First Day

I can hardly believe how fast our little Alexis is growing up! Today was Alexis' first day of Kindergarten, a day that was invisioned in my mind the hour she was born. This was a day that carried so many emotions for me as her mom,  I really didn't know how I was suppose to feel. I was happy and excited for her to be on this new adventure in life; yet for some reason, I was also sad. I was sad to see my little girl begin this new adventure because now I have invisions of her high school prom and graduation. I know that day will come just as fast. In the meantime, I am going to hug and kiss my kindergartener and praise her for coming this far already!

As you will tell by her pictures below she was one excited girl, who had just become a kindergartener!


The night before...there was a lot of anticipation before the start of school. We read books about school, had a count-down, and traced her hand (which will be done every year until she graduates).

The BIG day...September 6, 2011

 Thanks Chad for capturing these precious pictures today!

 Hanging up her backpack for the first time

 Alexis and Mrs. Junkert!

In her desk and ready with a smile!

I know you will have the best year ever!!

A New Journey

Dearest Alexis...as I walked past the refrigerator this evening, I saw that you only had 4 links on your count down to kindergarten chain. This visual reminded me that you have grown up and you are ready to embark on such a wonderful journey....the school years. I write this letter to tell you that I am thankful that God gave me the job of helping you grow. I thank him for allowing me to be your mom and to make sure you are safe and loved. Everyday I make decisions on your behalf that effect your life and well being. It is my job as your mom to guide you and lead you into making your own decisions. I know that you will have ups and downs along your journey, but I know you'll pull through. You are sweet, strong, and very much loved! Good luck and have fun on your new journey, Alexis!

Lots of love, Mom

Remembering Summer 2011

Another sweet summer has come and gone. As the girls get older with each passing year, it seems that our summers seem to fly by that much faster. Oh, how I {LOVE} summer!

I will remember summer 2011 as a summer that we: played with vibrant chalk in the driveway*visited the library on a weekly basis*learned about God's big love for us at vacation bible school*feed the ever growing fish population at the pier*celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary*were fish ourselves in the Dells*had Christmas on July 4th*bonfires with smores and pies*parades*skinned- up knees*Zorbaz pizza, of course*Clay County Fair just blocks from our house*hours of sun and fun at Blue Eagle*took the training wheels off Alexis' bike*park play*t-ball*swimming lessons*took down the crib(forever) and put Brynn in a big girls bed*backyard fun*saw Grandma & Grandpa's new place in Red Lodge, MT*bike rides*

It was a good summer! Yes, it was!

After summing up our summer, I must say....

And Then She Turned 2!

Brynn Kay Zander, you are a precious gift to us! We have LOVED watching you grow and we are so happy to have you in our lives. Life is much more sweeter with you in it!

 Love, Love, Love, This Sweet Girl...

Pet Show

Today was the day that our local library hosted a pet show. We marked this on our calendars the minute we heard about it back in June. The girls spent the day prepping Molly for her BIG moment in front of the judges. I loved this, because it secretly taught them that owning a pet has more to it than just feeding them and giving them fresh water. I enjoyed watching the girls treat Molly with so much love!

 Yes, we had a book about a Pet Show! It was read a few times...I'm a teacher, what do you expect?!

 Sudsing Molly up!

What's a bath without a little wet shake?!

A little afternoon beauty sleep!

 Food before the BIG show begins!

 Some brushing while Molly chews on a stick!

Molly's all glammed up for the pet show!

 We thought this was the most appropriate category for Miss Molly!

It was a show where all dogs received high honors!

 Molly received some nice comments about her "very, very friendly" manner and Alexis received a DQ token for a treat.

It was a GREAT pet show and we are proud of our friendliest pet, Molly!

Life is what you make it!

The next Friday that dad has off...The next Friday that dad has off...The next Friday that dad has off! I swear I repeated this phrase to Alexis over and over again for the past 2 weeks. She had been waiting ever so patiently for this BIG day to arrive. This is a day that definitely continues to make my heart smile!

I created an evening full of girlie things...a night catered to a little girls dreams! She had my undivided attention the entire evening, other than when daddy tried to sneak downstairs and join in on the fun! NO BOYS ALLOWED!
Below are pictures that we took to capture these memories. I can't wait for Brynn to get old enough to join in on the fun!

Here is our tent made with a Hannah Montana sheet, of course! And our boas for extra beauty!

 What's a "sleep over" without painting nails?!

 Matching color!

 I was the winner of round one of Candy Land..thank you very much!

 Time for ice cream in our tent...a favorite treat of ours!

Notice that we decorated the tree with our boas!

 Alexis was the winner of round two...way to go!

 A little pin the rabbit on the nose game...this brought lots of laughter for us both!

We made our own Cootie Catchers (fortune tellers)

 Here they are!!

And a night is not complete without a little Junie B. Jones!

Time for bed...goodnight!

 When I put Alexis to bed last night, I swear she fell asleep with a smile on her face. My girls will never have to "earn" mother-daughter days. I will take time to do things that make my heart smile, like spending time with them! This is life and I am making it a {GREAT} one!