The girls decided that they wanted to swap beds in their bunk beds. The only parent rules were that they had to agree to make it happen and the switch was to be long term. They agreed and swapped. This created a problem because Emily now needed a new mattress for the bottom bunk because she was too long for Julia’s. The solution required a road trip to the nearest IKEA store.

What is better than a road trip than a road trip with friends. We talked our friends in to taking a day trip with us. There were some happy back seats for sure. The kids enjoyed some play time in the kids area and pretend play in the kids room models.

Emily is happy with her new mattress. The day was a long, but fun one. Thanks friends for joining us.

The school year is over and the little girl we sent to school so many months ago is now an accomplished kindergartener. We have enjoyed talking to her about the first days of school and all the things she learned this year. We are thankful for the experiences she has had this year. She was blessed with a teacher that Emily loved and who seemed able to find ways to get Emily to perform for her. Emily made friends in her class and enjoyed the class mix with only few exceptions.

We look forward to the adventures this summer will bring us and trying to keep her mind active. A new school year does not seem as overwhelming as sending her to kindergarten was. Perhaps we all have grown this past year.

Maybe our hair is a bit longer . . . but the head cocking, lip chewing, and outgoingly shy girl is still there.

One of Mama’s favorite sights from the school year. The slow walking Emily turning and giving Mama a kiss as she goes into school. Some days it was a wave, a kiss, the sign I Love You, or just a thoughtful look.

Julia loved to accompany Emily to the school building whenever she could. It was the way she could relate to Emily’s school experience. On the last day she insisted that Emily take her doll in for sharing time.

School is OUT – She is an official 1st Grader

To celebrate in style we shared some ice cream at a local soda shop. The girls loved sitting at the counter. The lady making Emily’s milkshake was certain that the girls would share the milkshake. We didn’t share and Emily drank the whole thing!

Our yard is in bloom now with lots of spring flowers. It seems appropriate to appreciate them with our own flowers that are blooming!

Julia with Ms. Trish at her last speech therapy session. This was not her last therapy session because she is changing therapists, but because she has achieved all her speech goals. She is speaking like a normal little four-year-old should be speaking. This includes both pronunciation, but also vocabulary and appropriate language processing. We are so pleased and so is her therapist. Apparently this is unusual for a child to reach this goal and graduate out. This is Julia’s success and to get there we have Ms. Patty and Ms. Trish to thank. As we thanked them personally, we are grateful for this gift that they have given Julia that she can now share with everyone!

We made it all the way to April, but the flu came to visit our house. Julia made friends with the flu bug first. We didn’t figure it out soon enough for her to get the special medication. Later in the week Robby also caught it. It made sense because she clung to him for two days straight while she didn’t feel well. After a tough week we thought we were clear, but the next week brought Emily down with it. Luckily her diagnosis came quicker and she was able to get the special medication that makes recovery come so much easier. Honestly it seems like an illness that you just have to survive through, but we were blessed to see God’s hand through the two weeks and how he provided for us. Things just worked out so that we could meet obligations that were required. The biggest blessing was the Mama was able to remain flu-free. We have much to be thankful for!

Instead of spring photos we have spring self portraits by the girls. Emily made hers at school in art class and Julia got the idea from Emily.

(emily age 6)

(julia age 4)