many more days to come...

like many summers before us, we will be spending many days enjoying the sun and water at the pool!  i have been on a 'remember when' kick as of late, and thought it would be fun to see how ava has changed over the last few summers!

in 2008, girlfriend rocked a bikini and her crazy hair.  her hair would turn this way when wet.  after nap time, it was especially 'lioness-like' :)

in 2009, her crazy hair had grown a lot, and she rocked a new "swim soup" from aunt sarah!

2010 was all about the accessories.  she didn't set foot in a pool without her beloved puddle-jumper.  she also donned sunglasses that coordinated with the polka dots on her suit.

in 2011, she's rocking another two-piece and a tan!  girlfriend has been spending lots of time in the sun at school.  she's practicing swimming without a floating device, and loving the beginning of summer!

it's a celebration [kinder edition]...

may 27th was a very special day for our little!  not only were we headed to school for her kindergarten program, but she had also been selected the previous monday as the citizen of the month in her class.  may's character trait was "Loyalty", and ava was chosen because of her ability to be a loyal [or as she told her aunt sarah, a "royal"] friend :) 

we started the morning with her citizen of the month breakfast!

there were pancakes and cereal for the kiddos.  each child that was selected for their class was called up front so that they could receive their award.

after breakfast, we headed to the gym and waited for the kindergarten program to start.  the songs were so sweet, and i have to admit it made me pretty emotional!  i was more emotional on this day than i was the day she started kinder! ha!

after the program, we headed back to ava's classroom where her teacher presented them with a keepsake book.  It was the perfect time for a few "end of year" photos!



 we are so proud of her and the little lady she is becoming!

first and last...

on your first day of kindergarten,

you were filled with anticipation, not knowing what to expect.

on your last day of kindergarten,

you were so relaxed, the school day just part of your routine.

on your first day of kindergarten,

you wondered who your friends would be.

on your last day of kindergarten,

you were friends with every kid in your class!

on your first day of kindergarten,

your hair was cut in a cute little bob.

on your last day of kindergarten,

your hair came just past your shoulders.

on the first day of kindergarten,

you had me pack your lunch.

on the last day of kindergarten,

you packed your lunch all by yourself.

on the first day of kindergarten,

you had all of your baby teeth.

on the last day of kindergarten,

you had been visited by the tooth fairy five times.

on the first day of kindergarten,

you knew your numbers.

on the last day of kindergarten,

you can add and subtract your numbers.

on the first day of kindergarten,

you could write your name.

on the last day of kindergarten,

you can write short stories.

we have had many firsts by the last day of kindergarten.  we are so proud of you! seeing you learn and grow is truly amazing! on the first day, you were my little girl. on the last day, you were my brave, confident kid! before the school year began, i couldn't picture what kind of kid you'd be---but this year has shown me what the next several will be like!  and although it is a bit scary, i can't wait to see what else is in store for you!