School Again

Just when the summer weather shows up here in the South Bay school seems to start! Oh well, my kids don't seem to mind! Jolie could hardly wait for the first day to come!

 The 2nd grader, in Mrs. Kirby's class. According to Lucy she is pretty and super nice and dresses super cute! (my fashionista!)

 The 4th grader, in Mr. Gossette's class. She is thrilled to have the new male teacher at her school. She says he is super funny so that's good enough for her! And happily the girls classrooms are right next to each other! Makes my life easy!

 my silly preschool boy

 Jolie immediately ditched me upon arriving at the school so I have basically so pictures of her but here is one of Lucy and her 2 BBFs. She was bummed they weren't in her class but they ended up playing together at lunch and recess!

 Then in the afternoon I took Reese to his first day at preschool. He is attending the LIFT program at Alta Vista to get some speech therapy going. I was so relieved he didn't shed a tear when I left him! But I might have! It was an emotional day for me but I am sure I'll be thrilled to have some time to myself this year!

These kids are getting too big too fast!

Reese Turns 4

I can't believe my baby is 4! Here he is on that morning opening a few gifts.

 Then a few days later we had his first ever friends birthday party. He was excited about the idea but I have to admit he was pretty shy and unhappy being the center of attention!

 decorating the pinata bags

 Reese doesn't like cupcakes or cake but he does love sheetcake so that's what we had!

 the only thing he really wanted at his party, a pinata

 again, not so thrilled with being the center of attention

 but he sure loves his new big wheel from Grandma and Grandpa!

We love this boy so much, he has made such strides in talking and communicating this year! I am sure it will only get better with school starting up! Now if only we could get him potty trained...

Lucy's Turn

Lucy turned 7 this week! We had a great party today at Art Zone. This was the perfect party for her!

As much painting as they want!

 Decorating bird houses.

 Flinging mud around in the mud room.

 Sweetness

 Love him

 Caitlin, Mary, Lucy, Jolie and McKenna in the mud room.

 My 7 year old!

 The gerber baby

 Making treasure boxes

 Happy birthday my Lucy!

Lucy is such a sweet heart. She seems to live almost always in a make-believe place. She loves dolls and real babies and all of her many sweet friends! I love watching her learn and grow. She is such a wonderful big sister, often playing with Reese and including him in her games. I am so proud of her hard work in 1st grade and I love her so much!

Jolie Turns 9

It's that time again at our house, all the Cowan kids are turning another year older! Jolie turned 9(CRAZY!!!) and celebrated at a place called Sky Zone. Full of trampolines. These kids had way too much fun!

 Katie O.

 My Grant-man

 Katie D., Jolie and Halle, these kids were seriously sweaty!

 BFF's

 How is it even possible I have a 9 year old??

 This boy looooved this party!

 Starving kiddos

What a great girl Jolie is! She is the most fun kid to have around. Is kind to all and tries so hard to be a good example to those around her. I am so grateful everyday that I get to be her mother. She is such a joy! I love you Jolie Anne!!

Max & Jessica Tie the Knot

We had such a beautiful day celebrating Max and Jessica. The kids looked beyond adorable so obviously my pics are mostly of them!

 Hooray for our new sister-in-law!

 Lucy loved to snuggle with her great-grandparents, especially Grandma Donna!

 We ate from the chocolate fountain until we were sick, some of us literally! (jolie)

 Time for speaches

 My handsome father-in-law.

 Thankfully my girls did not catch the bouquet!

 Some tired kids snuggling and watching a movie!

Thanks so much for the fun Nana and Pops! Such wonderful memories!!!

P.S. How did I not get any pics of baby Pennie on my camera? Tons on my phone though!)