SUN

Last week, it rained and rained.
And then it rained some more.
Our yard has never looked better,
but that's about the only benefit I can think of.
It is no fun being stuck inside with a 2.5 year old.
So, when the sun finally returned, you and Tessa did a celebratory dance.

We had just finished up a fun visit to Stepping Stones Museum.
We were headed to our cars when out came the sun.
You girls simply couldn't contain your excitement.

The sun danced turned into a Mickey Mouse "hot diggity dog" dance,
and of course I snapped away.
Since then, the sun has decided to stick around.

at the playground with sweet Ella

We are certainly doing our best to take advantage of the gorgeous weather.
Can't wait for the long weekend to officially kick of Summer 2011!

a little post-preschool fun with Annie and William

Carnival

Last Friday, you went to your first carnival.
The rain had (finally) stopped, and it was a perfect Spring evening.
So, the three of us drove down to the beach after dinner for a little carnival fun.
You took it all in for just a minute, and then you raced from ride to ride.

First up was a spin on the miniature ponies.
You were a little hesitant at first.
But after petting one of the horses, you hopped right on.
You must have looked like a pro up there,
because the local newspaper came over and took this picture:

We weren't sure if you'd be brave enough to try out the rides by yourself.
You were just barely tall enough, and we weren't allowed on with you.
Never fear, you had a ball.

When it was finally time to head home,
you begged for "just one more ride," "just five more minutes"
(this is the new phrase you use when stalling before bedtime).

We promised that we'd return another time,
and you settled for a shoulder ride back to the car.

What a fun way to kick off the weekend!

Long Live Sentimentality

"Are we doing anything Saturday morning?" your dad asked me two weekends ago.
"I might need to borrow Brian's truck."
Of course, I couldn't let it go at that.
I pressed him until he informed me he had to pick up my mother's day surprise.
Now the wheels really started spinning.
What could it be that would fit in a truck but not my SUV?
I decided it must be a treadmill.
Practical, yes, but not the most romantic/meaningful gesture in the world.
Never fear, Alexis. Your dad always has a surprise up his sleeve.
I could not have been more delighted to see this new addition to our yard:

A sweet, little, pink dogwood tree (it will bloom pink next year).

Because he knows how much I love the others out front.
Because he sees how excited you are now that all our flowers and bushes and trees are in bloom.
"It's something you and I can watch grow over the years" he explained.
And, just like that, I was reminded how lucky you are to have the father that you do.
He knows when to be practical,
but he also understands and appreciates sentimentality.
What a catch!
You were so excited to wish me a "Happy Mother's Day Mama".
You were so curious watching the tree get planted, Lexi.
You were more than eager to help add a little dirt to the pile.
And, as for me, I will smile each time I use the treadmill at the gym.

BFF's

Lexi,

These days, I really love watching you.
I love seeing your personality develop more each day.
I love the interest you have in other children.
Wherever we happen to be, you run up to any little boy or girl we see -
you say hello and then ask them what their name is.
"What a social child she is" their mothers say to me.
"Is she running for mayor?" asks another mom.
But even more rewarding than watching you with strangers
is to watch as your very own friendships unfold.
Sure, you have been playing with many of these friends since you were an infant.
First, they were simply the babies of mommy's friends.
Then, they were the kids in your music class and yoga class and gym class.
Later, they were the children who happened to be in your preschool class.
But now, these boys and girls are you very own friends.
They are the kids you ask about each day.
They are the kids you play with on a weekly basis.

and the ones you visit the playground with

They are the ones you have picnics with,

color on the driveway with, and play ring around the rosie with.

They are the ones you invite up into the "clubhouse" on your swingset
or into the "castle" in your basement.
They are the ones you take gymnastics with

and the ones you will swim at the pool with over the summer.

They are the ones you go to birthday parties with

and the ones you race to hug and hold hands with 

each Monday and Wednesday at school.

I couldn't be happier to see that you've learned a very important lesson at such a young age -
friends fill our lives with happiness
and make it a lot more fun!

School Days

It's hard to believe that you only have about one month of school left -
that summer is just around the corner.
The 2s program at preschool has been wonderful for you.
You have learned and grown so much,
and you have made some really sweet friends.
You just had your class picture taken.
What a perfect keepsake from your very first year at school!