Last week was an interesting week. On Monday I got to help Shaylee create a Cat in the Hat costume. An hour before school she let me know that for love of reading week she can dress up like a story book character and that she wanted to be the Cat in the Hat. Luckily we had some pieces from a black cat costume that we used at Halloween. We just had to add the hat and gloves. The girls had some white gloves so that was also easy but the hat had to be quickly created out of what was on hand. This ended up being a white brimmed had and red and white foam. 
Not too bad for short notice. She also had a black tail hanging out the back that I didn’t get in the picture . The mask with the ears didn’t work with the hat so it was left at home.
It was also a bit busy because I was getting ready for Kelsi’s birthday party. We had it a week early because of spring break. We didn’t think very many would be able to make it during spring break and we are going to be out of town part of the week.
Getting ready for parties always takes a lot of work for me. There is the shopping for party favors, cake, ice cream, decorations, plates, cup, etc., etc. Your child wanting one think while you are trying to keep it in a budget. Luckily my children are pretty easily pleased. Kelsi seemed to be happy with it all in the end so that is what really matters.
This year I decided to make her a piñata instead of paying $15 or more. It was actually pretty fun and easy to make as long as I didn’t try to make a fancy shape.
At first I was going to try to make a pony or a flower but the more I thought about it I felt simple was best, this time around. Maybe after I know what I am doing I will attempt something other than a balloon shape. I even had a little helper. They problem was that she kept tasting the paste. Luckily it was only made of flour and water.
It worked out well and Kelsi seemed to be really happy with it.
It wasn’t as strong as one from the store but I could add more layers of newspaper next time or let each child have fewer turns to hit it. It works better than store bought ones do for little kids. It seems that at times it takes a force of nature to get some of those piñatas to bust.
I am not a fancy cake maker so this is what she got.
She was thrilled because it was topped with a Littlest Pet Shop that she got to keep. All the kids ate it up. We only had one piece left which we saved for Jeremy. So it must of tasted somewhat good.
We had 10 little girls here plus my 3. It was great fun and luckily everything went well. They each even got to make their own pocket purse to take home. Thank you Family Fun for the idea.
I survived one more Birthday party! Who knows how many more to go.
This week the girls are home for spring break. We went to the library today and they are trying to keep busy so mom doesn’t put them to work.
Courtney spent her time playing and making friends at the kiddie pool. She would carry around a pair of goggles and call them her "giggles." She rarely wore them but had to have them. It is hard to see them in this picture because they are clear, but they are in her right hand.
Kelsi had to face some fears this summer by jumping in the deep end and swimming across without a lifeguard in the water. She did pretty well but would panic halfway across when she came up for air.
She had a birthday party that was Luau themed. We played pin the bananas on the palm, I mean banana, tree. She saw the parrot pinata and was determined it was the one she wanted. 
The Lilo and Stitch cake went well with the theme. It was a marble cake with strawberry filling and butter cream frosting. Nice and sugary, just the way the kids like it. If you notice real carefully Lilo is quite flexible. Her body was facing opposite of her feet. You got to love a bobble hula dancing Lilo. 
Last night little miss Shaylee graduated from Busy Bee Preschool. Let me tell you, she is one busy bee. She and another little boy kept playing around. They were shaking the projector screen on the stage, then during one of the songs they were trying to knock each others hats off. I felt so bad. I apologized to the mom of the little boy and she told be it was no big deal and that her and her husband couldn't stop laughing about it. I guess I just needed a little perspective. One set of parents finding the humor in it and Jeremy and me ready to put her in a time out. One thing is for sure we will have fond memories to smile back on of the event. 
This is a picture of the before mentioned projector screen. I caught this shot of the shadows of the preschool kids with the flag in the back. I know I may be silly but I thought it was kind of a neat little picture. The kids sang patriotic songs and songs about the things they learned. One of Shaylee's favorite was the months of the year song. I'll have to catch in on the digital camera and post it sometime. She has been singing in for weeks now. They all had a little part that they said. We were supposed to practice them ahead of time with the kids but when I asked Shaylee to tell me her part she wouldn't because she said it was a surprise. She did great! I guess she didn't need my help on that one. She is growing up so fast. 
Kelsi also enjoyed the cookies and punch.
Grandma Buck came to show her support. Thanks for coming! 
We are so proud of her and how well she did in Preschool. She is looking forward to Kindergarten and I know she will do great there also. 
Here is Shaylee with her teacher, Susan Norton. She does a great job with the kids. It has been a joy to have her teach both of my older girls and hope she is still teaching when it comes time for Courtney to go to preschool. One thing that Susan said she learned from Shaylee was that if you smell water you need to be careful so you don't get water in your nose. Thanks Susan for a great year at preschool!