The Blog Book

A while back the blog got so full I had to unload the content into a book to make room for more stories. Three years later the book sits in our entry way and serves as a great resource for all the fun times we had in Brazil before Belle. This past week I just made another book but only used blogs from when I was pregnant. Hopefully this book will be a gift to Belle when she gets older and finds herself about to start a family.

Later in the year I plan to make a book from the blogs of her first year of life and then combine years 1 to 3 into one book. Obviously the book from 1 to 3 years won't even come close to content as the preceding books but I tried! I can't believe how much I have written and this September will mark 5 years of blogging.... oh my! We haven't even lived in one place as long as I have been writing. That is another story for another day. For now I want to focus on keeping the writing going and maybe, just maybe, these blog books will serve the family well in the future. I really like the idea of leaving something when I am gone and our little family story is the perfect way... for now. Of course there would be more heroic ways of being remembered but we can't all be heroes.

Sara

Classroom

Today we met all the students in Isabelle's class! She had such a great time and I really like the idea of introducing the class slowly!

Tuesday is the first official day. Well half day :)

Sara

Letting Go

Just like the popular song from Frozen I just need to 'Let it Go'. Well, actually I need to let Isabelle go. Next week will be her first week of school and I know for a fact she is ready to do this on her own. I don't know what I fear most, her going to school or me not knowing what to do with my time. I have gotten so used to the job of teaching her and maintaining the household that it will be unusual to have a few free moments.

I imagine what I will be doing with my two free mornings. Since she will be going to school Tuesday and Thursday 9-130 that gives me 4 1/2 hrs to get something done. The list I have prepared goes on for pages and pages. Most of it includes things like the dentist and finally getting a picture framed. All the things that I couldn't get done while dragging Belle around. I wonder if I will just skip the list and sit at a coffee shop staring out the window while drooling and relishing the moment of time where I am not required to interact or think.

While I do feel a small tear that she is growing up I am also loving it! She has turned into the most amazing little person I could have imagined. The things that do bother me about not being by her side are the normal fears. For example, what if she can't make friends? What if they tease her? Will her teacher be as nice to her when I am not around? I guess it's a control issue. I have been in complete control of what she is exposed to for the past 3 years and now I have to trust someone else to assist me. Once again I solve my issues by writing them out.

Please pray for Isabelle to love her new time away and let her continue to grow in a positive light!

Sara

Princesses

This weekend the parents had a cookout and the girls played dress up! So nice to have adult time and Isabelle getting friend time at the same time! Sure makes for a happy family ;)

Sara

Parents in Town

Just spending time with the fam ;) So glad my parents came up for the weekend while Nate is traveling!

Sara

Ballet

First day of ballet was a success! She had so much fun and I had a hour to sit and do nothing!! Looks like I will be buying a book ;)

Despite the photo she really was happy- just not happy for the photo.

Go Stros!

We took Belle to her first MLB game last Sunday and she loved it!! She couldn't take her eyes off the bull pen and so the catcher gave her a signed ball! Nate and I couldn't believe it... In all our years we have never had this done :(

So glad to that she enjoys the game but she will never be a catcher... Sorry! First base maybe or outfield.

Sara

Day 1

Perfect day out! In the morning we helped GG take her car in to be fixed the had a birthday lunch for Belle. After the presents we done we ventured off to the preserve to feed the turtles where I used my nice camera to capture some really good photos.

Then we headed off to the beach for some afternoon fun! The day ended with pizza and music. Can't beat that ;)

Sara

Florida

We are having our 2nd annual girls vacation in Florida right now! Isabelle and I flew to Tampa and met my mom in the airport. Then we drove the rental car to grandma Warrens house!

Of course we had to make a stop at the beach once we got in :) I can't keep the girl away from water!

To a week of memories!

Sorry all for the last post! I accidentally emailed the blog instead of myself ;) I will delete it at some point! The funny part about it is my mom read through the entire thing thinking something funny was in it! Ahhh. Good laughs.

Cigar Roscoe

Sometimes his endless happiness combines beautifully with his stupidity. This is one of those moments.

Hope it made you smile :)

Sara