and cream....

Beatrice is taking weekly swim lessons again and today, on the way out, her classmate Jaden, a very sweet boy,  waved at Bea and exclaimed clear as anything:  "Good night Peaches!"

Memorial Day

Who needs Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Halloween, or Thanksgiving?

"Mama, now that my birthday's over, I think it's time to start talking about Christmas...."

Hello Kitties at FunFest (School/Church Carnival)

Field Trip (Southwick Zoo)

I couldn't have planned a better day off yesterday, with a near-80 degree sunny day for Bea's field trip. This was the first time that I chaperoned, and I really lucked out. She and best buddy Rowan were my little group and it was just an awesome time.

 

This picture makes me flash forward to these two backpacking in Europe together 15 years from now!

 

As I arrived at Bea's school before the trip, Ethan (shown below), the absolute sweetest little boy, came to me and very genuinely asked "How come Beatrice never talks to me every time I keep trying and trying?"  As he said this, my girl who is still ridiculously shy/rude/coy/completely inattentive to most boys or men, hid behind my back.  At least she tolerated being within six feet for this photo, and even mustered a smile.

Pepere, Lolo, and Lola

On Bea's actual birthday, and Lolo and Lola's last day visiting, we headed to the Brazilian restaurant for dinner with the grandparents.  Back at the house, we had ice creams and opened the remaining presents.

A rare photo of me, Dad, and Bea:

And one of her with her three grandparents:

                                      

Roasted pineapple for dessert:

My big girl:

                                                  

Back at home to play with Fairy Gardens and Merry-Go-Rounds:  The stuff 5-year old dreams are made of:

Mother's Day

What a splendid day and weekend!  Mother's Day started with breakfast in bed, presents, a "Thanks for being born Mama," then church with all 3 grandparents, then off to an incredible dim sum lunch, followed by a quick stop at the casino, back home for excitement as Sula slipped out the door into the woods for an hour, and finally some nice relaxing time at home. Beatrice enjoyed playing with some of her birthday presents, including this elaborate gigantic music box from Uncle Moe & Aunt Sharon:

Gotta love dim sum...where else can five people eat their fill of more than a dozen dishes for $53?

                                                

                                       Bea donned one of her new dresses and headbands for the day:

In front of the Chihuly glass waterfall at Mohegan Sun:

Back at home, Lola did a pedicure:

To put some stress into the day, this beast (our dog Sula, in case you don't recognize her) escaped and came back looking like the stuffed wolf we'd seen at the casino:

And here we are before dinner finally getting to some Mother's Day photos:

Party Time

We celebrated Beatrice's 5th birthday at Roseland Park once again with about 30 friends and family.  There were threats of rain all day, but the weather cooperated and good time was had by all! Her requests were "have Daddy's band play," Chinese food, "have everyone do a piece of art for me," and a Coldstone Creamery Cake. She also wanted flower cookies, like she had last year.  Can you find the "B" candle?

Balloons are always a must-have:

Friends from school came:

Lily and Lucy from dance class:

                                               

Of course, the most special part of this birthday was that Rachel now lives close enough to come!  It was so wonderful to see her beautiful face amidst our family and friends:

Jillian and her family spent the day with us too:

 "Uncle Kevin" did a brief concert for the kids, which was a huge hit!

Bea couldn't help but run over to hug her sax-playin' Daddy in between songs:

The other of Bea's requests, was for her guests to create a painting for her.  Anthony led this activity and suggested a "spring" theme.  These canvases were awesome!

Time for cake!

My nephew Shawn and my great-niece Olivia:

Cousins Truman and Hank arrived and headed to the tether ball:

Rachel came back to the house and enjoyed some mic time:

Her mommy has a beautiful voice too!

A spontaneous Dance Party erupted:

But the girls were too busy with the play-doh bakery set:

We love you 5-year old.  We can't wait to see what the next year will bring!