Joys of Spring

St Patrick's Day here in Augusta, GA is the reminder that Spring is almost here. They had a parade at Karena's pre-school. Karena was excited to be the parade leader along with her Teacher Mrs. Smith and Corduroy their classroom mascot. On St. Patricks day we spent the day downtown Augusta watching the parade and attending the festivities and green waterfalls.

Spring brings changes and new beginnings. Karena has graduated into a big-girl full back booster seat and now sits in the back of the van with her big sister Leara. She has learned how to get in, buckle and unbuckle all by herself. Leara is finally tying her shoes, Isabel puts on her own shoes, Karena dresses herself. They all seem to have turned independent overnight. Good, but sad for "mommy" at the same time. Registered Karena for pre-K for this fall, where she will be attending school full time. Isabel is potty training and soon we will be a diaper free home. Now to top it off. The "baby room" is no longer. Leara, Karena and Isabel have always shared a bedroom. Then we had a playroom. But with some changing in bedroom furniture. Leara has now been moved into her own room and likes it alot. Karena's "crib/toddler bed" has been disassembled and put away. She now had a big girl bed of her own and Isabel is in a toddler bed. They still share a room. But Karena is happy to have her own "big girl" bed and Leara her own sleeping room.

Leara started Soccer this spring with her best friend Lenna. They are in the same grade at the same school and their birthday's just weeks from each other. They also go to the same church together and we see each other at least once a week in carpool. They have enjoyed being team mates on the soccer team. They look alot alike and are known at the "L's" Leara/Lenna. The defense of the team.

Leara as Goalie and Kicking the ball

Behind the scenes. Andy (Lenna's brother) and Isabel playing a little soccer of their own.

Spring brings all the fun of outdoor activities. Parades, Play park, Soccer........ But unfortunately for Karena not such a fun time of year. Here is how Karena feels after a day of outdoor events in March pollen snow. This is still after taking allergy medicine and allergy eye drops on a regular basis for 2 weeks.

Karena's Birthday Week

Wednesday March 4th, was Karena's 4th Birthday. It all started the Sunday before her birthday at Church. The Primary Class sang a Birthday Song to her and she got to pick a prize. She also got a special gift from her Sunbeam teacher. Then Wednesday at her pre-school they made her a birthday hat and sang happy birthday to her. They ate m&m cookies and she got a goody bag from the teacher. She was so excited. To top it off when I picked her up from school and came home, Grandma arrived from WV and surprised her with a balloon and little cake. We enjoyed a long weekend visit with grandma. Friday, after all the kids were out of school we had Karena's birthday party at the Play-Park. It was a beautiful sunny March day in the low 70's. She had a Tinker Bell/Fairy cake. Her two favorite things right now are Tinker Bell and Penguins. Too bad they don't make a penguin with fairy wings. She was so happy that her friends came to play with her. Saturday, grandma made a family breakfast. It was nice getting to visit again with our friends and family. For Karena's birthday week she got to be "first". First one down and up the stairs, picker of movies to watch, line leader etc. This is a big thing. Sunday it all came to screeching halt for the weeks events. Grandma headed back to WV early in the morning, Karena didn't get to go to church because she had a 102 temp and diagnosed with STREP. Just glad she had an enjoyable week for Grandma's visit and her Birthday week.