Maggie's 5th Birthday!

We celebrated Maggie's 5th birthday yesterday with a party at Learning Express Toy Store. It was a rousing success! Everyone we invited showed up and I think there were 18 kids total. They created sand art bracelets, made their own candy, played ring toss and pin the turtle on the turtle. There was also a pinata and cupcakes from Gigi's. After the party there was a special appearance by Dora. Maggie had a great time and got so many thoughtful gifts. Afterwards we had about 20 family members over for hamburgers and hot dogs and cake. It was a wonderful day and Maggie had so much fun. On Saturday, Maggie and I went to see Toy Story 3 for the second time. When we got in the car, she said she wanted to go see it again. I think we may wait for the DVD to come out.

Maggie has had a busy summer with camps at the Little Gym, swimming lessons, tennis lessons, and gymnastics. She begins kindergarten next Monday and is so excited. She is growing up wayyyyyy too fast.

Summer!!!

Well summer is finally here and it is soooooooooooo hot!!! Maggie has stayed busy thus far. Barbara and Maggie and Barbara's mom and aunt went to Baltimore the first weekend of June for Barbara's nieces' graduation. While there, Maggie bowled for the first time and even got a strike. They got home on Sunday and she began her first summer camp, which was called "step up" to kindergarten, the next day at OLPH with the kindergarten teachers. She had a great time and she is definitely ready to start school. She continues with gymnastics and also had her first tennis lesson last week. Barbara said she did great. I was at work so couldn't watch her. She was to also have her first swim lesson last week, but it was canceled due to bad weather. This past weekend we bought some of Maggie's uniforms for school and on Sunday we played in her pool and in the sprinkler. It was so much fun! This week is her first camp at the little gym. She had a great first day and is ready to go back tomorrow.

Preschool graduation

Maggie graduated from St. Martin's Preschool this morning. It was bittersweet as she will miss all her friends and teachers that have helped her grow so much this year, yet we are very excited for her to start kindergarten in the fall. She will be attending Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Catholic School in the fall and she can't wait. Barbara has been elected to the school board and we will strive to give her the best education possible.

Yesterday afternoon Maggie had her fingers and toes painted red, white and blue as the theme for the graduation was red, white and blue. They did an amazing job

Maggie's graduation was held at the Creative Discovery Museum this morning. A program consisting of prayer, songs, and the presentation of "diplomas" was followed by a cookie party and playing in the museum, and the new exhibit, "grossology", which was true to it's name. Unfortunately, my mother has bronchitis, Barbara's mother had a migraine headache, and Barbara's aunt has an eye infection, so they were not able to join us. Barbara's dad and wife did attend and we had a wonderful day. I videotaped the whole ceremony so at least everyone who was there in spirit will be able to watch the real thing.

We got a balloon bouquet and had it in her room this morning, she was so excited. She also was given a necklace with 2 bottle caps. One had her initial and one had OLPH for her new school. She also received a new hula hoop, a container for her pens/pencils, and a "hot potato" game (her favorite). We are so proud of her and amazed how she is growing up so fast. She amazes us more every single day.

school tea/soccer

Last week Maggie had her Spring Tea at school. All the kids wore hats (girls) and ties (boys) that they made and sang several songs. It was adorable and Maggie did great! She is growing up so fast and it's nice seeing her interact with other kids in her school.

Last Saturday was Maggie's last soccer game of the year. They actually had a doubleheader due to a rain out game and the games were followed by a pizza and inflatable party. Maggie enjoyed playing with Mia. Maggie scored her first goal... but it was for the other team She was excited regardless.

Spring Break/Dollywood

As always - we have remained busy. Maggie had her Spring Break 2 weeks ago and I took the week off and we had a "stay"cation. We went to the library, the zoo, the park (two of them) and just played at home. It was a great time! Maggie graduates from preschool on 5/28th and will be attending a prekindergarten camp in early June followed by several camps at the Little Gym. Last Saturday we took Maggie to Dollywood for the first time and we all loved it. We bought season passes so will be going back. Our house is still on the market and we have had better luck with viewings (2 today). Maggie is still playing soccer and we are hoping to have her take swim classes soon.