it feels like forever since i've posted here. . .  it kinda has been.  life seems to get in the way some times - ha.  hopefully i'll catch up soon.  these two are too cute!  isabella & her friend veronica at lunch a couple weeks ago, after we went to see 'princess' on ice'.  the girls enjoyed themselves tremendously.  us mommies enjoyed ourselves too. ;-)

i am always trying to think of new & creative lunch options for isabella's lunches at pre k.  to change things up we signed her up for the schools 'hot lunch' on monday, wed. & fridays & that leaves only tuesdays & thursdays that she needs to bring a packed lunch.  makes my life a little easier ;-)  believe it or not those two days can sometimes get too predictable.  well, at least i think so.  she probably doesn't notice, but isn't that always the case?! ;-)   a guilty pleasure of mine lately is passing time on pinterest.  you can absolutely find some great, creative ideas on there & i have.  even if my husband thinks it's a total waste of time. ;-)  i recently found some creative ideas for school lunches & i'm having fun mixing it up for her.  the more options the better. . .  & a sweet note to boot!  

 (nutella & strawberry jam on honey wheat, strawberry & grapes, organic chocolate bunnies & a fig newton, a wrapped prune, a strawberry go-gurt & an apple harvest fruitables drink box)

pre-k 4

so it's been 2 weeks since the start of pre-k 4 & she is loving it.  she's very enthusiastic about learning & is quite the little sponge.  she started reading over the summer & doing addition & subtraction on her fingers.  she's one bright cookie!  it's only been 2 weeks, but she continues to act as a 'leader' in the class, much like last year.  we talk about being a 'good example' & how important it is often, since a lot of the other children tend to follow her lead.  it's surprising how much she understands in that 4yr old mind of hers.  i am so proud of her & amazed everyday at her knowledge & growth.  she was the 1st in the class this week to make the '100 club' - counting to 100 & also by 10's to 100 without messing up.  she was so proud of herself & so were we!!  we're headed to the disney store today for an award for her achievement!!  she's so excited.  

her 2nd yr of ballet & tap starts this tuesday & she can't wait!!  

here she is at the open house at notre dame academy with her friend veronica.  so excited for another good year of learning for my baby girl !! 

 

~ baking with bella ~

random photos from our weekend.  it was nice to have a non-eventful weekend.  those kinds of weekends are the best!  my girl & i made our first homemade blueberry pie together.  one day she'll make her own with her girl & that makes me happy. . .   she'll remember these moments & so will i. . .  

 

i noticed this past weekend how much she is growing, not just her size, but how much she's maturing.  we have such fun conversations & i enjoy her so much.  we ate our first 'york' peppermint patty together.  i shared with her how they remind me of her great grandma ryczak  she smiled & thought for awhile.  

she starts pre-k 4 in a week & a half.  it's amazing how fast the summer has gone by.  it's just another indication of how fast time flies. . .   so i'll continue to cherish every moment !

 tonight is another first. . .  isabella's spending the night over at grandma & grandpas for the first time.  it's the first time she'll be away from home overnight without one of us.  i'm anxious to see how she does.  she's been invited to stay over along with her cousin emilie & she's over-the-top excited!  she wanted to pack her bag last night ;-)  not an hour later she said she wasn't ready to stay overnight. . .  i think she'll do fine & we're only a phone call away.  while she's having a blast we'll be having a date night at a favorite place - http://www.grace1720.com/ .  we have reservations at 8pm with some friends.  looking forward to a leisurely night of dinner & drinks.  

enjoy the weekend !!

butterfly exhibit

not really sure what life was like without her. . .  

last sunday we took her to the butterfly exhibit, boy was it HOT! 

with her rosey cheeks, her new pink butterfly wings & a smile that melts your heart, it was worth the 90+ temps.  see for yourself. . . she'll melt your heart too. . .