Our Pokey Little Puppy

 

Henry goes to the same preschool his sisters went to, and they have put on the same Christmas play for years, so this is our 5th time seeing it. That sounds crazy! Even though, I know what's coming, I have cried every year. Henry was a puppy given as a gift on Christmas morning. He was adorable. His smile was huge. He was so proud, and his "woof woof" was just perfect. He blew me kisses from stage (melt me heart), yelled out: "hi Daddy," and waved to all of us. His very best friend, Penny, was Raggedy Ann. They were so sweet together, holding hands and looking out for each other. Next year, will be our last preschool play EVER and I'm sure I will need an entire box of tissues.

 

Our Little Star

 

 

I can not tell you how proud I was of Iris at her first grade play! Seriously, she rocked it, like I should put her in commercials or something. Her little speech impediment is adorable and her smile was permanent. When other kids were picking their noses, yawning, and zoning out (all acceptable behavior when you are six), Iris was smiling and singing her heart out. She was hands down the best cranberry I have ever witnessed! We are so glad we took off from work to be there.

 

"Cranberries. Cranberries, we have thrown off our chains, and now we must reach for the sky! No crummy squash is going to shove us cranberries out of our rightful place in the middle of the meal."

 

 



It's That Time of Year Again

 

 

Fall is in full swing. You can't tell by how hot it still is, but us Californians love to pretend that the leaves are changing and the air is cooling! One of our favorite traditions is the fall festival at the girls' school. Acacia does a great job ensuring that the kids have a blast, with games, photo opportunities, raffles, giant slides, kettle corn, and more. This is the first year Dan has come with Henry in awhile, and they spent the entire time at the giant blow-up slide. Henry had no interest in games whatsoever! It was fun for me to watch the girls joke around with their friends. Lilly is surprisingly protective of her sister when we are out of the house. I overheard her tell Iris she loved her when they parted ways for a bit to join their own groups and my heart swelled. To be honest, I wouldn't say I was excited about a night of loud kids running around. We have been so busy, and by Friday night, I'm pretty exhausted. I even tried to talk the girls out of going (jokingly), but I'm so glad we went. They won't be little for long. Soon enough, they won't want me to stand in line with them and would rather run off with their friends. So I'm going to cherish these family moments when they reach for my hand and stay close. It's a blink.

 

Preschool!

 

 

 

 

Dear Hendricks,

     You could not wait for school to start. The girls went back two weeks before your first day, and you would cry and cry when they went off to school without you. When your big day finally arrived, you couldn't stop smiling. Your sisters cheered for you and gave you huge hugs. I bought you a new outfit, and we put some candy for your teacher in your otherwise empty backpack. You were not scared or nervous when I dropped you off. I cried on my walk back home alone, realizing that was the very last first day of preschool I will ever experience as a Mommy. You are my baby, my son, my last. I love you so much it sometimes hurts. I pray that you find a sweet group of friends,  are always kind, love Jesus for all of your days, and know that whatever life throws at you, you are never alone. Have fun in school, sweet boy. Your life will never be the same.

Hugs and kisses,

Mommy