Mommy's Day and a little bit more

We had such a great a fun Mother's Day weekend and Mike and the girls certainly spoiled me rotten. These past 3 months have been hard. Having a newborn and a little girl going through some terrible two's can lead to some very long and challenging days and nights. But then there is a moment when Ella comes in my bedroom all smiles in her cute pjs and says, "Happy Mothers Day" or Maddie gives me a huge smile and somehow it makes it so much better.

Mike and I actually started the weekend with a rare date night and it was perfect! We would love to have more of them but they are pretty difficult right now since bedtime routine is pretty much a two man job right now but I know things will settle down soon and we will have more.

Saturday was a gorgeous day so the four of us headed out for a walk and lunch on a new greenway that was just completed in Charlotte. It is pretty neat since it winds right through Charlotte and has some fun ponds and restaurants to stop by along the way. Being a Mom is hard but these two little girls melt my heart and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Sunday morning after my good morning from Ella, Daddy and Ella made me some homemade waffles complete with fresh strawberries. Check out my little Betty Crocker mixing up some batter.

While they were cooking, Mommy got to enjoy some Starbucks and hang out with this little one. How can you not smile when you see this sweet face and big blue eyes. I could eat her up!

 And the goodies didn't stop there. I received a beautiful calla lily plant and a new kindle fire (which I am already obsessed with!) Plus, we ordered some yummy dinner and Mike made me an amazing dessert, a nutella and strawberry crepe topped with powered sugar and whipped cream. Come on, doesn't that look amazing! Plus, a glass of red wine completes it!

If you see on the table in the background, that is what Ella "made" for me from school. Isn't it so sweet, it's a prayer and picture of Ella sitting with praying hands.

Unfortunately after all the fun from Mother's Day, we all got a little sick the next week. Mike got a bad cold, I came down with a bad stomach bug and Ella got a high fever for a couple of days. We were all out of commission for a couple days but by Sunday, we were all better and ready to get out of the house and run around and enjoy the beautiful weather. We had a picnic dinner at the park and then ran around and kicked the soccer ball. Ella was having a blast running around kicking the ball and scoring goals!

 And score! She is ready for the World Cup.

I mean, don't all future soccer stars play in Vineyard Vines dresses and Ariel flip flops?

And in typical almost 3 year old behavior, after playing soccer for a little bit, she was done and ready for something different. This time, she wanted to climb the tree!

We are having a very bitter sweet week this week as Ella's preschool comes to an end for the summer. I can't tell you how much we have LOVED her preschool, the teachers and her new friends she has made. Ella has grown so much over the past 9 months and I know school was a large part of that. 

Ella with her sweet teachers, Ms Anne and Ms Ginny

 I can't believe how much bigger and older she is than when she started in September. There is no more baby left in her, just big girl!

 Daddy even got to escape from work for a little bit to come join in the end of year party fun!

They each got an adorable sand bucket with their names on it and got to eat pizza on the playground! We actually decided to go to a different preschool than most of our neighbors and didn't know anyone when we started and I think that was definitely for the best. She has made such sweet friends and really been able to become so much less attached.

Her teachers are the best! I could never imagine being with 10 two year olds all the time but they are so great and patient and the kids all adore them!

Check out their fun playground and swings!

Weeeeeeeee!

 And I love seeing the interaction between Ella and her friends! She has a special place in her heart for her very first boyfriend Wyatt! These two are so adorable and talk about each other all the time, it is too cute! The teachers were telling me they were blowing kisses to each other day at carpool, ha!

I would say he is pretty cute first boyfriend, huh?

Ella with one of her other best buddies, Lambeth! What is funny about this picture is right after they were laughing and smiling, they starting fighting over something. Yup, they are still 2 going on 3 year olds!

 Maddie Grace really enjoyed herself as well during the party! She was a dream and slept the entire time. I can't wait for her to start in a couple of years as well.

We are so sad for her first preschool year to end but what an amazing year it has been! So grateful it went so well and can't wait for the 3 year old 3 day a week class next year.

We are off for our first family adventure together since Maddie has been born. We are going to Seabrook on Saturday for a week with Dee, Papa, Uncle Court and Laura. I can't wait to get away and have fun but also super nervous about traveling with 2 little ones. I am sure we will have lots of pictures to post after. Happy Memorial Day!