School is out, Beach is in

We enjoyed a perfect summer day at the beach in Stamford.  We were able to get both a Stamford Beach Pass this season as well as a Greenwich Beach Pass.  Today we headed to one of our favorites, West Beach in Stamford during low tide.

The kids especially love looking for all kinds of critters during low tide and running in the puddles and little waves.

Such good kids I have.

He found a hermit crab.

And a baby crab.  We did see one that was the size of a dinner plate but wasn't quick enough with the camera for that one.

Coastal sibling love.

He was so proud for capturing this crab.

The pose was all her.

Baby M at 32 weeks.  She likes the beach too!

More little critters.

This girl and her posing and flapping around in the water, cracks me up!

We all have a great day when we go to the beach.

Childhood at it's finest. It feels so good to be able to make these memories with the kids.  Even if they don't remember, I will.

New Canaan Dance Academy Annual Recital

We have been really looking forward to today!  It's Katie's very first official dance recital.  I started dancing when I was 3 and danced all the way up through high school, which was when other sports became a priority and demanded my attention.  I remember getting all dressed up in fancy costumes with my hair and make up done and having special dance rehearsals and dress rehearsals.  It was such a fun childhood memory that I could barely contain my excitement for Katie to be old enough to join a proper dance studio and have a similar experience to me.

We found a phenomenal dance studio in New Canaan that had a ballet class just for her and others her age.  She went every week during the school year and at the beginning of 2015 is when they started learning the dance routine that they would be performing in front of a very large crowd at the Stamford Palace Theatre.

After having two dance dress rehearsals the week before, all the little ballerinas were ready to hit the stage.  They all did an amazing job and as usual being the youngest in the entire show, they were a hit and highlight!!!  Lots of laughs, applause and flowers to be handed out after her first performance.  She was so proud and also really enjoyed watching the rest of the show that had every kind of dance imaginable.  Can't wait for next years performance!

Coloring while waiting in their dressing room.

Elsa's being patient and waiting their turn on stage.

After the show flowers and a picture with our star.

Here's a view of the back of her costume.

All that excitement can be a lot for a little one (who still sucks her thumb).

They say it's your birthday!

It's official.   Today marks my 33rd trip around the sun.  What an awesome journey it's been thus far.  After celebrating the kids last day of school earlier today, we celebrated my birthday in the evening.  Scott ordered a specialty cake for my birthday from Izzy B's Cakes in Norwalk a week prior and it was ready in time for my birthday! Thanks for being so thoughtful hunny!  They specialize in making cakes that have no allergen's.  

While a little pricey, it was totally worth it.  Now my only regret is that I have to wait another whole year before I can order another one!

Scott ordered me the hostess cupcake cake, which tasted just like you guessed it!

Bad lighting but good cake!

Kids helping put the candles on!

Silly face time!

Here's Katie's silly face.

All light up!

After making a wish, the kids helped blow them out!

Here's what my cake didn't have in it!  I know what you're thinking,....well what's left to put in a cake?!  Don't worry, there's plenty of good ingredients.

Last Day of School and Pre-K Graduation

Today was the last day of school at First Step Preschool.  We loved this school for our children for the last two years.  It was a perfect transition from staying at home as little toddlers to become more independent children.  The teachers loved on our kids like we would have, taught them so much practical knowledge and deepened their understanding of God and how much he loves us.  Unfortunately since we have moved even farther away, have one entering Kindergarten and the other entering preschool at different schools and a new baby, it's just too much for me to drive Katie back to Wilton for school so we had to say good bye.


The school put on a very cute graduation ceremony for the Pre-K 4 class (Michael's class) complete with caps they designed themselves, followed by a sing-along and brunch.

First Step Preschool - Prek 4 class.
Back Row- Savannah, Sam, Olivia, Michael, Rohan, Bly.
Front Row- Elliott, Lily, Madison, Bella, Kennedy, Parker. Missing - Beckett.

Singing the days of the week, months of the year and colors in English and Spanish.

Complete with hand signals.

Looking bored while they hand out diplomas.

Michael's turn.  Very official.

A hand shake and diploma.  

He's now ready for Kindergarten.

Teacher's say all the kids are ready for Kindergarten while they have to stay in preschool.

The graduate and his momma.

He can't believe it!

Miss Betsy, Michael and Miss Mary.

Michael with his "girlfriend" Kennedy.

So proud of him.

Ready for a sing along with Miss Amy.

Katie was very animated....

....and loud.

Michael was there too.  Hiding behind Elliott.

The bug and I.

Katie and Sophia.

Katie with Miss Kathy.

Perrott Memorial Library

Our first order of business after moving into our new place was library cards, naturally, NO?  Ha.  The kids were excited since at this library they could get their own library cards.  The only thing they had to do to get one was to be able to write their full names on the application.  We really love going to the library often and check out new books to read.  Mikey's current favorite is to find the lego books while Katie likes books on princesses and puppies and babies.  My favorite has been to checkout all the cookbooks that catch my interest.

They supposedly have great library programs during the summer for the kids and also we can check out guest passes for many museums, nature centers, camps, farms in the area for either free or a deep discount.

Library cards and stickers in hand.

The library is beautiful with lots of special places to sit and read.

Each time we go, the kids give the teddy's big hugs.