Last Day of Preschool

{For the year, of course. Lucky girl has a whole other year of preschool before having to enter the real world of Kindergarten.}

Do you remember this picture?
Three years old with a new baby brother, a new home, new school, new teachers and new friends.

Now, nine months later - a big, beautiful and very intelligent four-year-old who teared up at the thought of summer and could stay in school forever:

She took it all in stride and loved every minute of the "Thrilling Threes." Zoë's teachers were amazing - they went above and beyond in all aspects of their teaching and made the year special for both the children and their parents.

Ms. Larissa & Ms. Kate

The Best.

The Dayschool put on a precious program followed by hot dogs and ice cream out on the church lawn. Zoë was successful at stealing the show as she couldn't help but sing into the microphone set in front of her. Enjoy the Three's class performing the "Ice Cream Song." :)

What a great way to end the year! We look forward to many playdates this summer with all of her preschool friends.

The Day of All Days (Dr. Seuss Birthday Party)

Eighteen kids were stuck inside due to rain.
There were multiple meltdowns.
Blue frosting was smeared on the furniture.

There was chaos.

BUT

At the end, when I asked Zoë if she enjoyed her party, she said, "YES!"
And when I asked what her favorite part was, she said, "ALL OF IT!"
And, Isaiah thoroughly enjoyed his first cupcake.
That = success.

One happy One-year-old!

Happy to be 4!

Our Dr. Seuss themed feast

"Today is your birthday!
Today you are you! That is truer than true!
There is no one alive who is you-er than you!

I am what I am! That's a great thing to be!
If I say so myself, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!"

(Dr. Seuss - Happy Birthday To You!)

We celebrate the births and lives of these two amazing kids and celebrate God's goodness to our family. We are blessed to have Zoë & Isaiah in our lives and blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful family and friends!

Month 12: Happy, Happy Birthday!

Today, Isaiah turns ONE.
And, Zoë turns FOUR.

One year later, it is still mind-boggling that they share a birthday. This weekend we are throwing a big party to celebrate with family and friends! Two amazing kids. Two precious lives. One special day.

Isaiah,

You have grown up from a wrinkly little baby into a little man. Your charm is charm-ier than ever and your sweetness is almost unbearable. I love your smiles, your giggles, and how you always join in the laughter as if you know exactly what we are laughing about. I love your adventurous spirit and high energy...even though you drive me crazy with your climbing antics, your sneaky ways of getting into all the wrong places and your dangerous stick-everything-in-your-mouth habits. I love how you adore your big sister and are perfectly content to follow after her lead and play by her side.

You are such a delightful gift from God. I pray that as you learn to walk on your own two feet in these next few months, that you would also learn to walk in His ways. And as you learn to talk over this next year, that you would also learn to speak God's truth and listen for His voice. And just as you continue to crawl up into my arms and snuggle in my embrace, may you learn to love the embrace of your Savior and know that you are His Beloved.

Zoë,

What a beautiful, vibrant and tender-hearted girl you are! You are a delight to my heart and bring so much joy to my life. Your creativity is boundless; your cheerful energy is contagious; your empathy is compelling. I love to watch you play, create, direct, build, invent, dance, perform, sing and dream. I love how you always desire to bring others into your world, and I love how you will step out of your world to comfort someone who is hurt or sad. I love how you keep me accountable as a mother and teach me more than I can ever teach you. I love how you reach out to me as a friend and enjoy working together side by side. I love how you treasure your little brother and smother him with affection and attention.

You are an incredible gift from God. I pray that you would always reflect the radiance of your Creator, who has given you this abundant LIFE and filled you to overflowing with creativity to make and create. I pray that you would always walk out your pure childlike faith which gives you boldness in prayer, trust in God's healing, and confidence in His presence all around you. May you always "look for the real Jesus" and follow after His footsteps.

Happy, Happy Birthday to our two precious children. We love you more than words can say!

love,
Mommy & Daddy