Back to School and Birthday

BethAnne and Grace started school and Monday. BethAnne is in 3rd grade and Grace is in morning Kindergarten. They are now going to a magnet school that specializes in the arts. It's a great school and we are so glad that they were picked in the school lottery to be able to go there. I didn't take the normal back to school pictures like I should because I usually sleep in a bit with the baby (aka, big toddler) and Mark gets the kids ready for school and drops them off. He's such a wonderful husband! And he's a great Daddy too. He made a special breakfast for the kids a few days a go. The butterfly's wings are sandwiches made of chocolate heart waffles and peanut butter. Then he used a half banana for the body, cashews for the antenna and decorated the wings with Reece's pieces. He's so creative!

 

Even though I didn't get any back-to-school pictures, I did get these pictures tonight of my pretty girls.

 

Grace loves to strike a pose.

 

Joy's face is a little messy, but her eyes are stunning! We love our Joy!

 

Here's BethAnne at our piano. Her new school has piano keyboarding class twice a week and she memorized a short song that she played for me tonight. She's so smart and she loves her new school. I have never seen her so excited about school and it's a big blessing.

 

Here are the cards that BethAnne and Grace made me for my birthday. I think they are great!

 

I had a great birthday. It was nice to hear from so many of you today. Mark stayed home from work today (and tomorrow) to make things extra special. We've had a nice, relaxing day. Then we took the kids to Tepanyaki for dinner, which they loved (except Joy was terrified by the fire at the beginning of the show and she cried for several minutes afterward). I should have known that a girl who is terrified by the car wash might not do well at Tepanyaki. We were going to go to the Fair, then I realized it was a school night and also it was at least 95 degrees today (and I don't like the heat). Hopefully it will be cooler next year. We had a nice party at home later this evening with pies and presents. Mark gave me a beautiful card and some great presents. I am so blessed to have Mark and our sweet children. I sang part of a song to Mark earlier today from Sound of Music. It says- "somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good." I hope you all are well. Have a great weekend!

Love,
Aubrey