Holy Mole`

LOL... I thought this title was appropriate for a first communion on Cinco de Mayo!  I hope you can see the humor too :-)

Apart from this silly title, Ryan's first communion was a very special day.  Steve and I want to sincerely thank everyone who came for being part of Ryan's day.  It means the world to us and to her. 

Here is our princess...

Ryan got a beautiful up-do and loved her dress from the back view.

Ryan and one of her best friends, Kendall, got to share their special day.

Ryan, Kendall, and the siblings... Kyle and Charlie

Catholic Daddy sat next to Ryan because she was nervous about her responsibilities for first communion.  The church asked the kids to "bring the gifts" and Ryan was nervous.  It must run in the family...LOL

Ryan and Father Ken

A family picture to celebrate

Godmommy Katie

Godfather Jeff

Fiesta Time!!!

Margaritas and Mexican food for all!

Matt became the human jungle gym.  It was adorable!

Ryan LOVED all of the wonderful gifts that she received.  Thank you... you are all too generous!

To round out this special evening, the Smiths asked Steve and I to be Sydney's Godparents! 

 We are thrilled!   xoxox

Our California Cutie

A job well done to our own California Cutie, Charlie!  She rocked the softball field this season!

Love you Buggy!

World Class Kid: Charlie Grace

Every kid in Charlie's class gets one week to be World Class Kid.  Charlie has had to wait, and wait, and wait all year for this honor.  We have been so proud of her for being patient.  Her turn finally arrived and a lot of preparations had to begin.

As part of her World Class Kid duties, Charlie had to provide a snack to the class.  Most kids pick cookies, or cupcakes, or other favorite treats for their snack.  Our unique Charlie had her own idea... since her favorite food is butter (yes, butter) she wanted to serve something with butter involved.  So Charlie chose the messiest snack in the whole world for 5 and 6 year olds!

Cornbread and honey butter.

So, to help minimize the mess that was about to happen later that day, Mommy organized the cornbread in individual to-go boxes with individual butter dishes too.  They turned out cute and Mrs. Baker was certainly appreciative of the effort to reduce the mess.

 The other preparation was to make Charlie's poster for her interview.  She wanted an "underwater" theme so we got to work on her poster.  We picked out pictures to add to her poster and decorated it with paint and stickers... a fun mommy and Charlie activity.

Charlie was on cloud 9 when we arrived at school for her big day!

 Mrs. Baker introduced the new World Class Kid to all of the other kiddos and talked about her responsibilities for the next week.

 Responsibility #1:  To take attendance and the lunch count on the computer.

Her other duties will get to include being the line leader and doing special errands for the teacher.  The best World Class Kid duty of all is getting to hold Mrs. Baker's hand all week long!

 On to the interview.

 After Mrs. Baker asks Charlie the interview questions, Charlie gets to explain her poster to the class and then they ask her questions.

 Charlie is allowed to bring family members to the interview so we pulled Ryan out of class to come watch.  Charlie was super to have her sissy there.

Charlie and Mrs. Baker... the best kindergarten teacher in the whole wide world

That's our World Class Kid!!

Hoppy Easter from Seal Beach!

Easter morning started out great for the girls.  Both Ryan and Charlie got matching jammies for themselves and their American Girl Dolls! 

(These girls are LOVING their new American Girl obsession!)

 Ryan with her American Girl Doll, McKenna.

 Charlie with her new best friend, Julie.

Then... the girls started hunting for their Easter baskets.  I wonder where the Easter Bunny hid them this year.  That poor Easter Bunny is running out of places to hide a giant basket in the house.  So, the hunt went quickly.

Char Bear tore open her basket faster than ever... Of course!

Oh Charlie, what kind of look is that?  LOL

Ryan opening her basket slowly as to not mess it up.

Next, the girls realized that this year the Easter Bunny hid the Easter eggs INSIDE of the house!  Brilliant idea Mr. Easter Bunny!!

Oh my, look how tall Ryan is!

The all important opening of the loot.

Both girls found a lucky Golden Egg with $5 inside!!!  So cool!

Look what else I got, mom!

When the festivities were all over at the house, we headed to Old Ranch for Easter Brunch with Nonna and Grandpa and Gigi.

Gigi certainly enjoyed spending the morning with her girlies.  

I can't believe I didn't get a picture of Nonna and Grandpa.  Sorry Mom and Dad.  We did get a very mediocre family pic but that sun was shining bright behind us.

The girls got to take advantage of all the fun activities for the kids after they finished their food.  The balloon baskets were there fave discovery!

We hope everyone had a great Easter!

Introducing... Miss Annie Grace

Ahhhh.... the Graces got to meet little Miss Annie Grace.  We headed up after school and physical therapy on Friday, March 16th.  We were all so, so excited. 

What a precious little cute she is!

Momma wanted her right away (after her nap of course)!  Gimme that little nugget! 

We eased the girls into meeting their new little cousin.  Charlie was trying to make funny faces at her...lol

 We got Ryan all positioned and ready to take her turn with Annie.

 Charlie waited patiently but anxiously to take her turn.  Both girls did great.

 Hi Annie!

 Mommy had to take another turn...lol

 And then finally daddy (he is a little nervous around the new-newborns).  He did great.

 Hmmm... either Heisman trophy pose? "Don't take my picture" pose? Or "talk to the hands" pose?

 Look at the peanut in her crib!  She hardly takes up any space.

Oh ya... these pictures have nothing to do with Annie but it sure is cute to our "totally afraid of dogs" daughters LOVING Puffer!  How cute!

A great visit all around.  Jeff and Julie are great parents.  Calm and organized and loving and we are so excited for their new family!  Congratulations to Jeff and Julie!