Dancing Party

I took cookies to Kamdyn's dance class for her birthday. She enjoyed having her class sing Happy Birthday to her!

Spring has Sprung!

Today was a great day for so many reasons. I took the day off to go to Kamdyn's school Easter Egg Hunt and Picnic at one of our local parks. I always feel guilty as a working Mom not getting to participate in all of her school events. I do the best I can and, thankfully, we have Georgia! Today, I decided that it was worth taking off to enjoy such a beautiful Spring day with my baby girl (and, I have a dentist appointment)! I got to pretend to be a stay-at-home Mom running errands in the middle of the day. I got to enjoy a normal, relaxing breakfast with Kamdyn instead of a breakfast bar on the go. (Even though she did choose cinnamon rolls!) We took our time getting ready because we didn't have to be at the Egg Hunt until 10:00. She had a great time! We stopped by the grocery store. I planted some tulips in the yard. I changed the guest room bed sheets. Now, I'm sitting on the back porch while she naps.

The River is rushing by. Lizards are crawling all over our house and porch. Bees are buzzing. Birds are chirping. The wind is blowing and the sun is shining! I could be in the house packing for Aruba, but instead I am enjoying this beautiful day. Peace and Quiet! We all need it from time to time. This day was much needed! I feel so blessed!

1 1/2 work days left before Spring Break. 5 days until Richard and I venture off toAruba......but, who's counting??

School Easter Egg Hunt

Excited about the Egg Hunt and Picnic!


Play time at the park with friends.


Kamdyn says, "Watch me, Mommy! Take my picture!"


Kamdyn with one of her favorite school friends.


Waiting to hunt eggs!


On your mark, get set, GO!


She was so funny! Even though the eggs were spread all over the ground in plain sight, the kids still managed to run right over some of them.


Happy with all of her eggs!

Kamdyn's 4th Birthday at Monkey Joe's

Kamdyn decided to have her party at Monkey Joe's back in October when she went to Jacob's party there. She LOVED it! Then, we went to another party there and she seemed to have a change of heart. However, she INSISTED on having her party there regardless despite my reservations! I agreed despite not having full control at a party place like this. Richard was out of town the week prior which made my planning a little more strategic. Luckily, I had everything done and the week went smoothly.

Kamdyn was ready for her big day! When we got to Monkey Joe's she did great at first. Then, she seemed to be a little overwhelmed and begin to have somewhat of a meltdown. After a trip to the bathroom and a threat to take her home she attempted to get herself together. Once we were in the party room eating pizza and cupcakes she seemed to transform back into her sweet fun-loving self. I hated for our guests to see her "melt down" and I apologized profusely. I did hear her say while opening her presents, "This is the best party EVER!" That comment eased my mind and my feelings because they were a little hurt after all of my effort and planning for her party. I think a good time was had by all. I still can't believe that she will be 4 on Thursday. I'll post my Mommy comments on that later! Until then, Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

My big 4 year old!


Party Placemats!


Uncle Matthew hanging out in the birthday chair.


Monkey cupcakes made by Kamdyn and Georgia.



I think Mama Lucy was trying to talk Kamdyn into sitting in the birthday chair for her party.


Hanging out with Daddy in the birthday chair!


Kamdyn finally went down the big slide with Daddy but only ONCE! I think this was the start of her "mood."


Having a good time!


Pop Pop watching Kamdyn.


Me with my sweetie in the birthday chair that she worried about sitting in for a few days. I was trying to get her to change her mind!


Kamdyn was very blessed to have so many of her family and friends at her party!


Sweet Emma enjoying her pizza! I used to work with Emma's Mommy.


I was trying to help! She didn't really want it though!


Kamdyn's sweet friends.


Mama Lucy and Uncle Matthew


Listening to everyone sing to her!

I can't believe there are 4 candles on top of her cake!


Kamdyn enjoying the delicious monkey cupcakes!


The "Green Room" that I transformed into the "Pink and Brown" room! I had to girly it up!


Jacob was so helpful and patient with Kamdyn!


Emma gave Kamdyn an adorable John Deere hat.


Emma's Daddy works at John Deere. Now Kamdyn and Emma can match!


The only thing Kamdyn asked Nanny for was a box of crayons!


Nanny, of course, got her A LOT more......
Kamdyn insisted on a hug from Nanny right then and there!

A Kamdyn Funny

My Mom sent Kamdyn an Easter card in the mail which she got today! She opened the card and out fell a $5 bill. As it fell to the floor Kamdyn started singing, "Five Dollar, Five Dollar Foot Loooong! Yea!"

