Family Party.

My cousin Lolly threw her parents a 60th birthday party on Sunday at their family ranch. I love these family (my Mom's side) gatherings, they are too few and far between. It's so fun having so many loved ones all in one place at one time, just like the weekends of my childhood when we would all meet up at my Grandparent's house for BBQ dinner.

Thank you Dee Dee for taking photos of The Littles.

I adore seeing the new generation of cousins playing together at family functions. When we were little, Lolly and Devin came to our house every week day. We shared childhoods together and I want the same for My Littles.

Thanks Laura for getting us all together. Party planning is not easy but you pulled it off beautifully.

Last Day of 1st.

Today is Savannah's last day of 1st grade and also my last day at home with just Ivy and The Goo. I am thrilled to be on our own schedule and to spend quality time with all three of My Littles. I am ready for this break. Thank you Mrs. French, I know you will never read this but you've been a fantastic teacher.

Congratulations to my niece Sydney on her 8th grade graduation! We celebrated with her last night, she has grown into a sweet little (artistic!) lady so quickly. Have fun on your big trip Syd, can't wait to hear all about it when you come home.

Faith.

My dear friend Faith is in California for her sister's wedding. She found some time to sneak away and meet me up in Sacramento. Ivy and I went to the party supply store and found the biggest balloon they sold to greet her with. Then we went downtown to meet Faith's train.

At lunch I snuck a photo of My Littles and Faith in a conversation. It made my heart swell to see these cherished people in my life enjoying each other's company. Seeing her again is such a cozy feeling, her warmth is comforting.

The few hours we spent with Faith were easy and joyful. Lots of smiles and laughs. Ivy and Goo adored playing with her (poor Savannah had school, she really missed out). Time went by so quickly and soon enough we were back at the station, saying goodbye to our lovely friend.

Book Club Update.

Friday night's book club was great fun. It started out slow with just a few ladies then at the fullest point in the evening there were 12 of us. My last guest left at 2:45am, my neighbor Kristina. Yes it was a very late night made even later because I just couldn't go to bed with all those dishes in the sink and dirty glasses on every surface. But the hour after Kristina left was a great time of reflection for me. I love this book club and feel so lucky to have been invited in the first place. I am relieved however, to have a year's time to recover from the stresses of hosting. Oh...and I had on display a few pieces from my Dad's taxidermy collection (this is funny if you have read the book); two raccoons, a coyote, opossum and a bobcat. Oh the reactions and laughs...

Daisies To Brownies.

On Saturday morning, The Little Girls celebrated their Bridging Ceremony with their Girl Scout Troop. For their community service project they chose to grow vegetables from seed in a greenhouse and then transplant the starter veggies in a garden. The harvest from their garden will be distributed by a local church through their community outreach food closet. It is a program we as a family are very proud to be a part of. Leaders Kari and Jenee have worked with these girls on this project for five months.



After the troop and families planted the garden, we had a delicious picnic and program to bridge the girls from Daisies to Brownies. The girls sang songs and recited their pledge and honor code.

Then each Little Girl walked across the makeshift bridge as their leaders said sweet and endearing words about them individually. They received their sashes, badges and pins. Little Girls were proud and yet a little shy to be put in the spotlight- it was darling.

They are a tiny troop and the best of friends. These Little Girls have big dreams and are making a difference in their community. Their efforts are inspiring and I couldn't be more proud.

Breathe.

You Guys, I'm hosting book club tonight and I'm a little nervous. I've been trying to be really low key about the party after last week's disappointment but now I'm a bit on edge. Plus not many of these ladies know me very well and so I guess I'm letting them "in" which puts me in a vulnerable weird space. Anywho, what are you up to this long weekend? Do you go away for Memorial Day Weekend? Have a barbecue? Go to the lake? Camping? We typically have very quiet long weekends because of The Shop, Tim works the weekend because of the holiday sale. However we will keep busy because of tonight's party, The Little Girls' Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony and having a little picnic with friends. But mostly I am looking forward to reading in the hammock while The Goo explores the yard and accumulates copious amounts of dirt in his shoes and pants. 

What's Up With The Little Girls.

Remember when The Little Girls took a short break from Ballet and 2 years went by? Starting this week Ivy and Savannah are back to taking classes and this time at a new (to them) Ballet School. Ivy had her first class today. She was excited but nervous before and then beautifully proud of herself after when her teacher released the class.

Savannah has been frustrated with a classmate lately and so I told her the best way to express her concerns was to write a thoughtful letter to her teacher without being too whiny. She needed some help on the spelling of the bigger words but otherwise the sentences are her own. I think it's so funny...I could say all of this stuff about some adults I know. Mrs. French, can you give me some advice too?