"baby" b not so much of a baby anymore

All of my b's are growing up way too fast. Queen b is now a kindergartner, busy b has started preschool, and my baby b is no longer a baby!!! He will be starting Mother's Day Out again next week and will be in the 2 year old class since he will be turning 2 next month. In the 2 year old class the kids begin taking a nap on their nap mats!!! (No more baby beds at school.) For Berkley and Beckham this was not a big adjustment, because at age 2 they were both already sleeping in "big" beds. (Simply because they had a sibling on the way and we needed their baby bed!!!) Brenner, on the other hand, is our "baby!" He definitely fills the role of the baby of our family too. Since he will be expected to "grow up" somewhat when he starts his new class next week, I decided we might need to practice. So...we got his new nap mat out yesterday and tested it out at nap time. Absolutely no problems!!! He went right to sleep. I only went in his room once to help him get back on top of his mat. Could it be?!? Is my baby b really no longer a baby? Is he indeed ready for a "big boy" bed? I don't think I can take any more major milestones this week!!!

happy birthday queen b

Berkley got a "big girl room" for her birthday this year. With her starting kindergarten, we decided it would be a good time to update. She had a great iron bed that I had found at an antique store, but it was small. It wasn't even a true twin. We decided it was time for her to get a bigger bed, which in turn meant new bedding and a new "room" in a sense. She was really excited. Marmie and JT delivered her new bed a few days before her birthday along with a desk and chair, which she loved. After all, she was going to need a place to do her homework, right? Now that she had a big bed, she needed something to put on it. We let Berkley help us pick out what kind of bedspread she wanted. We had narrowed it down to a couple of choices, but she held firm on her first decision. She wanted the "owl" bedding. She was so proud to get it on her new bed, and she really likes her new room. She has informed us that she is ready for sleepovers now!!!She loves her new owl pillow!

Since Berkley's birthday fell on a school day today, we decided to have a family celebration at the pool after school. After all, we wanted to enjoy the pool before it was closed until next summer. Marmie and JT met us there along with Chris, Amy and Dane.

Dane is learning to love the water almost as much as our little b's. No telling what he will be doing next summer!

Beckham had a great time in the pool trying to "surf" with Uncle Chris.

And of course, since Beckham was doing it, Brenner had to try it too. JT gave him some help.

It wasn't long before Berkley requested to go to the diving pool. She was definitely ready to show off a little at her birthday celebration. First she jumped off backwards...

Then she talked Uncle Chris into jumping off with her at the same time!

And finally, she showed off her front flip she had been working on. (Yes, I realize it looks more like a dive!) But impressive nonetheless.

Of course, Berkley wasn't the only one jumping. Beckham joined in on the fun too.

And you better believe Brenner wasn't going to be left out. He did some fine jumping as well. (And Daddy was in the water to catch him!)

We all had a great time at the pool and had it almost all to ourselves. (I guess since it was a school night!) After we swam, we all ate dinner together and celebrated with chocolate milkshakes. It is always fun to celebrate birthdays with family.

Happy Birthday Berkley. I can't believe how much you've grown up. You have such a nurturing spirit, a creative mind and a fine sense of fashion. We are so blessed to have you in our family.

busy b headed to "big" school

Today was Beckham's first day of school. He is headed to St. John's where Berkley has been the past couple of years. They have a wonderful preschool program, and he is very excited about it. He will have the same teachers that Berkley had for her first year of preschool. (And believe me, she has been preparing Beckham for his "big" school, since she is now a veteran!) St. John's is actually a private school so the students have to wear a uniform. Berkley absolutely hated wearing a uniform, because she didn't get to pick out her clothes really. Beckham, on the other hand, thinks it is pretty cool. (I think he just feels like a big kid!)

Of course, we had to take a few pictures before Beckham's first day of school. He and Berkley posed quickly before she had to head off to school. They were both so happy about going to school! (How long will that last?!?)

Beckham was really excited about his day ahead and his face couldn't hide it!

I'm sure many exciting adventures await him this year!!!

queen b is a kindergartner

It is official. My little queen b is indeed a kindergartner, and she is so excited about it! She was ready to head out the door by 7:30 this morning... even though her classroom doors don't open until 7:50 and her school is simply a quick walk across the street! Since she was ready to go so bright and early, we had plenty of time for some photos. Luckily, Berkley didn't mind at all and was ready to pose. Ready to head off to school...

Wearing a brand new, very fancy, backpack! (I think she could fit Brenner in it if she wanted too!)

And of course, completing her back-to-school outfit with some very stylish shoes. (She insisted I take a picture of them!)

We then had to take some family pics of course, starting with Beckham. He was really excited for Berkley.

