Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony

They started out as a group of eight Kindergarten girls in Daisies and are now a group of 13 second grade Brownies. To mark their change in rank, we had a Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony "bridging" the girls from Daisies to Brownies. They ceremony took place on a bride in Clague Park. It was symbolic, simple and sweet. I read an interactive story about a ungrateful little girl that changed into a kind, helpful and responsible girl after looking in the pond for a reflection of someone who could make a difference...that person is ME! Then the girls walked across the bridge one by one and received their new Brownie vest from Miss Lia. We ended the ceremony with a picnic at the park. 

Waiting for their turn to "bridge"

Kiera getting her new Brownie vest

Reciting the Girl Promise

"On my honor I will try: To serve God and my country,

To help people at all times and to live by the Girl Scout Law."

We ended with the Friendship Circle

Then the girls decided to put all of their hands in and cheer "Brownies!"

Happy Birthday, Val!

Feliz Cumpleaños Valerie! The birthday girl chose Mexican for her birthday dinner and we did it up right! Dinner on the Si Senor's patio, a quick trip to Crocker Park, followed by cupcakes at the Kette Casa.  We enjoy having you around, Val...you fit right in! 

Birthday shots!

No shot for me, I was the DD

We couldn't pass up the great photo op using the
Corona cut outs!

Next up was a quick trip to Crocker Park to hit the 

last day of the sale at Aveda

Finally, we headed home for dessert...

So jazzed to break out the new cupcake stands!

The birthday girl

I love this picture and the silliness behind it...all three of them

are trying to use only the air from their noses to blow out the candle!

We ended the night with a rousing game of flashcards!

Summer Party

On our summer list this year, we put "Have a Summer Party." Time was ticking, so we squeezed it in on the last weekend before school started. I'm not going to lie, this summer was a trying one. Having an independent, "thinker" and determined daughter makes for some tough days when she wants her ideas heard and she doesn't always convey her point in a polite, respectful tone. Kiera worked hard to 

be a "good girl" so we were able to have our summer party as planned. We invited all of the neighborhood kids. We played water games (water limbo with leis and Drip, Drip, Drop...think Duck, Duck, Goose with a water ball), made beach themed sugar cookies, had a water ballon fight, played with color changing bubbles, had a silly face show complete with clown noses, ate snow cones and overall had a fun day in the sun! 

"Life Lately" Flashback to Summer Edition!

I'm a little behind in documenting some of our summer fun...

 Kiera thought she was super cool riding the scooter and bike 

on the street at Gia's birthday party. As you can see, they live on a 

quiet, one way street. 

Just about everyday when Dave comes home from

work, he's excitedly greeted by his girls!

 We planted a large garden at the farm but due to the crazy rains in 

June and the lack of rain in July and August, our garden only produced

tomatoes, zucchini and yellow squash. We have been eating A LOT

of the said veggies. Here's Kiera spiraling a zucchini to use as spaghetti.

As you can see, she takes her job seriously...What a determined look!

 Selfie at the pool!

 On my very first day of summer vacation, I was lightly rear-ended. 

It did minor damage, but since the car was brand new, we got it fixed. 

Kiera went with me to get the rental car, and when the lady asked

if a mid-sized sedan would be okay, Kiera piped up and asked if we

could have a van. The lady granted Kiera's wish, she was so happy. 

And if a van wasn't enough to make this girl grin, we stopped at 

Dunkin' Donuts for a treat!

I was on the interview team this summer and Kiera tagged along

one day for an interview. We stopped in my classroom and Kiera

wrote this sweet message for the kids...

 Sherwin Williams is Dave's third home (after our house and the farm!)

and he considers the employees there to be his "fr-amily."  A year ago

this summer, one of member of the SW gang, Kelly, was in a tragic car accident.

To honor  Kelly on her one year anniversary, her family organized a balloon launch.

  

 We went sea glass hunting with B and L at our favorite beach.

The water was extremely rough that day and there was hardly any 

beach, but we managed to have a good time.