Happy Memorial Day!

Although the annual Memorial Day parade was HOT, we were excited because this was the first parade Ella got to participate in as a Daisy. She wanted to walk with her friends only (as opposed to me joining her), but given there were 15 girls and only 2 moms, another mom and I were quick to offer to help them herd the cats.

Ella and her troop

With her candy in hand to throw to the crowd, she was ready to go!

Here we come!

Ella was ready to throw her candy to the crowd.

While I was herding the stragglers.

It was quite a job :)

And this is the cute face we were throwing candy at.

And this one....

And of course to these cute people :)

Thank you to Nana, Pappy and Gigi for joining us on this hot, hot day!

Ella loved being in the parade and was excited her family was there to cheer her on.

After the parade, there was a lovely ceremony at the green remembering all of the soldiers. It was beautiful!

Ella's Art Fair

After Ella's game, we headed across the street to the school for her art fair. The Willetts and Popes were able to join us for the art fair....Ella loved showing them her room and her art work :)

Proud to show off her writings

Ella had been working on her clouded leopard project for months.

they had to research their animal, draw them, write up information and then when they went to the zoo, find the animal. They could pick their animal and after somebody else took Ella's first choice, she was happy with the Leopard.

While we were there, we saw Ella's recent book report hanging up. 

Her book was No Fair (coincidentally Matthew's favorite phrase), and had 3 major points that she made into a mobile. Jason noticed that it wasn't hanging right so he quickly fixed that :)

Ella at the zoo with Reagan...off to find the Clouded Leopard :)

Batter Up

Ella has really had a great time playing baseball. Since there were only about 6 girls that wanted to play, the split them up on 2 different baseball teams. On Ella's team was Emma and Sophie (2 of her favorite girls). It has worked out great! Jason helped Jack Gatlin coach.

Ella usually plays right field but says it is too boring for her. During this particular game she played 3 different positions (catcher, right field and 3rd base).

She has asked to play catcher for weeks so was happy when Mr. Gatlin chose her.

Another day, another band-aid

Her first at bat

She hit the ball and just looked at it.

Then off to first she went :)

Plus this hit brought Emma home.

Go Terrace Park!

Matthew played the "drums" a la Capri Suns as his cheer.

Next inning Ella played right field

The kids are always happy to smile when a Gatlin is around.

Madeline is such a cutie!

Thank goodness for grandparents at these games!

Matthew and grandpa Mike threw the ball much of the time.

The Willetts are great and bring snacks for the kids and help me a TON!

If it wasn't for the grandparents we wouldn't be able to stay the whole game.

Next at bat

And another hit...yay Ella!

The parents were even commenting how well Ella was playing.

She was hustling to her position, hit the ball, ran hard, etc.

this is a huge improvement for her and it was great the other parents were so supportive!

Tonight was definitely Ella's best baseball game yet. 

She hit the ball WITHOUT the tee (which they bring out if you have missed about 6 or 7 pitches)

and she made it home 2 times!

I will tell you our secret to this game in just a bit....

Made it to 3rd where her favorite coach was :)

Not sure I can love a picture more :)

And she scores!

Mr. Morgan helping Ella with her stance.

I love how supportive all of the dads are. Jason and Jack are the main coaches and then there are about 4 other guys who coach. They have done a great job at helping all of the kids no matter what level they are at.

She hits again....yay!!!

Now there is the Ella I know and love :)

Ella came home and was in bed by 8:30...well past her bedtime. We heard her around 9:30 still chit chatting (as she calls it). I got up to clean the kitchen and when I washed her water bottle realized there was Spark in there! Ella usually drinks some for lunch as it helps her focus in the afternoon, but we wouldn't give it once she gets home.  I think with this game we proved it helps with mental focus but I think we also proved not to have her grab it before a 6 pm game. 

Mr. Gatlin says that Ella is going to play 2nd base next game. AHHH!!!! Yes, she will have her Spark trick again :)

Laney's Last Day Of School

Laney's last day of preschool was such an emotional one.

I was honestly not prepared for that!

Laney was excited to see her friends and have one last school party, and I was excited to see her graduation.

These kids have become so close and it makes me sad that only about 4 of them are going on to Kindergarten with her at TPE (the others are either at Mariemont, so we will see them again in 7th grade, or at surrounding schools).

This was also just one more day that I marveled at how wonderful Laney's teachers are.

I was constantly surprised at Mrs. Heile's creativity.

Here she scrapped every month and things they did.

You can tell she loves what she does.

Farmer Frank visits....Laney had a chick on her head in one of the pictures.

Team day...each child wore their favorite teams' uniform.

Laney wore her TP soccer jersey.

Cutest pilgrims ever :)

My mom was able to stay for the beginning of the party.

Matthew loved having a buddy there.

The party favors

Laney and Jack Riley

Laney loved having an audience while she sang her prayer

Time for diplomas

Laney shook Mrs. Heile's arm so hard :)

Ok, this binder that Mrs. Kauffman gave Laney was unreal.

Mrs. Heile had scrapped this book, starting from the first day of school to the last day.

It had pictures of field trips, art work, journal writings, parties, etc.

Although I no longer scrapbook, gosh I can appreciate the hard work she put into this.

What a great year with two amazing teachers!

Laney learned so much during preschool at STNS.

She is so ready for Kindergarten!

Who has 2 older sisters?

Last week my mom and I took Matthew and Laney

 to Totter Otterville in Kentucky.

There is SO much to do but Matthew's favorite part

 was being a bad guy (shocker, right?).

He put face paint on and kept saying, "bad guy." 

Then he put on the tutu and his outfit was complete :)

Every super hero needs ballet slippers.

They have a few ballet bars and the a video of a ballet class playing.

Matthew got up there, bad guy make up and all, and started dancing around.

Seriously, how can you resist this?