The Parking Lot Baby Turns 12

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2018

2019

Back to School

Well it's that time, back to school.

I told the girls that the theme of this year is Brave.

This little girl is kicking Anxiety's butt.  

Brave talk is absolutely happening on a daily basis and this year is going to be her best year ever. 

Cecelia is starting middle school.

Bravery comes to her because it is so hard to start something new.

She is excited and ready.

Here's to the school year.  Let's make it a good one, in school and certainly out of school!!

And Mommy will think of the two of you as I finish work, put my feet up and enjoy 2 hours of peace and quiet before one of you gets home.

30 years

It's been 30 years and in a bizarre coincidence at the beginning of this swim season I had a former babysitter approach me.   I did not remember her but she has a daughter on that team her at one point went to school with Celia.  She said "how is your Mom?" and then "how is your Dad?".   I found myself having to share that he died with this woman.  First time in likely 30 years.

In anycase, I hate this day.  Today is very busy, barely have a chance to breath busy.  These past 2 weeks have stunk but it's life and I will take it anytime.  To have the privilege to have this family life is not lost on me at all.  We fought to get our girls and know the blessing of having us all together.

This loud, hyper, teenager keeps us very busy.  

She's amazing and learning how to navigate life when you have A LOT of opinions.

These two are still best friends.  They might argue but they always come back to each other.

The little one is learning the meaning of being brave and has been working hard.  

The swim season has flown by and is nearly done.  We are headed to leagues again and excited to see what happens to these two in the water.

Another year.

Last Day of School

First Day vs Last day

I would say Celia wins on the how much did you grow contest!

       

It's been a year.  Honestly looking through the elementary school years, this has been the hardest emotionally for both girls but they had the best teachers.  I finished out the school year realizing that our focus this year was never on academics at all.  Celia of course has never ever had issues in that category but Audrey has always gone into summer a little bit behind.  This summer BOTH of my girls are going into the summer I think ahead of the game.  But don't worry I am already putting together their summer work!!  

Thank you Mrs. Korb and Thank you Mrs. Sciola!!

Graduation

Today Celia graduated 5th grade (granted she has 3 more half days to go!)

Last day of Pre K at UMCC

Kindergarten

Last day at West Chester Friends

Jumping into the next grade at West Chester Friends

How she felt about leaving West Chester Friends (I felt the same but Hillsdale really stepped up to the plate!!)

Celia started at Hillsdale in 2nd grade, along with many other redistricted kids.

She came from a Quaker school but our neighborhood was redistricted.

This school was amazing

And truly Celia you are more than ready to leave.

And Vanessa has been with us from the beginning

So has the little one on the end.

Thank you Mrs. Korb for an amazing finish to a wonderful school year.  We have had some awesome teachers along the way but by far Celia landed with her best fit teacher this year (in elementary school).  She is making her request as we speak to get Audrey in a few years (hint, hint).  It's been an awesome year for Cecelia.  Onward to middle school and she is so ready.

And just for fun, I found a quick little video of those three.

Merry Christmas

This was taken EARLY in December

Miss Cecelia has gotten super tall so that dress was a little short

We found this adorable dress courtesy of Target

The cardigan was courtesy of Mommy not following washing instructions and shrinking the sweater.

My loss is her gain!

This cutie will fit in her Christmas dress for at least another year.

Our annual Wegmans Christmas Eve discount ornament and breakfast trip

We were happy we got some nice antibiotics in Celia yesterday so she wasn't sharing her Strep throat germs with everyone and could sing in the church choir!  

We do wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and A Very Merry Christmas