Christmas: Part Deux

Cousins, cousins, cousins everywhere. 

Simone played hard with all of her cousins all holiday long.  From gift exchanging to building a clubhouse to sleepovers to yoga to making homemade cotton candy.  The fun just went on and on...

The gang of girls, all getting so grown up!!

Posing in dad's Christmas present.

Christmas morning -- Simone definitely made it onto Santa's nice list!

Watching a movie with cousin Jack.

 After lots of hours playing at the house, we all set out to the local bowling alley for an afternoon of bowling.  It was actually Simone's first time bowling and she told me, "mommy, this is my favorite place EVER!"  ha! so much for Disney World!

It took us over two hours to play just a single game with all the kids, but we had a terrific time.  And they just loved playing together so much! Even though we live far away, we are so happy Simone gets this time to make these memories with her cousins.

Christmas Time Again!!!

We're still in the midst of Christmas fun, but wanted to wish everyone happy holidays!  Simone is loving being with her cousins for all the traditional festivities.

With Santa at pre-Christmas brunch.

On Christmas Eve before Mass.

 A pose before Holy Night supper.

Opening gifts after dinner.

A hug with mommy before bed.

Two Pieces of Cuteness

Just a quick post to share two adorable Simone moments.  First, we visited some friends on Saturday night who just had a little girl.  Simone was like a little mommy and totally loved that the baby sat quietly on her lap for at least 15 minutes.  She was proud of herself for being able to hold her alone.

 And then, mommy and daddy's proud moment (warning: brag alert!).  Today we had Simone's first parent teacher conference.  Her teacher gave us an outstanding report.  She said Simone is reading and writing well above her grade level and is super creative and considerate.  We were so proud!



But here's where our hearts really melted.  Outside of the classroom, the different grades had some of their work on display in the hallway.  Simone's class had turtles and "friendly letters".  Here was Simone's letter...

And again, easier to read...

Happy Halloween!

Well, we had our second Halloween in the neighborhood, and after we carved our pumpkin and got all the candy ready we joined the neighbors' annual pre-trick or treat party. Then daddy and Simone hit the street while mommy stayed home to hand out candy.  Here's a little taste of our evening...

Our family jack-o-lantern -- a happy face this year.  Sadly, he only lasted one night.  We woke up this morning to find him smashed on the street.  (Yep, there are still jerks in the world. )

Simone decided that she wanted to be a witch for Halloween.

We added some pizzaz to her costume with glitter eyeshadow and dramatic black lipstick.  When she saw herself in the mirror she said, "wow, I never looked like this before!"

It was astounding to see just how many kids there are on our few blocks of the community.

Simone and Hanna were trick or treat buddies all night.

Daddy's costume was low key this year. 

 Next up... Thanksgiving.  We can't wait for the holiday season to begin, so MUCH fun in store!!!

An Autumn Tradition

Today we took our annual visit to the Cox Farm Fall Festival with some friends.  We had splendid weather and a very fun afternoon.  Simone really loves this place, and frankly, what's not to love? Running, climbing, swinging, riding, sliding... every kid's idea of a great Saturday afternoon.

Mommy was not on her game with the photography today, I just couldn't catch a good shot of Simone coming down the slides. 

On the hayride... This year they added some live horses to the ride which Simone totally loved.  It was a nice touch.

And of course, our favorite slide.  Mommy and Simone came down holding hands the whole way.  Simone thought that was pretty neat.  She called me her best mommy. lol!

And finally, what would the visit be without standing in the humongous feet.

A fun but tiring day.  We came straight home and Simone snuggled in with daddy to watch a movie while mommy made dinner.  And Simone worked up quite an appetite too because she scarfed down more roasted cauliflower and pumpkin ravioli than I ever thought her little belly could handle.  We'll all sleep well tonight!

Spooky BINGO!

Tonight was Spooky Bingo at Simone's school -- a whole new experience for us.  The PTO did a great job organizing a really fun family night -- a pizza dinner, costume contest, and bingo game. We got to meet some of Simone's new first grade friends and explore her school.

Simone dressed up as a pirate princess because she wanted to save her  real Halloween costume for Halloween. 

Simone joined the whole crowd of kids for a photo op. 

By the second game, Simone was a pro at daubing the bingo card.

Daddy too got in on the bingo action! 

Needless to say, we didn't win any prizes, which made Simone leave the event in tears.  Nevertheless, we explained to her that the most fun part is playing, and after a stop for consolation ice cream on the way home we all agreed it was a great night after all!

Happy 6th Birthday!

Six years ago today we welcomed our little girl into our family-- incredible--a day we'll never forget.  It's been quite a ride ever since, but we'd be lying if we said we'd trade one single second of it for anything else in the world.  Simone brings us more joy than we could have imagined, and the last six years have gone way too fast.

Today she told me, "Mommy I really love birthdays -- especially when they are MY birthday."  LOL!  hey, she's honest!

Posing after birthday brunch.


Simone wanted to pick her entire outfit on her own today.  So of course it was her frilliest dress with sparkly pink shoes and a multicolor beaded necklace.  She looked in the mirror once she was dressed as said, "There, perfect.  I think I look beautiful enough for a birthday."  I had to agree. lol!

Yep, SIX years, and we STILL struggle to get her to look at the camera.  

Simone's main birthday gift was a new big girl bike.  She's got a lot of practicing before she'll be able to ride without the training wheels.  But daddy helped her go for a quick spin to try out her new wheels.

FIRST Grade Has Arrived!!

Today was major -- Simone's first day of elementary school.  And considering we had to leave the house nearly a whole hour earlier than we are used to, it went pretty smoothly.  Simone was so excited and was very cooperative in her new morning routine.  It will still take some practice, but we're on the right track.

The school mascot is the wildcat, and each of the grades are referred to as a type of cat.  First grade classes are the cheetahs, so Simone thought it was best to wear her cheetah shirt for the first day. And she picked out her own backpack this year -- pink zebra print for little miss fashion!

Last Friday was Open House/orientation--here's a taste of Simone getting to know her new school... 

This is Simone's desk.  Her teacher is Mrs. Clark, who runs a "Seussville" classroom.  

Standing at her desk.

And of course we had to check out the cafeteria.  Aside from the bus, the cafeteria was the concept that most fascinated Simone.

Her biggest surprise, however, was the school gym.  She'd never been in a gym before and she was impressed!  She said, whoa mommy, what do we do in here?!

We also joined the PTO and already ordered all the requisite Spirit Wear. 

Outside the school.

And finally, a pose on the school's "Pride Rock".


So, the first day was officially a success.  Simone told me that today was the greatest day of her whole life.  lol!  She said she made new friends (even though she can't remember their names), had lots of fun, and thinks first grade is way better than kindergarten.  She's looking forward to going back for more fun tomorrow.  Stay tuned for progress reports as she learns school isn't only about playing and having tons of fun, lol!!!  Tomorrow is Wednesday--library day!