Last Water Day

When it's 80 degrees and one splash pad in Park Ridge is still open - you head there after school to enjoy all of the warmth before it disappears. We packed up snacks and suits and spent most of the afternoon in the water and the park. What a way to end September!

(My loves) 

(Look at those missing front teeth!) 

Girls Day

Having a daughter at the same time as your best friend is amazing because you get to have birthday traditions like lunch and nails. Josie and Evy are 7 days apart so last year we thought it would be fun to take the girls our for lunch and dinner and we are continuing the tradition! This year we went to Houlihan's for lunch and then nails. The girls are one year older, but just as happy!  

It's the most wonderful time...

This store did not get the memo that is only September, but Evy was thrilled to see Santa. Can you find her in the Christmas chaos? 

Charlie O' Lantern

The tooth was hanging and it was gross - real gross. I think Mrs. Christina was praying it would be out before Monday so she did not have to watch him play with it all day.  Charlie kept coming up with ideas and plans to pull it out, but he couldn't do it. At the start of Evy's party, Auntie Gail was over  and she told him she was going to pull it out. He said ok and I don't even think she had to pull, but out it came! Looks like she is taking over for Uncle Eddie in the tooth pulling department. I think both Auntie Gail and Charlie were in shock, but at long last the tooth is out! 

Lemonade only $1

After weeks of begging, daddy finally set up the lemonade stand they built. The excitement lasted about 30 minutes in the heat and they only had one customer. Not a lot of foot traffic on our street! At least they tried - and their lemonade was delicious! 

Happy 4th Birthday Evy

Our beautiful, talkative, kind and funny little girls turns 4 today. She wakes up smiling and goes to sleep smiling. She is one of the happiest little girls I have ever met. She has a kind heart and loves her family. She loves all animals, especially dogs, but she would really like a live unicorn for her birthday. She likes to make friends wherever she goes, she is not afraid to talk to anyone. She always wants to play. Her favorite playtime activity is babies, my little ponies, and barbie house. She loves riding her scooter in the back yard and she rides so fast I often catch myself holding my breath. Today, she hopped on her brand new two wheel princess bike and took off. One more thing to worry about! She likes to get her nails done with mommy, but prefers the full manicure/pedicure treatment. She loves back rubs, especially at bedtime and still does not sleep as long as I would like. Evy's smile and excitement is contagious and we are so luck to have such a happy, loving person in our family. Our family is complete because of Evy and I cannot wait to see what the next year brings.

(Her anticipation and her unicorn cake...blowing out her 4th candle at her party!) 

(Love her funny smiles these days!) 

(She is a girly girl, but don't mess with her!) 

(She loves her pinatas!Thanks Uncle Brian and Aunt Elly) 

(Evy riding her new two-wheel bike!) 

And She's Off...

Today was Evy's turn to start school - her first day of 3's Preschool! Although she kept telling us she was nervous, she gave me a hug and walked right into her classroom like a pro. No nerves at all once we arrived! 

(evy gets to hold a sign now) 

(evy is working on smiling these days - but this was the best I could get!) 

(almost looking...)

(this is where evy will be for the year) 

(yay school!) 

(teacher nailed it...pink crayon on her locker!)

(she's settled in) 

(last year stepping stones and this year preschool - she's getting so big!) 

(her first picture from class)

Getting Ready for School

Today, Evy and I had a back to school pampering day. (yes, I am probably creating a monster but it sure is fun!) First we got Evy's hair cut and then we got her nails and toes painted before heading to lunch. She was very happy to have a day all about her! 

(hair done)

(nails done) 

Spelling Professional

This kid...first spelling test of the year and he got all of his words right! To top it off, he took a pretest today and got all of the words right (words that he had never seen before) so he moved up to challenge words this week. I think he is going to have an amazing year! 

Evy's Got Balance

Evy did not seem to take to her balance bike, which was surprising because she is so coordinated. After talking about her biking Matt and I realized she needed more space than just our driveway. Matt took her to the post office parking lot and as we suspected - no problem with balance!

Labor Day Fun

We met the Martin's at the Morton Arboretum on Sunday. The kids spent almost three hours running and sweating. It's so fun to watch these kids play - besties for life! 

(funny tree house faces)

(more funny faces at the park)