Chillin' In the Summer

What a busy day!  After her recital, it was time for Cassidy's birthday party!!  Like every other child, she wanted a Frozen themed party which is next to impossible to find anything for.  So...we got creative.  We decided to have a Chillin' in the Summer party, which comes from Olaf doing what snowmen do in the Summer.

We rented a huge water slide for all the kids to enjoy.

Cassidy couldn't wait to get on this thing!

Woo Hoo!!

We also put out a slip 'n slide.

Here is the birthday girl blowing out her 5 candle.  It's still hard to believe she is 5!!

Olaf cupcakes!

Cassidy and a few of her buds enjoying pizza...

Cassidy's favorite part of the whole party, though, was the real rainbow that appeared in the sky.  She kept telling me that it matched her water slide!

See...it does!

Lastly, each of her guests received a small treat when they left.

We had so much fun at the party and want to thank everyone who attended!

Dance Recital

It is time for Cassidy's dance recital!  She has been working on her routine all year so I am excited to see it, and to see how much she has improved since last year.  This brings back so many memories for me and I just love it!

Upon arrival, Cassidy found the fairies that would keep her entertained so Mommy and Daddy could find their seats.

After watching a few other classes, we finally saw Cassidy on stage.  She danced with a chair, which is no easy task especially for a five year old!  She is the second one from the left.

When all the classes had finished performing, Cassidy was awarded a trophy.  Here she is walking across the stage with it.

Great job, Diddy Bug!!

Dance Pictures

I showed you a sneak peak earlier, but here are the official pictures of our little dancer.  I think they turned out cute!

Pre-K Graduation

Well, we made it.  Cassidy has officially graduated from Primrose!  We are so proud of all she has learned this year, as well as previous years.

We attended her graduation ceremony this evening.  It was the real deal too...procession, cap and gown, the whole thing!

Our little graduate walking across the stage to receive her diploma.

Great job, Diddy Bug!!

Congratulations!

Oh...this picture makes me smile but saddens me at the same time.  I know these next 13 years will go by WAY too quickly and before I know it, I will be taking pictures like this at her high school graduation.

You did it!!

Cassidy's favorite part of graduation was the cake afterward!  You earned it!

Happy Birthday, Cassidy

I know I say this every year, but how can she already be five years old?!!  Our baby is growing into a beautiful little girl.  Happy Birthday, Diddy Bug!

Cassidy started her special day with donuts for breakfast.  She wanted to go to the donut store with me and picked out as much chocolate as she could!

Fed and excited to go to school as a big five year old!

She received a birthday crown at school and did not want to take it off.

She wore it to McDonald's, which was her requested birthday dinner.

Yum, yum!

And it stayed on when we went for birthday ice cream (another request)!

I think Stetson enjoyed Cassidy's birthday too...especially the ice cream.

Birthdays are THE BEST!

After all that, we returned home to open gifts.  This girl made out like a bandit!  Gramps bought her a diamond and emerald ring as well as a diamond and emerald necklace!!

Thank you, Gramps!!

Mama Bear gave Cassidy slippers and tons of new clothes!  Our little fashionista is back in business.

Thank you, Mama Bear!

Whew!  What a great birthday!  Stay tuned for pictures from her party, which is happening on Saturday.

Special Gifts

Stetson received two very special gifts today.  The first was a pocket knife that Papa Bear saved to give to Stetson, and the second was a gift from Aunt Mo.

He is proudly displaying his pocket knife.

As well as putting it to use opening his gift from Aunt Mo!

But what is inside the box??

A catcher's mitt!!  Aunt Mo was a catcher when she played softball.

She also gave him all the necessary gear to break it in.  Perfect gift!

Look what Cassidy can do!

Cassidy can ride her bike now!  The training wheels came off and off she went!  Daddy is THE BEST instructor!!

Here she goes...

She's doing it!!

Big smiles all the way around.  Great job, Diddy Bug!!

Check it out for yourself...

We are so proud of our little girl!!

Stetson's last game

Today was Stetson's last regular season baseball game.  We still have the playoffs coming up, though.  I apologize for not posting many pictures throughout the season but I get so involved in his games that I honestly forget to take any.  I LOVE watching him play!

So, I was determined to get some pictures today.  Here are a few shots of him batting.

It's a good hit!

He also played catcher today.  I'm not sure why, but he looks so grown  up to me here.

Go # 11!  We are your biggest fans!

I will try to get more pictures during the playoffs too.  I'm kind of sad the season is over though.