Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Congratulations! 

Today is your day!

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

Kid, you'll move mountains!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So...get on your way!

- Dr. Seuss

Zoë had her last day of Preschool today and finished it off with a delightful program and graduation - with cap, gown and diploma! We are proud of our little graduate and excited for her to begin her adventure into the world of Kindergarten next year. (But not so fast...let's enjoy a long summer first.)

Wonderful teachers!

A couple of her PreK friends

Auntie Judy came to celebrate with us!

What a year it has been! Zoë grew and matured in many ways. Now she is 5 years old and ready to take on the world! Oh, the places you will go, Zoë! You really will move mountains.

Here is her first day of school picture from this year:

And here are her last day of school pictures:

This little buddy is excited for Zoë to be home for the summer!

He kept saying, "Congratulations, Zoë!" over and over after her program. So sweet!

This month has also been full of going places and people coming to visit us! During the first two weeks of May, we had both Zac's mom and my mom, as well as my brother Judah come to visit and celebrate Zoë and Isaiah's birthday. Judah stayed with us a full week and both kids thoroughly enjoyed having his undivided attention. :)

Within a day of Judah leaving, we packed ourselves into our van and drove 12 hours to Sioux City, Iowa - returning to Didi and Papa's house for the first time in nearly 5 years. It was time! And Zoë and Isaiah LOVED seeing their grandparents in their own home and playing with Daddy's old toys.

 We took a short interlude trip up to Minnesota to see Uncle Louis (Zac's good friend) and Uncle Ben (another good friend). We ate ridiculously good food and had a great time playing with Louis' dog Rev. And the kids were delightfully spoiled by their "uncles." :)

We then returned to Sioux City for a few more days at the Poppen house, unfortunately with sick little girl...who then decided to share her virus with the rest of us. Nonetheless, we enjoyed precious time with Didi, Papa and the beloved Gruncle Herm. 

That's enough going for us for awhile! Until the next big road trip...

Piano Recital 2016

This year I returned to my music education roots and started teaching beginning piano lessons to Zoë and two of our neighbor friends. It was a wonderful challenge and I was glad to find my creative pedagogy returned rather quickly - and I surely had more fun than the kids! ;) We had our spring recital this past weekend and all three of them did very well. Zoë completed the first book of the Farber "My First Piano Adventure" Series. I am a proud teacher and a very proud momma!

Enjoy Zoë's delightful performance! :)

A Gift

My dear precious girl,

You are my sunshine. Your smile can dissipate clouds of discouragement or sadness. Your full bodied laugh fills a room with cheer and your goofy antics can turn a scowl into a grin. You see wonder in the world in the small and simple and your delight in life opens my eyes anew to the beauty surrounding me each day.

You are a gift of joy.

You are my helper. My encourager. My friend. You desire to be with me and around me, working and playing, constantly sharing your thoughts and dreams, constantly desiring my full attention. You inspire me with your confidence in my ability and melt me with your love for me. Your empathetic heart brings comfort when I am distressed and your sweet words "It's Ok, Mommy," are like a warm balm to my soul. Your presence chases away the shadows of loneliness.

You are a gift of companionship.

You are my refining fire. Like crashing waves of the ocean, you smooth out the rugged rocks within me. You create opportunities to expose my ugliness - and when it shows, you are quick to point out my hypocrisy with kindness, returning my harsh words with a sweet touch. And when I recognize and repent, you are oh-so-ready to forgive. You show me forgive and forget. You lavish me with love unconditional. You show me Jesus.

You are a gift of grace.

You are my sweet song. You overflow with creativity. Your mind is continually writing a dramatic script and you invite the world into your story. You fill our home with delightful melodies, graceful movement, brilliant colors and well-crafted designs. 

You are a gift of beauty.

You have been excited about many gifts on this special day, your birthday - gifts given out of great love that have brought you great joy! And yet, the truth is that the greatest gift given on this day is the gift of YOU. 

I am thankful for you, my gift. I thank God for sending you into my life five years ago and changing my world forever. You are dearly and deeply loved.

Always yours,

Mommy

We celebrated our big FIVE year-old with an "Owl" party in the park,

involving many of the things Zoë loves.

It was a hoot!

Watercolor painting

Bubbles and a nature walk

Lola and Uncle Judah came a long way for the celebration!

And Owl cupcakes :)

We are so grateful for the sweet friends and family that celebrated with us!

The birthday boy got some snuggle time with Didi

Little brother with his owly friend

Cousins

After-party back at home

Happy Birthday, Zoë! 

We love you!