It's Summer Time!

Today was the last day of school for all 3 kiddos. I got all of Emily's pictures the day of graduation, so here are Allison and Ethan with their teachers. It has been an amazing year. The teachers at VDS are unbelievable! Have a wonderful summer!!

Allison with Mrs. Jessica and Mrs. Mande

This would be Ethan's first crush - Martha Mae!

silly kids! (both of my girls LOVED this mirror when they were in the duck room)

Mrs. Kim, Ethan, Mrs. Cherie

His teachers were very emotional while saying goodbye this afternoon. They have been through many milestones with little man. When he first started this year, he wasn't walking or talking. Now he is a running, rambling man! They have been great in teaching and pushing him to learn new things! I can't say it enough; I LOVE this mother's day out program!! Don't know what I would do without them!

Preschool Graduation!

Today my big girl graduated preschool from Vestavia Day School. She has attended VDS for 4 years. I believe the teachers have definitely played a major role in the person she is becoming. This year has been such a growing and learning experience for her. She is so ready to start "big school" and I give all credit to her 3K and 4K teachers for that. Emily is such a leader and is also kind and sweet to her friends. She doesn't meet a stranger and she has a special way to make everyone feel welcome. I am so blessed to call her my daughter.

Getting ready for the program.

the COWBOY song (so glad I got this one on video)

"I'm gonna take God's promises and hide 'em in my heart."

diploma!!

sweet Meg Parker

Her grandmothers love her so much!

with Ms. Nancy

with Ms. Molly

This little girl loves the boys! (Paul and Nicholas)

Emily and Savannah have been together all 4 years! They will attend different schools in the fall, but I know they will always stay close.

sweet girls!

another proud mommy moment!!

The Lion class 2011

Go CUBS!

The Cubs had their last game of the season on Saturday morning. They were able to play on the high school field. They thought they were so cool! The girls played their hearts out and enjoyed the trophy presentation followed by a team pizza party and ice cream! I'm so proud of the girls and they both said they want to play next year. We'll see. I'm just glad they enjoyed it.

Love this photo of Em's teammate playing with her skirt!

Flirting so soon??!

Allie B. up to bat with Coach Bob.

And Emily getting ready.

Mommy and Allison watching the game.

She just ran home!

Favorite picture from t-ball! GO ALLISON!

Little brother wants to play so bad. We'll have many, many years of ball in our future!

Way to go, girls!

FIRE TRUCKS!

Ethan and I were able to attend our good friend's birthday party at a neighborhood park. We were about an hour late because we first went to Emily and Allison's last t-ball game. Mark took the girls to the end-of-the-season pizza party and we met up with them for ice cream. Next post will be last game pics. And they are SO cute!! Back to the party......as soon as we drove up Ethan spotted the fire truck. I couldn't get him out of his carseat fast enough. He ran straight to it. The firemen were getting ready to leave, but they let E-man 'drive' the truck and then explore the back seats. I can't believe I don't have any pics of Andrew, the birthday boy, or of his sweet mommy. They are family friends, so Ethan and I were the Kiel representatives at the 4th birthday celebration!

just checking things out

Wow! (He really did say this.)

just before he asked to be buckled!

Thanks to the Vestavia Hills Fire Department for making little man's day!!

He even got his own fireman hat! Has he taken it off yet? Nope!

Heaven

I'm pretty sure that this is how Mark sees it.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

What a beautiful day! I got to sleep in this morning and then we went to church. We then went to brunch at Inverness Country Club with Gia and Pa. I think next year we'll get a sitter for the kids, or maybe just hit McDonalds for a quick bite before naptime! After lunch, Mark and Emily went to the Regions Classic golf tournament at Shoal Creek. Emily had a blast at her very first golf tourney! My mom and Karen and Ted came over for dinner and lots of playtime. I even took some video. I've used my camcorder more in the last 3 days than I have in 3 years. The kids were all super tired tonight and went down without a fight. As you can see in the last pictures, I'm very tired too. I look like I haven't slept in ages. Happy Mother's Day to all mothers but especially to my wonderful mom and great mother-in-law. Love you!

Gia and her grandgirls.

E-man was T.I.R.E.D. tonight and almost fell asleep while Uncle Ted was rubbing his back.

Pretty in purple - Nana and Allie B.

The biggest joke of the night. Mommy CAN play t'ball!

If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart.

My three reasons to live. Thanks kids for making my heart happy! Mommy loves you the whole world.

Vestavia Dance

Emily had her very first recital this morning. The name of her dance was "Butterfly Fly Away." Her class did an amazing job and I thought she did the best!! I don't have any still pics from her performance because I videoed it at the rehearsal last night. No cameras were allowed today. I'm hoping I can get my hands on some from another mom. It was kinda stressful finding childcare for the other 2 for the rehearsal and for Ethan during the recital. How convenient that Papa was MORE than happy to watch him in the lobby. Daddy joined them, too. What a wonderful way to start my Mother's Day. Way to go, Emily!! We are all so proud of you!!

The finale. Em's back there somewhere.....

How sweet are these little ballerinas??!!

Proud Mommy with her ballerina.

with Nana and Papa

Sweet friends - Emily, Meg Parker, Addie Kate

Mary Elizabeth

Reese

with Mommy and Daddy (and brother's hand - ha!)

She was so over smiling and posing for pictures, but she was still beautiful! Love you Emily!

Happy 2nd Birthday Ethan!

I can't believe that two years ago today I became a mommy for the third time. Time sure does fly by! Happy Birthday little buddy. Mommy and Daddy and your two sisters love you very much. We had a super busy day with school, Emily's rehearsal, and PNO at church. I made dump truck cookies for his class and we had a small party this afternoon for him to open our gifts. We will celebrate with extended family later this week. I will also do an update after his 2 year old check up on Wednesday. Love you E-man!

His birthday dump truck balloon. I love his sweet face in this picture.

"MINE!!"

Birthday boy being chased by his sisters. Ha!