A Cake Smashing Good Time!

Alyssa saw a video of her First Birthday this summer and ever since then she has wanted a special cake to smash her face in for this birthday. We live to make them happy - right?!?!

Had to crack the archive open for this flashback to January 2005. Wow, how time flies!

Just too much fun, not to share.

And share . . .

Cake smashing laughs with her BFF - priceless! : )

Almost as priceless as turning Two and slurping on juice boxes - January 2006.

Hali was at this party too, dang they were cute!

Don't forget, Cooper!

Group shot (L-R): Paige, Piper, Hali, Alyssa, Joey, Cooper and Nicky in front.

Only the girls spent the night (whew!) - a Spongetastic Sleepover!

Girls like to rock!

Guess who was the LAST one up?!?! Welcome to 7, Sleepy Deepy - we LOVE you!

Happy Birthday Alyssa #6

Another year gone by and our little "five pound sack of sugah" has turned one year older. I suppose I should do a thoughtful post about how wonderful you are now and all the things you are doing so when we look back we will remember you as you turned six, but I'm suffering from post-birthday depression. Your BIG day is over, the one you look forward to ALL year and the next celebration in our household will be my trip "over the hill." You are amazing and we love everyday we have with you. YOU are the best gift EVER! Anyway, Mrs. Jerilyn did your Hello Kitty Cake and it was once again awesome! Your hair looks a little funny because you decided to cut it yourself and Mr. Tony said he's not a magician. And your two front teeth are so loose, either or both could come out at any minute.

Best Buds Hali and Piper came and you complained you didn't get to play with them enough at your party. We will have another play date soon, but there's nothing like TRUE friends.

Great Aunt Missy, Vuvva and Nana represented the family this year. We really missed all of our other Family members that could not make it (we ate your cake!).

Piper and Alyssa on the Jett Rider - is this FUN or what?!?

I think this is my favorite shot - wonder what she's thinking?

Another head on with my camera. I still can't believe she's really six. I remember six. If we have any more bad parenting from this point on she WILL remember (gasp!).

Alyssa and Chuck E. Cheese, he's sitting down, but she's so much taller, in just one year, really?!?

Alyssa and some of her birthday friends posing with Chuck - what a great day! I'm still not sure if I'm happy or sad. Kinda just like you were, happy for the most part but sad when it's over. We love you girl, just a little more each day! Thanks for making life worth the roller coaster ride :)

Goodbye Piper

Even though we will see Piper at an end of school picnic, this is the last photo of Piper and Alyssa together at school. Piper was Alyssa's first friend and she will always hold a special place in our hearts. Here they had on their special hand made tie die t-shirts and sang during the church service after a week of Bible School. I'm glad the photo turned out well, now I'm trying not to cry : (

July 4th Highlights

We were happy to celebrate our Country's Independence but we were even happier to be HOME! This was a weekend at home after travelling for the past three weekends. One of our activities was watching the Wizard of Oz together - there's no place like home. Drew took this photo after catching the sunrise, a little artistry shining through.

Fourth of July festivities began at school Thursday afternoon. Here Alyssa and Piper are showing off their cupcake star rings.

Alyssa's class and teachers posing for a group shot.

On Friday, Alyssa went for a "New Summer Do." Here she is at the half way mark. Several people have remarked she looks like a "mini Meg Ryan." What a compliment, she's one of my favorite actresses!


Saturday night we celebrated at our neighbor's house with a Cookout and Fireworks - yummy food and much FUN was had by all!

Here's the new do ready for church in a lovely dress that Eya gave her.

Alyssa's reaction to any noisy fireworks, shooting the rest of them off on Sunday afternoon. Oh, it was sad for Monday to come, we had such a great weekend! Does this mean Summer is half-way over?!?!?!

Preschool Graduation Photos

Can it really be time for our 5 pound "sack of sugah" to go to Kindergarten?

That's what this Diploma says.

The Three Amigas sharing refreshments - we are REALLY gonna miss our friends, especially Piper and Hali!

And our teachers, especially Ms. Melissa and Ms. Elsa.

I love this photo! Our Preschool "boyfriend" - Gabriel, notice the matching missing tooth.

Hali, William, Gabriel and Alyssa - Look Out Kindergarten . . . . . .

HERE WE . . .

COME ! ! !

Playdate with Piper

After four years of talk about getting our girls together, we finally took the plunge and had Piper over for a playdate on Saturday. Here are two silly girls in their "boosts."

Playing in the sunroom . . .

Alyssa even let Piper play with her sacred "main blankies."

Enjoying a fine dinner at their favorite restaurant - Chic-fil-A.

Nothing better than a best friend and a balloon!

Alyssa clowning around with fake teeth. The girls had a great visit, get ready Hali - you're next! And then we will go for all Three Amigas!

Circus

Alyssa's school put on their version of the "Greatest Show on Earth" Friday afternoon.

So, send in the Clowns . . .

The Stunt Men - tumbling, tight rope walking and walking on stilts


Ms. Elsa and her "Divas"- Alyssa is last one on the right

The young preschool and older preschool classes who showed us how much fun it can be to be in the circus!

Our own little "Diva!"

Dance Recital

The Cast of "Rock-a-bye Baby" performing LIVE! Alyssa is the tall one in the middle.

First, they Rehearsed on Saturday - Alyssa, Julia and Hali

Then, it was SHOWTIME! Cece, Alyssa and Julia

Alyssa strutting her stuff across the BIG stage all by herself! She's smiling! :)

Waving at Momma and Dada after receiving her medal and taking her Finale seat on stage - Noelle, Alyssa and Julia.

Ms. Susan and all the DANCE EXPRESS dancers after a FANTASTIC show!