Josie's First Day!

Josie started preschool last week. Justin and I were out of town interviewing for a job in Idaho (more on that in a different post) so I didn't get to take the traditional 'first day' pictures. So today we had a 'first day of school re-do'.

We took family pictures the evening after her "first" day and I wanted to have her hair fixed really nicely for that, so I kind of didn't mess with it too much for school so she's not as put together as I usually try to do but I think she's gorgeous - inside and out! This little lady loves school and I'm so glad that it's finally her turn to start (she's been asking every day since the boys went back).

Aunt Ashley made her another gorgeous school bag this year. It's honestly so cute that I kind of want to steal it and make it mine!

She got a bunch of new dresses for school this year (mostly hand me downs from Tori and Ella - not sure what we're going to do for clothing once they move!). I think it's going to be a very dressy year for my little princess.

Of course Sammie wanted to get in on the action! (Can you believe that next year it'll be Sammie's turn to start school!?! I can't think about it too much, makes me sad.)

 Her pose here cracks me up!

 Lovely.

Josie and Mrs. Monserez. We have loved her ever since Noah had her a few years ago. In my opinion, she's the best preschool teacher ever! I'm so excited that Jo gets to have her this year.

While Josie's off having fun at school, this sweet lady and I get to hang out one on one (though she definitely misses her sis - she was so sad when we dropped Jo off today)!

Having three kids back in school makes me feel so old, but I know how much my kids love it (most of the time) and so it makes me happy that they get to go. I know Josie's going to have a great year and I can't wait to see how much she grows and learns!

Things that make me happy:

This baby that decided to try a peanut butter facial:

 This baby that decided to eat a banana:

This baby who loves to play (especially with pencils and erasers - probably because she knows she's not supposed to):

 Okay, just everything about this baby:

These awesome boys who ran in their first 5k the day after we got home from Vegas:

They both did so awesome. Noah was a sprinter and we lost track of him a couple of times (just like his dad) and Clayton was slow and steady (just like his momma). I'm so proud of these boys for doing this. It was a lot of fun and I look forward to running many more races with them in the future!

My awesome pancake skills:

This girl, who loves books and music and dressing up like a princess:

 She drives me batty on a daily basis but, holy cow, I can't get enough of this spunky lady:

This lovely ottoman/storage box/coffee table that I started (and it turned out horribly because my idea wasn't as good as I'd thought it was). Justin took it while we were in Vegas and turned it into something I absolutely love. I painted it when we got home, we upholstered it together, and attached the lid as a team. It's not perfect, but I can't stop staring at it:
(Sammie is sad because she's not allowed to climb on it. Oh, hard life lessons!)

 Love!

The sun is shining, I've started watching Friday Night Lights again, cereal was on sale for $1 at the store (the good sugary stuff!), and all my laundry is done. Life is good!

2...the celebration!

We had so much fun celebrating with our little peanut this year. She was so excited about everything. She had no idea what all the fuss was about, but she was more than happy to go along with it (mostly)!

Good morning, birthday girl!

 Have some special birthday breakfast!

 She blew out her candle like a boss!

 Present time.

 Wonder what it could be? (Hint: it's a birthday outfit)

Our attempts to take a birthday picture in front of the birthday banner:
This face/stance is SOOOO classicly Josie that I have to include it. Heaven help me, she's becoming more like her sister every day!

Then Aunt Kerstin came over to take some birthday pictures for us:
Classic Sam - sucking her two fingers.

Sammie loves to sing so we had her sing (a lot) while we did this shoot. Here she is doing 'Itsy Bitsy Spider':

 This is very Sammie right now. "Inna go oder dere!" Complete with the finger point and grouch face.

 Love those perfect little ringlets.

One outfit change later and we're back. This time singing "Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam". This picture is my favorite.

 She loves the swings.

Do you recognize the outfit? No? It's the one she got her one year pictures taken it. I'm curious how to see how many years we can use this outfit for birthday pictures (it's really stretchy).
I love her knee dimples and the chubby baby fat that she still packs around. This poor girl gets squeezed hundreds of times a day!

After the photo shoot it was lunch at McDonalds (a concept that is sort of lost on her right now, but Josie loved it). Then back home for a birthday nap!

Unfortunately, birthday girl, after your nap we had to rush, rush, rush to get the boys to gymnastics and karate so you had to wait to play with your big present, but you were so patient.

When we finally got home though, you were thrilled. You live for babies and all things baby related right now so having your own baby stroller, and carrier, and crib, and doll was heaven for you!

Then it was a special birthday pizza dinner followed by cake and presents with our cousins!

Once again, you were a superstar with blowing out your candles (our best kid at this by far - she didn't even spit on the cake!).

 Hording her presents (and I can't blame her, there are some present vultures around here)!

Happy birthday baby! You are so, so loved!