Next was mommy's turn...and look, no tears!

Daddy stepped in for a turn with his favorite kindergartner too!

Finally it was time to head to school!!! Berkley took off, with Beckham right beside her.

That was short-lived, however, because my little queen b insisted that she be the first one. She wanted us to follow her!

Berkley quickly found one of her great friends, Lily. They are not in the same class, but their rooms are next door to each other.

As soon as the bell rang signaling that the students could go into their classrooms, Berkley took off. (And of course, we followed!) She had already gotten to visit her classroom on Meet the Teacher Night, so she knew exactly where to go and exactly what to do.

Once she got all of her things situated, we helped her put on her name tag. This was it...she was officially a kindergartner...and she definitely looked the part!

Amazingly enough, there were no tears shed by anyone. Berkley was so excited and completely ready to be starting Kindergarten. And, because she was so excited and content, I believed that I needed to feel the same way! I am so proud of her and know that she will have a terrific year.

ooh la la spa

Yesterday we had Berkley's 6th birthday party. We decided it would be better to have her party the Saturday before school started instead of the Saturday after school began. (After all, the first week of school would be very busy and exciting on its own!)

Just like past years, Berkley knew exactly what kind of party she wanted. I'm telling you, this girl could have a party planning service. Several weeks ago when we began brainstorming ideas, she quickly presented her idea of having a "spa" party. I had no idea where she even came up with the idea, but when I asked she reminded me that her cousins had told her about a similar party they had been to and how much fun they had at it. There was really no discussion... Berkley wanted a spa party. So, the planning began with Berkley's help of course. I really had no idea that it would actually turn out to be such a fun party that all of Berkley's friends truly enjoyed. (Along with myself, Amy and Marmie!)

Instead of mailing out invitations, we hand delivered them. Marmie found some great cosmetic bags that we attached an invitation to full of all of the information. Berkley had a great time delivering the bags to her friends.

The invitation read:
It's time to get pampered for a really special day.
Please join us in celebrating Berkley's 6th Birthday!
We'll get fancy pedicures with sparkles galore
...make-up and hair-dos that we'll all adore!
So put on some slippers, a robe or P.J.'s
and get ready for one spa-tacular day!We had definitely planned a spa-tacular day...with the help of a few special people. Marmie is always willing to help with a party!

And Amy would never miss a party...especially when she gets to dress up!!!

And of course, I was ready as well.

We had finished all of the preparations and were waiting for the guests. The cake was ready and topped with a sparkly 6 just as the party girl requested.

The water bottles were sitting out at the Ooh La La Spa ready to refresh the guests.

The pedicure spots were open awaiting their customers. (Along with the make-up and hair stations.)

After much waiting, our guests had arrived. (Chauffeured by Mr. Matt) That's right, this was no small time spa. Ooh La La Spa offered a shuttle service. Berkley and Matt made a special stop at each girl's house. They were greeted with a bag of warm donut holes and juice for their ride to the spa. Matt was definitely a great sport for participating!!!

These gals were definitely ready for a morning at the spa. They were so excited and we were so excited to see them!

We started the celebration right away with singing Happy Birthday to Berkley. I love the pajamas she chose to wear that day... DREAM BIG!!! I'm sure she was making some BIG WISHES right at this moment!

While the girls were eating their cake (which wasn't much since they were all full from their donut holes) Amy quickly began welcoming the girls and explaining their spa schedule for the morning. Berkley could not ask for a better Aunt. Amy is so much fun and definitely added a special touch to the party!

The girls all listened intently to their instructions!

And all of them seemed really excited to begin their morning at the spa... but our birthday girl was beaming with excitement!

As the girls were finding their first appointment station, it began raining! Not to fear... the rain did not stop us at the Ooh La La Spa! Marmie was prepared with several umbrellas for the girls to use.

All of the girls were very patient while they were getting their spa services. We had a "waiting area" and the girls didn't seem to mind hanging out there together.

Marmie did a fabulous job as the "hair-do lady." She came up with some very fancy dos!

Amy and I ran the pedicure station which was definitely a hit. These girls know how to relax!

Marmie's sweet friend, Cindy, helped with the make-up which was a real treat. Cindy used to help with pageants and is an amazing make-up artist!

Once the girls made it through all of the stations, they had a great time showing off their new looks to each other. Berkley and Lily were feeling quite fancy!

Once all of the girls finished, they posed for a picture. It was unanimous... they were fans of Ooh La La Spa!!!

Berkley got a chance to open her gifts at the end of the party. She got some very fancy things!

Finally our time was up. Berkley did a great job thanking all of her guests and telling them goodbye.

A big thanks to Marmie and Amy for helping to make Berkley's party a spa-tacular one indeed!!!