Dance Recital and First Birthday Party without a Parent

Lilly loves when dance is almost over because that means it's time for the big recital! She gets to get all dolled up. Putting make-up on, doing her hair and prancing around in her costume is right up her alley. She did awesome on the big stage. We loved watching her show off her tap and ballet skills!

Lilly was invited to her friend Elle's birthday party. This was the first time that we've dropped her off. I was more than comfortable since Lilly has been going to Miss Kelly's with her since she was 2. They have the best time together! Plus, I know her mom. As you can see it was a hit, the girls came in their best and they each got a tiara and boa! When we got there to pick her up, all the little girls were decked out. Lilly had a ball! It was a nice way to ease into the big girl birthday parties!

Preschool Graduation and Kindergarten Story Hour

Lilly started off 4 year old preschool this year pretty quiet and shy. As the year went on, she began to come out of her shell. She'd play with some of the other girls during free choice time. Her teachers Mrs. Curl and Mrs. Lynch were so good with her. They encouraged her to try new activities other than the craft table as well as building new friendships. They always had wonderful things to say about Lilly! I had a feeling that she'd be shy, but as long as she was listening, participating and doing what they asked of her, I was content. They assessed her on kindergarten ready skills all year and by the end of the year, she showed she was more than ready to take on kindergarten! I was very pleased. Now, I just need to get my act together and do more with her this summer. I always tell my students to read, write etc.. and I'm totally slacking!
 The last 2 pictures are of Lilly at my school, WLE for kindergarten story hour. My mom was so nice to play the parent for us that day, since I was teaching and Ryan was at work. Lilly LOVED story hour. She asked the next day if she could go back to kindergarten. Made me so happy. She's super excited that she'll be coming to my school next year, and so I am!

Lilly Turns 5

This year, Lilly asked for a My Little Pony/Rainbow themed birthday party. So, we went with it! I looked for rainbows and pony's and wa-la, we made it happen! She had a few of her friends this year along with our families. We ordered a bounce house and had a My Little Pony pinata for the kids to enjoy. I always worry about the weather, it's either rainy, cold or cold! Never warm, like I hope, or like the weather will call for! So, this year, it was predicted to be warm, then as the week went on, the weather continued to drop and by her actual party day, it was 40 degrees and freezing. I think we saw snow flurries. Really... why me every year? Well, good thing the kids don't mind. They bundled up and bounced in the bounce house! They even enjoyed breaking the pinata. Lilly got way to many gifts and loved opening them with her cousins and friends.  
On the actual day of her birthday, she celebrated at school with her friends and teachers. They made her a big cupcake and signed their names on it for her and she got to wear a birthday crown! So special. When she came home from school and we were home from work, we gave her our presents and took her to her favorite, Red Robin. We enjoyed our time with her on her special day. I can't believe that our baby is 5!