Kindergarten Party Time!

Is her first year of school really ending? How is that even possible? Are kids still cute after Kindergarten? I'm worried.

Ella's class had a party to celebrate the end of their Kindergarten year. They sang songs, showed an adorable slideshow with photos taken throughout the year, and gave out awards. Ella has absolutely loved Kindergarten. She never wanted to miss a day or even an hour. Her teachers were amazing and we could not have asked for anyone better! They were attentive to her needs and sweet as could be.

She grew up so much this past year. Her reading, writing, and math skills are above par. She made best friends. Joined after school clubs. Rode the school bus. Took field trips. But most important of all she was excited about school every day. All that worry (from me) on the first day was silly. She loved going to school.

I hope as we start at a new school in the fall she will love it again.

My Beauty...before school!

 Bucket List: Check;)

The Alphabet

Take Me Out to the Ocean (pretty appropriate for RI kids)

 Ella receiving her award for Rock Star Reader! 

So lucky to have Granny P in town for it!

Graduation Day!

Our whole reason for living in Newport for the past eleven months is coming to an end. My husband graduated from the Naval War College with his Master's. Countless hours were spent writing, reading, studying. I can't remember the total number of pages he wrote for his papers, but I believe it averaged to about one per day. He has an awesome ability to balance family, work and time to himself. (I'm jealous as I always forget myself...). It was hard in the beginning as he was adjusting to his new school life, but knowing there is a future deployment ahead, he didn't want his family life to be cast aside. He still made time for every soccer game, dance recital, school function...for him it wasn't just about receiving another diploma. It was also about enjoying this amazing place we were stationed at knowing this was a very rare Army opportunity!

When Tom was in high school, he was an average student. I saw him more as the jock who was quiet in class and received passing grades. I always knew he was really intelligent (probably because he chose to date me), but it was because I took the time to get to know him. He did well in college at the Citadel, but it wasn't until he started his career in the Army that he truly flourished. Watching him grow from this teenage boy who would play street hockey in my neighborhood, to a successful Major in the Army has been an honor for me. My heart swells with pride every time he achieves a new goal in his career.

His graduation day wasn't any different for me. Watching him walk across the stage and accept his diploma brought tears to my eyes. (I'm a sap like that. Y'all should know that by now though.) And for him, he acts like it is no big deal. Just another day in his life. Modesty is one of my favorite qualities about him. He hates when I brag about him which is why I do it. But he's brag-worthy. And handsome to boot;)

We love you, and can't wait to take this next adventure with you. Always by your side...every step of the way.

Congratulations to the Class of 2014 Naval War College Graduates! Job Well Done! 

PS. Next big event, please don't remove the memory card from the camera. It causes me to have a meltdown. Thank goodness for Sarah letting me use her card in my camera for a few walking across the stage pics!

 Gorgeous day for an outside graduation

 

 

 We waited all year for this day! Full of pride!

 

 We had family and friends watching live from back home! Forever grateful for the love and support from afar!

His brother and sister watching at work...I cried when I saw this picture. We are all so proud! 

 When I see this picture, I flash forward 12 years to Ella holding her HS diploma. Ha!

This...

...is why having three children is always worth it at the end of the day. No matter how much they can argue, fight, yell, be crazy, loud, messy...they love each other endlessly.

 And they miss Ella tons when she is at school:)

Father's Day!

Sometimes Tom is almost too laid-back. I wish he would be more assertive with how he would like to spend his birthdays or Father's Days (when he's actually around for them!) This Father's Day was no different. He said "I don't care what we do..." Well I took that and ran with it and all of a sudden Father's Day became exactly how I would like to spend the day. Just repeat Mother's Day. But add a trip to IKEA in there. See? I told you he was laid-back.

So coffee, IKEA, a trip to the beach, and then get this...he wanted fish tacos for dinner and cooked it himself, too. (I do not try to compete with his amazing fish tacos). But seriously? Maybe next year he will say exactly how he wants to spend HIS day, or we could end up at the mani/pedi place and shoe shopping;)

We love you, babe. You are one heck of a father. Thank you so much for working your little tail off to give us the life we have. We know your days are long and tiring, and you do it all for us. We appreciate it...and you. Our little babes are so lucky to have you as their dad!

We met up with CeCe's family at Gooseberry! 

 This was an unintentional unfortunate photo of Sam. 

 And yes, I was terrified with her up there. BUT the helicopter mom in me had to let go a little bit.

 Mmmmmmm mango.

 LOVE this pic of Ella and her bestie CeCe!

 He's such a boy. Such an explorer. Everywhere. All of the time.

 And look! We found Ella and CeCe's classmate Madelyn!