Ella's 6th Birthday!

Birthday Sprinkle (Jimmies) Pancakes!

Happy 6th Birthday!

Can't believe six years has gone by!  Boy how Ella has changed in just the last two years!  She has started first grade, is reading chapter books after "lights out", told me she "kinda has a boyfriend" and she is the best big sister in the universe! Ella is learning to be "independent" this year.  That word is written on our white board in the kitchen.  She had told me one day after school that she's learning to be "independent" in school.  I thought---what a novel idea!   I love that she is making her own breakfast in the morning, keeps an eye on Eli every now and then, and is just gaining so many new skills so rapidly.  We are already 3.5 weeks into the school year and time is flying!  Tomorrow Ella has her first football game to cheer for!  Pretty exciting stuff happening here in Parker, CO.  Ella is very excited for her birthday today....it has been the topic of conversation ALL week.  Today, she went to school with birthday treats for her class, a huge smile on her face, and she even told me that she thinks the whole lunch room is going to sing happy birthday to her!  Tomorrow she will have her first sleep over birthday party (and probably her last--haha!).  An outdoor "Tom and Jerry" movie, fun yard games, and ice cream cake to boot!  Sounds fun and exhausting!  

Ice Cream Sandwhich Birthday Cake! 

Utah and Jack (our dogs) gave Ella her Birthday Present this morning! 

Making a wish!  :) 

 

 

First Day of First Grade!

Ella began her first day of school yesterday.  She is a first grader!  Below she is pictured with her best bud of nearly 6 years.  What an exciting day for her.  Here in Colorado, the kiddos start the school year in early August.  After 8 weeks of summer vacation, I think we both were ready for the start of school to come this early.  Filled with anticipation and even a little bit of nerves, we got in the car and headed for school.  I felt a tiny bit awful that I wasn't one of those parents waiting around with my first grader, to watch her head into the building for the day.  I think I may have been 1 of 2 parents utilizing the parent drop off line!  Ella was nervous, "MOM!  What if I don't know where to go?"  I told her, "Honey, look for Miss Billings, Mackenzie, Addy, and you'll be fine!"   I can't even believe I just let her go, with no tears.  (Well, actually I can...she is a very independent and strong little girl!)  

Thankfully, Ella found Erin (Karli's mom) and found her way to Miss Billings line.  I am very grateful that Miss Erin was able to get this picture of Ella and Karli.  I truly hope they are friends for life despite NOT being in the same class this year.  Wow!  First Grade.  Ella came home with a HUGE smile on her face.  Excited that she had a three new friends and all ready to invite them to her birthday at the end of the month!  Apparently it was a very busy day....they didn't even get to do "Calendar!"
Believe me, I enjoy the growth kiddos have in the younger years (2-5), but I have this feeling that I am going to enjoy these next several years even more!