Rockin', Sod, and a Video

Lily's dance performance with her friends went really well yesterday. They were so cute up there on the stage. Loved every minute of it and once again, I am so impressed with the way her school makes each grade special. Loved it.

Yesterday, John hired some guys to come out and help him put the sod down with him. They were, literally, like worker bees and got the job done in about an hour. It was amazing to watch.

Last night we had friends over to enjoy the pool and it was so fun. Loved being able to host guests here and have plenty for everyone to do. It was a good time.

Today John worked on putting down more sod. An incredibly labor intensive activity for one person. Unfortunately, it just wasn't something I could help him with. He did another great job!!!

And here is the dance from yesterday's show!

My Rockstar

Lily is going to be in the second grade talent show today. I think there are about 18 children participating. It's an optional activity. She and two of her friends are dancing to Rockstar by Hannah Montana. They will perform in front of K-3rd graders. She doesn't really seem very nervous about the whole thing. When I think of myself at the same age I shudder at the thought of standing in front of a group like that and doing anything! Really if I had to walk down the hall near a group of other students it was devistating to me. She is much braver than I. I am so happy about that. I am glad that we have come across as self-assured people and she hasn't picked up on my insecurities and concerns. I know she'll be great.

Yesterday John and a friend worked many hours smoothing out the yard around the pool and preparing it for the sod that will be delivered today. It is really shaping up nicely. Don't think John reads my blog, but if he does...I love you and appreciate all that you have done to make this pool a reality.

3 year old Class is Over

Today is the last day of 3 year-old class for Shelly. They had a sweet little picnic and performed a few songs for us. It was a great year and Shelly did so well. Her teachers, Ms. Lori and Ms. Julie, were terrific and she will miss them. Hard to believe she will be in her last year of preschool in September!

Baby Bella or Ella Bella or Isabella

The new guinea pig is a huge hit in our house. She goes by a variety of names (see title of post). She is such a good little pet and keeps herslef very clean. I think it's cool all of the real food she eats...oranges, kale, strawberries, tomatoes. It's fun to watch her munch on all of these foods. The girls love to take her out of the cage and let her wander around. Bella always finds a spot for cuddling and curls right up. She is still so tiny...like a puppy, it would be fun if she would stay small. We love Bella.

Pool Fun

The girls and I spent the afternoon out at the pool. Lily went down the slide 5 times and seemed to love it. After spending time splish splashing, Lily took a rest on the concrete wrapped in a towel. She had a busy night sleeping out in a tent at the neighbors. They woke up at 6:30 and I think she is catching up on her sleep. We are planning a relaxed afternoon/evening.

This & That

It's Saturday morning and the sun is beginning to shine. When we got up at 7:15 the skies were gloomy and there was rain on the sidewalk. As we went out to check the pool, it was chilly and we all grabbed our jackets. Hoping that the temps will improve.

Yesterday was productive. We took Bella to school for a "show and tell" visit. She was a big hit with all of the kids. Then Shelly and I went off to help with the Popcorn party for the school in the cafeteria.

After school, Lily, Shelly and I headed into "town". We went to Kohl's (for a new bathing suit), Lily spent some of her Justice gift card money on shorts and a top, she bought a DS game at Target, got hair cuts for me and Lily, had dinner at Ham's, and went to Blockbuster.

Blockbuster has a great deal...buy 3 previously viewed movies for $20. We got Alvin & The Chipmunks, Hairspray, and Mr. Magorium's. Lily had planned to buy Alvin for $20 at Target but decided to save her money. Good idea! She got 3 for the price of one at Blockbuster. I also rented Juno and watched it last night. I thought it was just ok...nothing so spectacular. Perhaps it had been overhyped and I was expecting much more.

I just made a trifle dessert that consists of chocolate cake, vanilla pudding, strawberries, and whipped cream. Looks yummy.

Here's Lily's haircut:

TGIF

So glad that Friday is here.

I am heading to Lily's school with Bella this afternoon and helping out with the school popcorn party for the PTA.

