Kindergarten Graduation

Well, there is simply no way to be ready for this.... Simone is on her way to FIRST GRADE!!!  Today we went to her kindergarten graduation-- a truly bitter sweet event.  As daddy puts it, it was the biggest thing to happen to Simone since she was born, and the biggest reminder yet that she's not a baby anymore.  She was ecstatic about performing all of her songs, accepting her diploma, and of course eating the graduation cake!

 The ceremony was so sweet.  They processed in, pledged allegiance to the flag, sat quietly while the Director gave some remarks, performed a whopping seven songs (impressive), received their diplomas, and posed for what seemed like endless pictures.  Simone felt so special, and we were so proud to watch our little angel reach this milestone.

Some of the artwork in Simone's classroom.... 

After the graduation, we drove over to Simone's new elementary school and registered for first grade.  She got to see the big new building, and peek into the classrooms and the library.  She says her favorite parts of first grade will be the cafeteria and recess!  For now, we'll enjoy the summer break before we all start adjusting to elementary school.  WOW, what a day!!!

Memorial Day Adventures

Simone's grandparent's brought her great grandmother down to visit us this weekend and we headed in to DC to show her the monuments for the very first time.  We all enjoyed the FANTASTIC weather, absolutely ideal for seeing all the sights.

Simone wasn't sure she was going to have much fun looking at monuments until she discovered that she could do a "photography adventure".  She brought her ipad and captured her own memories in her own pictures.  She had a blast taking shots of everything from monuments to ducks to plants and people.  She's actually quite a little photographer!

 This shot is one of my favorites...

She can't wait to go back to school on Monday and tell all her friends about her Memorial Day adventure.  She is already planning to make it one of her daily journal entries.  So much fun!!

Mothers' Day Tea

As a special Mothers' Day treat, Simone, mommy, daddy, grammy, Aunt Suzy, and her daughter Kamryne went for high tea at an old Victorian Tea Room up in Pennsylvania.  The girls had a blast eating finger sandwiches, sipping tea, and trying on all the fancy hats. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon, and the very BEST part of being a mommy!

Nesquehoning Fishing Contest

Despite a very damp, rainy day Saturday Simone got to participate in her first fishing contest near grammy and pop's house with all of her cousins.  It was her very first time fishing ever.  And she had an amazing time!  

 At first, I think she thought fishing would be a bit more exciting than sitting around holding a pole.

But it wasn't long before she got a bite and reeled in her very first fish!  I got part of it on video, which I just love.  Simone is actually a pretty stoic kid particularly when she is impressed or excited.  But the shriek she let out while reeling in this fish-- although brief--  is possibly the most outwardly excited I've ever heard her.  Just sheer joy.  She quickly recomposed herself, but you could tell she just couldn't be more thrilled.  She was smiles ear to ear!

She didn't hesitate one bit in touching her fish.  She was curious about it's slimy texture.

She also didn't mind touching and playing with the worms, although daddy needed to bait her hooks.

In the end the girls only caught all of two fish, but the whole experience was super fun nonetheless.

And they finished the contest with hotdogs and chips before heading back home to play. Simone loved it and is ready to go fishing again!

Happy Easter!

Simone had a super surprise for Easter this year.  She was expecting Grammy and Pop to join us for the weekend, but she didn't know they were bringing her cousin Seleste -- and that changed everything!  She had a playmate for all the things that make Easter special, and she loved it. 

At Easter brunch.

Decorating Easter eggs on Good Friday -- in princess costumes, of course!

 The flashlight Easter egg hunt in our backyard....

A pose with Pop.  Grammy made matching pink nightgowns for both girls AND their bitty baby dolls.  Too cute.

 Getting the basket blessed on Holy Saturday.

Simone's Easter basket.  The bunny brought a fishing pole for the contest in May.  Simone can't wait to catch her first fish.

Both girls in their Easter best.

Beverly (the restaurant owner) had her staff hide eggs especially for Simone and Seleste to hunt for while we waited for brunch to be served.

A shot of yummy.

And finally... some hugs with Grammy.  The girls were so busy playing with each other all weekend that hugs were few and far between.  Grammy stole most of them!