai's First Day of Preschool!

After an evening of packing his Toy Story backpack, picking out an outfit to wear, and talking all about preschool, his special day finally arrived.

Kai was so excited to get ready for school that he decided to wear his new backpack to Maya's bus stop this morning. He told me is was "for practice". Of course it wasn't to show all the neighbors his cool new Toy Story backpack and to talk about his first day of school. At the bus stop, we were greeted with the best pumpkin and cinnamon doughnuts from our local apple orchard, compliments of our neighbor Deb and her daughter Anna. What a great treat for Kai on this special day.

After Maya got on the bus, it was time for me to drive Kai to school. He happily jumped out of the car and headed for the entrance. He was welcomed to school by his very own Didi which put a huge smile on his face. When we got downstairs, Kai found his cubby, walked into his classroom and found his name tag, and immediately began playing in the "happy home" area. He finally turned to me and said "O.K. mommy, you can get out of here now". Wow, when did Kai grow up.

As I left his preschool room, I suddenly realized that this would be the first time ever that both of our kids are in school at the same time. I have to admit this thought did bring a tear to my eye.

When Maya and I picked up Kai from school, he immediately told us all about a dinasour hunt that he had gone on. He also quickly reminded me that the dinaours were pretend and not real. It was very obvious that he absolutely LOVED his first day of school. We celebrated by going out to lunch to Daily Queen where we met Papa.

Kai, we are so proud of you for being so brave and independent on your first day of preschool. Mommy and Daddy love you so much.