We had some major pool trauma this week. Tuesday afternoon a wicked storm whipped up and blew sideways. This caused a load of clay dirt to swoosh into our pool in a matter of about 20 minutes...amazing. So, since that afternoon we have been cleaning the pool non-stop to get the pool back to its crystal clear state. I am an amateur at the whole pool pump, filter, skimmer thing and so I had to do some quick learning to figure it all out (John is on a golf trip). The pool guy came to install the slide yesterday and I think it looks good...changes the whole look a bit, but still looks good. We are all looking forward to hanging outside and playing in the pool this weekend. Should be fun.

Oh, i added a link to my Twitter page on the sidebar. Not really sure if I'll stick with the whole Twitter thing, but I'm a sucker for new and fangled stuff.

Well, better get on some shorts and head out for a walk with Shelly. Beautiful day here...hope it's beautiful there!!!

A pic of the pool guy installing the slide:

Busy May

Lily has had a really busy month. It started with the May Day celebration, moved on to the birthday sleepover and family birthday celebration, the arrival of a guinea pig, dance rehearsal and recital, 2nd grade animal project, zoo field trip, and the 2nd grade talent show (last two coming next week). There has not been a dull moment around here. Factor all of that in with the construction of the pool, retaining wall, landscaping, concrete, and deck project and we are all ready for a break. I am hopeful that the break is coming soon. We are eager for some sunny days this weekend and time to relax together.

Here's a little digital page about Lily's month:

Recital

Lily's dance recital was held on Saturday night. She did such a great job with all three dances. My parents and John's mom were all here to see her and I know she was thrilled to have them here. Mom french braided her hair. Here are some of the pictures from the show.

Pictures include: Lily and her dance teacher, Miss Lauren, Lily before the show with daddy and Shelly, Lily and her dance buddies, Olivia and Hailey. (Blogger is doing some strange stuff with the photos...hoping it looks ok).

First Swim

On Tuesday, May 13th, the first official swim was taken in the pool. Can you believe I didn't run in and get the camera???? Lily and several of her friends took a dip in the pool. The water was very chilly and the outside temperature was pleasant, but not quite warm. These brave girls all put on swimsuits and went right in for a splash. It was exciting to see the pool in working order. Fun, fun day!!!

Bella is doing well and I am hoping to have some fun pictures of her in the next few days.

The Birthday

Lily had trouble going to sleep the night before her birthday and really who could blame her. On Monday morning, she awoke and was filled with excitement over her big day. The bedroom had curly silver streamers hanging from the doorway with big notes all over announcing she was 8. Downstairs there were many more 8s splattered about. She had curled her hair the night before and I could tell she felt special. Off to school she went.

Shelly and I headed out to get her doughnuts and juice for her birthday snack at school. We got there at 1:30 and by 2:00 the snacking was over and I checked her out of school for the last 45 minutes...she was thrilled. Lily came home and diligently did her homeowrk with not a complaint.

Once daddy was home, she knew the gift presentation was getting closer. We sent her on a scavenger hunt throughout the house (and outside) to find her presents. Once all the gifts were collected, she began opening them. There were lots of squeals of delight and enthusiasm over each and every thing. Amidst the checks, gift cards from Justice, and clothes she received a note telling her to pick a place to eat and get ready to pick out her very own guinea pig. Shouts, squeals, jumping ensued!

So, it was off to Red Robin for dinner. When we got there Lily began to get a little quiet and serious. I could tell she was on the verge of tears and didn't know why. She finally revealed that she was a bit nervous about taking care of the guinea pig. We assured her everything would be fine. Then she was all chatty and back to herself again.

After dinner, we went to Petsmart to find the perfect little guinea pig. We saw a few larger ones in one cage and then Lily discovered four hiding in another cage that were smaller. She selected No. 1 guinea pig and we all held her and petted her. Next, we took a spin with guinea pig No. 2. And sadly, No. 2 just wasn't as snuggly, so No. 1 it was!!! On the way home we tossed around many many names. Daddy suggested Isabella and I said we could call her Bella. We all thought it sounded good and Lily officially named her Bella once we held her for a while at home. After all of the Bella excitement, it was time for bed. Lily was sad that her day had to come to an end and this morning she told me she cried herself to sleep (happily).