Big boy bed

After 7 years of marriage Jason and I decided it was finally time for us to get a king sized bed - we need our space, man! That decision set into motion a plan to rotate furniture through several bedrooms in our house, including moving a twin bed into James's room. I hadn't quite planned to move James to a "big boy bed" this soon (Anna was a full year older when she made the transition) but in the interest of not having to move furniture twice we decided to jump right in. So, without ceremony, James was out of his crib and into a bed. I feared for the worst, him realizing his freedom and crawling out of bed (he can open doors, so I was sure I would wake up to his little face next to my bed). But, the fears so far have been unfounded. The boy is a sleeper, and likes his bed. He has only gotten out of bed on his own once. Even under Anna's coercion he stays put. I'm sure that will change but for now, we'll take it!

 

Marie Grace Bergstrom

Last Christmas Santa Claus brought Anna an American Girl doll, Marie Grace. While she's a spunky girl from New Orleans, to Anna she is a cherished friend who goes almost everywhere with her. When Anna picked her from the catalog I didn't know how much she would play with her, but to my great pleasure, she plays with her quite a lot. This is due in a large part to her grandmothers, both of whom have outfitted Marie Grace and Anna with complete wardrobes. She has no shortage of outfits to dress Marie Grace in and a few matching pieces for herself. I do think the books that accompany the American Girl dolls definitely help cement the bond. In fact, because of the books, Anna already is planning to ask Santa for Cecile Ray...Marie Grace's best friends in New Orleans. We're going to need bigger tables at restaurants...

Marie Grace & Anna (dress by gramma)

Sunbathing friends

Bathing suit by Grammy, towel by mommy

A visit to the aquarium

Celebrating James' 2nd birthday

Ready for bed

Goofing with James

In her fancy ballet outfit by Grammy

Matching sweaters

Last day of Pre-K

And there goes another school year. Cliche - it feels like the first day of school was just yesterday. Anna's class marked the end of their preschool careers with a "moving up" ceremony during which they perfomed several songs. The teachers then presented each student with a certificate that assigned each of them a trait the teacher's felt best described the student. Anna's trait was Gentleness - "A deep love for god and is without any stain of bitterness, resentment, or hostility." Always wonderful to hear people speak of your child in such terms (even though Anna often demonstrates resentment at having to clean up her room...).  Next stop, Kindergarten!
 

Receiving her certificate

With her awesome teachers Ms. Marycarol and Ms. Sharon

And Ms. Marta - love her!

Pledge of allegiance