I busted out laughing. I'm not sure if my almost 4 year old (one week from today) watches too much TV or if that commercial comes on WAY too much! :) I think it's a combination of the two.

You Know Spring is in the Air......

As soon as the boat goes in the water!

Kamdyn and I enjoyed a boat ride on Friday afternoon with our favorite Captain. Kamdyn was, of course, being silly!


Love these afternoons with my two sweeties!


A long day at work was soon forgotten....
Goodbye to the Winter Blues!

Menopause

No, I'm not menopausal yet. However, Richard may argue that I have menopausal tendencies from time to time. I did go to the musical at The Imperial on Tuesday night with two of my most awesome friends, Suzanne and Denise. We had a fun girls night that started at Mello Mushroom. After a near fall, an almost wrecked Tahoe and Honda, sort of running a red light, a debut on stage with many menopausal women, and LOTS of laughter, I realized how much I miss these two ladies! Our teaching trio ended last year as Suzanne and I left Wheeless Road, but our friendship will always remain. We always have such a good time together. As for the musical, if you ever have the chance to see it, you should go. One word - HILARIOUS!!

Happy Birthday, Raygan

Kamdyn was invited to the birthday party of one of her dance friends, Raygen. Kamdyn enjoyed jumping in the jumping castle, but refused to step foot on the BIG slide. The princess cake was beautiful and delicious. The party paused when the wind and rain started. Kamdyn and I ran to the car and went ahead and left prior to Raygen opening her gifts. Kamdyn loves a good birthday party!

She got her face painted. She nearly melted into a puddle when I told her that we had to wash it off that night in the bath.

Kamdyn enjoying her Capri Sun in front of her castle.


Up close


Kamdyn and Raygen

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I don't have any pictures of Kamdyn dressed in her St. Patrick's attire, but I do have a picture of some of the damage that the tricky leprechaun did at Kamdyn's school which still has her a little bit uneasy about that green little man. The leprechaun tore up Kamdyn's room on Tuesday while her class was at Science. He left glitter everywhere, chairs in crazy places, green "you know what" in the potty, and a mess leading to the bathroom. Kamdyn wants to know if the leprechaun is going to come to her house. I assured her that he only visits schools once a year! Thankfully, this quieted her fear! She's a little intrigued by the fact that her Daddy will be visiting Ireland next week which is where the little rogue lives. I keep telling her that he is going to chase leprechauns and hopefully one will not get inside his suitcase for the ride back home.

Click here to see her teachers post on this event!

Field Trip

Kamdyn's class went to see The Learning Station in Aiken last Tuesday. Kamdyn said, "I had a good time, but they kept making me stand up, sit down, stand up, sit down. It was too long, Mommy!" Richard, nor I, were able to go with her because of important things at work that day. Fortunately, Georgia was able to go with her. As always, GEORGIA IS AWESOME! She bought Kamdyn a book and CD with their signature song, "Tony Chesnut!" I have enjoyed singing and dancing to this song year after year with my class. It's funny to see Kamdyn singing the same song. Georgia also bought Kamdyn a Learning Station CD. Who wouldn't want Georgia to be their babysitter? I wish she could babysit (spoil) me all day, too!

Please Wait TO be seated!

Kamdyn and I have been working for several months on a few sight words. She recognizes all of her letters, knows each of their sounds, and even knows the letters that make multiple sounds. Next step - READING!! She is working on sounding out words and I hope to have her reading short repetitive books by this summer when I have more time.

As of now she knows about 8 sight words. Up until the other night, I thought she just had them memorized on the flash cards and really hadn't made the connection to actual reading. However, we went to the Mexican Restaurant after dance last night. She pointed to the podium and said, "Look, Mama! It's says 'to'." I was so excited. The sign said, "Please wait 'to' be seated!"

We're Off to See the Wizard

We had such a great time seeing The Wizard of Oz at The Imperial Theatre. Kamdyn's favorite part of the show was when they killed the witch. She closed her eyes almost every time that the witch came out on stage. It was an enjoyable night especially watching the expressions on Kamdyn's face. I hope to see her on the big stage in a play one day!

Ready for the show!


Sitting patiently in her seat waiting on the curtain to go up!


Her too big ruby red slippers with cotton in the toes, tights, and two pairs of socks on.


She was mad when the show was over. Here she is giving a little pout!


Back at home with Mommy! What an awesome family night with our baby girl.