There's really no rhyme or reason to these photos. They're from August 2010 (Charlie's almost 10 months old, and Carter's about to turn 5), but they're too cute to not share!
You know, when you're into everything, you're so busy you can't stand it, and you're all about hugging and loving Daddy, Mommy and Sissy, it's easy to just fall asleep while eating your greeny beanies!
Destro-Baby, atop the couch, ready to test his "wings" ...
Carter's boyfriendS ... yes, plural! Ryker (left) and Kyzer (right), the neighbor boys that Carter adores!
Daddy's Saturday task was to replace the faucet. Apparently Charlie thought that he was copied in on that memo, and he "helped."
"Shhh! Don't tell Daddy!" Carter prepares to attack at the pool ...
Carter attacks ... or maybe it's Daddy that attacks!
Family time found us at the zoo, Carter's pick. She and Charlie both loved the otters, who swam right up to the viewing glass to put on a show for us! We got to feed the giraffe, which tickled Carter and amazed Charlie. And, of course, there were jelly fish.
Feeding the giraffe
All smiles!
Daddy and Carter watching the sea lions
Miss Carter got her face painted with pegasus
She LOVES these stinkin' fish!
Charlie likes the fish, too
Carter's adopted animal: the Flamingo's
Kind and Caring. Carter wanted to adopt the flamingo's (her name is third on the list) so she could "buy them food and a bed." Can you picture a flamingo's bed, in Carter=brain??!
Charlie and Daddy checking out the really cool Nemo-fish
Holy 5! Carter's second day of kindergarten marked her 5th birthday, and her officially being the coolest kid in class with Tinkerbell cupcakes!
Thursday, being the great parents we are, Andy and I went to Omaha to see Aerosmith (like we're passing up front row seats!), but before we left, we sang to Carter and she got to open half of her gift from us: the Tinker-fairies! She loved them! Rory babysat while we were gone, and together they made mini chocolate birthday cakes (which you KNOW were delicious!).
Friday evening was Carter's big party. ALL of her friends attended her Diva-licious Dance Party at Encore Dance Academy (all new and beautiful!). 10 friends RSVP'ed; 22 showed up, and it was chaos! Fun, but chaos! We danced, ran, played, sang, ate cake, and demolished gifts. It was a blast! Afterwards, we went for dinner at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants (because Carter loves "cheesy dip") with Uncle Brian, Aunt Anna, and cousins Courtney and Marissa, and Kelsey, Grant and Collin. After tasty tacos, Carter was surprised by the birthday hat and the staff signing Happy Birthday to her. She was shocked, but loved it! And, there was ice cream.
Sunday evening marked our family dinner. We had lasagna and ice cream cake with Andy and Rory, and Carter got to open the rest of her family gift: a bazillion "I Can Read!" books and a new Leapster game (I Spy! Treasure Hunt).
Happy, happy birthday, Baby Girl. Every day, you become less of my "baby" and more mature, caring and grown up. But now matter how old you'll be, you'll always be my Baby Girl (like it or not!). You make us proud every day. We love you so much! Happy 5th birthday, Baby! Love, Mommy, Daddy & Charlie
LOOK WHO's 5!!
Miss Evie is amazing! With ALL these little girls, she attempted to teach them a dance. They were insane, so it didn't work out, but they had a blast!
Carter was Miss Evie's assistance, which she loved!
Plan B: Strut your Stuff contest!
Plan C: Shake yo' Booty Dance Off! Carter and Cousin Courtney totally rocked it!
Happy 5th Birthday, Carter! What a great cake!
The Birthday Girl, having a great time!
Miss Evie and Carter, thanking everyone for coming
Dance INSANITY!
The Happy Birthday Hate gets plopped on Carter at dinner (look at Courtney's SAD face next to Carter! Ha ha!)
Everyone singing to the Birthday Girl, who thought this was the coolest thing ever!
Happy Birthday ice cream and attention!
Thursday, Carter and Rory made "Carter Cakes" for her birthday. The chocolate I licked off the spoon at 1:30am when we got home was delicious!
Parent of the Year Award goes to US, for being at the Aerosmith concert in Omaha on our first born's 5th birthday. Come on - front row to the Best Band in the World?! We weren't missing it!
Yep, we're rockstars!
Sunday was our "family celebration," or the "Final Birthday Phase," as it's referred to. No wonder she's getting a birthday complex! We had cake (ice cream cake with strawberries and whipped cream) and topped her piece with 5 candles. And, yes, she's wearing her crown!
Among her birthday goodies were some new Fancy Nancy books, a Scooby Doo movie, a Tom and Jerry movie and the new Leapster game. SCORE!
So, today marks the start of Carter's formal education. The big question is: Who will be teaching who?!!
I dropped her off at daycare so she could experience routine and know what to expect, but Andy and I met her at school. She was the first out of the van, jumping up and down, all excited to go! She and two friends from daycare (Hannah, who she's been with since she started in 2005 and Devin, who's in her class) walked to their rooms. Carter held Devin's hand, which helped both feel more confident, I think. She hugged us both at the door, then forged into class. She didn't cry or look back once. She's ready to go!
Which makes things easier on me, for sure. We've worked hard to raise a confident, caring, and outstanding little girl. She was "nerbous" about some things in the days prior to today, like the playground slide being scary and not knowing where the lunch room was, but we talked about things, and she ended every conversation with a smile. Seeing Carter so happy and excited, knowing she's going to thrive
academically and socially, and knowing that we've intentionally
surrounded her by people in her life who's made her an outstanding
little girl ... how can you cry over that?!I Today was sad for me, but I couldn't be
any more proud of that little Sassafrass!
Jumping off the van, so excited to get going!
Our kindergartner! What a wonderful and beautiful young lady!
Daycare BFF's: Hannah, Devin and Carter
Carter and Devin held hands in the sea of people and headed to Mrs. Noll's room
And once we got there, she hugged us both, told us she loved us, and took off! I can't wait to hear her stories this evening!
