Optimism

Sophie doesn't cry anymore when Ella gets on the bus to go to school and leaves her behind, but I know she's just hoping that one of these days I'm going to let her get on the bus with Ella. Everyday, when it's time to walk to the bus stop she runs and gets her shoes and her treasure filled backpack, because when that day comes, she's going to be prepared.

Birthday-revisited

The Menu: Grilled Cheese, Doritos, Chocolate Milk, Chocolate M&M Cake

The presents: dress and watch from Grandma Jean and Grandpa Gordon, Cupcake baking set from Grandma Wendy and Grandpa Bob, and ...

a GPS from Mom and Dad?

We sent her on a treasure hunt to find her present from us.

Showing dad which way to turn.

Awesome sunset on the way to find the mystery present.

Incidentally, we didn't find her present that night. The bike we had picked out for her ended up being too small. Totally lame on our part, but she was a good sport about it and was excited to go home and eat cake.

We found the perfect bike 4 days later.
(I promise she was excited, it was just a little hot because there was no A/C).

Learning to ride: dilly-dahle style

Practicing balancing.

And they're off.

Poor Sophie was all ready to go with her "helmet," but got left behind...
again.

Doesn't she look all grown up?

And a few more cute pictures from today.

A little downpour, gale force winds, and a dozen balloons...

...don't make for an ideal photo session....


...but they sure make for one happy 5 year old!



Happy Birthday Ella!


N0w if you'll excuse me I've got some partying to do...the rest of the birthday photos will have to wait.

Question of the Day

From Ella...

Life Happens

When mom's taking a shower...

not quite freshly baked snicker doodles

+

glitter glue pens

+

Sophie

=

Either a delicious art project, or the latest trend in gourmet baking.

Dedicated to the memory of Dad's childhood baker's chocolate story.

Remember Sophie's sixth sense. We'll it clearly isn't very discerning when it comes to type of chocolate.

The strict mom in me says "serves you right for snitching chocolate out of the pantry without asking."

The photographer in me says "Here, let me get you some chocolate milk to chase the bitter flavor, and bribe you to take some photos with the chocolate."


Ella was wondering what all the fuss was about and asked to try some.

Her reaction was much less dramatic.

I found a few things about this photo interesting...

The lazy mom in me was hoping that this would cure the inappropriate snitching behavior.

I guess it's time for a pantry lock.