Track Out - Part 1

So school only lasted 3 weeks (really 1 for Elle after the staggered entry) and now the girls are halfway through their first track out of the year.  We've kept it jam packed with activities.  Here's what we've done so far:

The first weekend we took the girls bowling for the first time.  They thought it was so fun!  Scarlett was the big winner the first game.  Elle couldn't quite do the correct form, so it was more of dropping the ball on the lane (usually with a penalty for stepping over the line) and watching it slowly roll down towards the pins.

Monday we had a playdate at the pool with several neighborhood friends.  Tuesday was ice cream and the library followed by an hour of torture as I took them to Michaels and Target to pick out picture frames.

Wednesday we went to the North Carolina Museum of History for a kids program.  The girls learned lots of facts about the state, a little about the geography and the different industries that developed in each part.  They toured the museum (the highlight was where they saw a mock up of an old mill house and a lady demonstrating weaving on a spinning wheel).  They also really liked the hands on mining.  They panned through sand and dirt for "jewels" (which were really beads cut to look like jewels)

Thursday was more swimming and Friday we went to the bounce house with some friends.  

Scarlett has been working on her piano skills in our downtime (which we haven't had much of!).  

This past Saturday we took the girls to their first Durham Bulls game against the Gwinnett Braves. 

Elle was really only there for the cotton candy!

Scarlett could have stayed longer, but Elle's patience ran out when the food did, so we took the long way around when we left halfway through the game.  

Monday we met Cameron for lunch, then went by the SnoBall stand on the way home.  That's one thing we all miss from New Orleans (snocones are not the same!).  Luckily we found this stand that specializes in New Orleans style SnoBalls!

The girls are still enjoying gymnastics!  Elle is in beginner and Scarlett is in intermediate.  They are both doing great!

Tuesday we went to the $1 movie to see Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day.  It was cute and I was surprised that even Elle sat through it.

Before our playdate yesterday, Scarlett made her first Perler bead project.  She loved it and her minion turned out super cute!

Heading to the pool again this morning!  

First Day of School!

First day of second grade for Scarlett and Kindergarten for Elle.  So far they are loving school this year!

A little of this and that - June edition

Here's a little bit of everything from June!

My dear friend of a million years (ok, 27) came up to visit us.  I still hate that we've both lived in this city, just not at the same time!  Scarlett and Cameron were at school / work, but Elle and I got a chance to meet them up at the Museum of Science.  Elle and Owen were fast friends and it was too cute!

We celebrated Cameron's birthday and then father's day the weekend after.

And here's miss sassy pants, still loving those carts at "da new Harris Teeter" (I think we will ALWAYS call it that).  This time Grace got to come along!  

Elle is FIVE!

Elle's birthday celebration went on for over a week!!  I can't believe this girl is 5!

The weekend before her birthday, Coco and Grandpa came into town and took her to Build a Bear and Fire and Rice.

Of course we had to have multiple cakes...here was the ice cream one!

On Monday we invited a few friends from the neighborhood up to the pool for a little party.   

Wednesday was the big day!  Daddy was at work and Scarlett was at school, so it was pure torture waiting for nightime to open those presents!  We had spaghetti and meatballs per her request, followed by a bear cake with sprinkles.

Then she FINALLY got to open her presents!

GRACE!!  I only heard about Grace daily since she came out on January 1st!

And thank goodness Gigi and Donk were able to find her the matching pajama set!  

Grammie and Papa made a perfect princess with this real Cinderella!

Then wait, you may think we are done, but NO!  There was still more fun to be had.  On Saturday we left for Great Wolf Lodge.  The girls had a blast on all the waterslides and the wave pool.  Also, the "camp" with bunkbeds in our room was pretty neat!  

Leaving on Sunday with their wolf and raccoon face paint!

4th of July

We celebrated the 4th at home with a cookout and some little fireworks in the backyard.

Scarlett's end of first grade

Scarlett finished first grade and with only a 4 day break, rolled right into second grade.  About half the kids in her class stayed with her for this year (and the other half is right next door and they see each other on the playground!).

She was so sad to say goodbye to Ms. Gray!

Scarlett took a test and was able to skip 2nd grade math.  We had ice cream to celebrate!  So far third grade math is a challenge (for her and I!)  

Who doesn't love brand new pencils, crayons and notebooks?  Well, besides my wallet...

Elle's preschool graduation

It's been a busy couple months, so forgive me that this isn't exactly current news!  I am working on catching up for June!

Elle graduated preschool on June 4th.  The kids were adorable in their caps and gowns.  They sang a few songs about how much they learned and about how they were heading to kindergarten.

Elle is missing her preschool buddies too.  Only one from her class came to her elementary school.

We sure are going to miss Ms. Sally and Ms. Lisa!

As a graduation gift, Elle got her ears pierced!  She was so excited and didn't even flinch!  Scarlett was a sweet big sister and held her hand the whole time.