Simply Serrano: Project Life: Week 19

Monday, May 9

Today started a busy week--Ellie's final week of preschool. Today she had "kindergarten practice day," which, instead of just the afternoon, spanned the entire day. She got to ride a school bus, tour a kindergarten classroom, and have lunch in the school's cafeteria. Rita texted me this picture as Ellie started off on her day, and I'm pretty sure I melted into a puddle under my desk.

My baby's such a big girl....

Tuesday, May 10
Since Yuna was a puppy, our primary way of scolding her when she's chewed something up is to put it in her face and repeat, "Did you do this? Did you do this? That's a bad dog!" She gets such a look on her face that it's hard for me not burst out laughing. Not a terribly effective way to punish her, so usually I have Josh do it. Today she chewed up one of the girls' Happy Meal toys, and I grabbed the camera while Josh reprimanded her. This picture never fails to make me laugh out loud.

Rotten puppers....

On the bright side, my azaleas are in bloom and are, as usual, quite stunning.

Wednesday, May 11
Today was a big day for our family. First, Ellie had a dentist appointment to finally have her spacers/baby dentures placed. Josh snapped this picture of her before her appointment, figuring it would be the last time we saw this smile for a couple of years.

Beautiful girl no matter how many teeth she has

Yeah, well, in theory, that was all well and good, until Josh and Ellie arrived and the dentist and found that 1) the dentist continued to insist there "might" be a problem with one of her remaining teeth, despite the fact that she eats with it, without complaining, all.the.time. 2) the spacer did not fit in her mouth appropriately, and 3) said spacer only had two teeth. Josh did his best to talk me off the ledge, but I was just so upset. Poor baby. She's been through enough. It wasn't that she wouldn't have her new smile for her program--it was that she has to go back, again, and be scared, again, and have it not be over, again. Thankfully, Ellie seemed no worse for the wear--still so much more resilient than her mama.

The day got markedly better as it went on, and it culminated in Ellie's spring program. Mom and Dad came up and, after a quick dinner, the girls were sweet enough to smile nicely for some pre-ceremony pictures. (I love them.)

Graduation girl

Sweet sisters

We got to the church early to ensure we'd actually be able to see her, and bless her teacher's hearts, she was in the front row. Both classes entered the sanctuary skipping and singing "Zipadeedoodah"--so adorable.

Ellie had the honor of being the flag bearer during the Pledge of Allegiance.

The program was so well done, just like her school year, and I did so well not tearing up...until they sang their final song: "You Are My Sunshine". That one got to me. She is, too. Such a little ray of sunshine.

Soon, it was time for her to gather her graduation folder, and join us in the pews.

all done!

Afterwards, we headed downstairs for one final cookie at First Friends. I stopped to thank her teachers on our way out--they did an amazing, amazing job. I found out the next day that her primary teacher, Mrs. Nalley, won't be returning to teach next year, so we felt even more fortunate for the year that was.

Thursday, May 12
Today was Ellie's final day of preschool. She has had such a good, good year, and we're so thankful for it.

Friday, May 13
After a very busy week, tonight was a lovely night for some quiet family time. Josh entertained the girls with one of their favorite Looney Tunes episodes on the iPad

and then we played a few rousing games of Uno. It was a pretty perfect night.

Saturday, May 14
Today we celebrated Brycelynn's 6th birthday. Her party was around lunchtime, so we had a great time playing, visiting, and eating--and celebrating the birthday girl. Gramma Beck and Aunt Naomi were there also, so there were copious photo opps that we took full advantage of.