Art Smarts

In the category of "Things I Should Have Done Sooner..."

I heard from a couple different organizational experts - including my FAV Peter Walsh - that parents should scan their kids artwork. That way, they keep it and can add it to Shutterfly books, post it to blogs, etc. and then throw away the GIANT piles of artwork taking over their homes.

Well, I finally got around to scanning Molly's preschool artwork -- going back all three years and four different rooms she was in. And you know what, IT'S EASY!!! And now I can share little gems like this:

Family Portrait (Note the curly hair on Molly and Mommy)

Self Portrait

Disney Day Three

We started out Day Three of Vacation with a water taxi ride over to Downtown Disney -- one of the best features about the Port Orleans complex. We decided that being a water taxi pilot would be Aaron's perfect semi-retirement job when we move to Florida in another 20 years or so...

We had a great time doing a little shopping. With Molly's birthday money, she picked out Cinderella gloves, purse, and glass slippers. Then, who should we run into at the Disney Store but Molly's friend Jodi from our first day!

She asked Molly if she had gotten her birthday phone call. When Molly replied no, Jodi immediately took Molly by the hand, led her behind the counter, and placed a call to Goofy - who then wished Molly a very Happy Birthday (gawrsh!). Then Jodi took Molly to find one of the Fairy Godmothers in Training from the Bippity Bobbity Boutique, who sprinkled a little fairy dust over Molly. (NOTE: the fairy dust takes MULTIPLE washings to get out of the hair of a little princess. I'm just sayin'...)

We ended our visit to Downtown Disney with a little Italian Ice (cherry, of course...).

In the afternoon, we wanted to visit the very fun pool at the French Quarter -- which features a giant serpent slide where you get to slide down the tongue! This honestly was the selling point of the hotel (for me, at least). And, as we should have known -- based on our visit earlier this summer to Great Wolf -- Molly decided that the slide was too scary and she would NOT go on it under ANY circumstances. Not even watching the 18 month-old babies go down it would convince her that it was not scary...

Look! Here goes Mommy! Look at how much safe, low-speed fun I'm having!!!

After that, we decided to have dinner at the Riverside section of Port Orleans... then cruise on back to bed.

Stay tuned for Disney Day Four -- Fun at Hollywood Studios!

Fun Raining Down at Disney

When last we left our birthday girl and her family, they all had arrived safely in Orlando... and were ready for Molly's big birthday at the Magic Kingdom.


Unfortunately, the morning did not start off all sunshine and rainbows. We had to get up early... there was a lot of excitement and anticipation... someone still needed to take her Amoxycilin... so -- needless to say -- we'd had better mornings. Oh yeah, and a certain someone "never wanted to be five. I want to be four."

Oh great.

Eventually, Daddy (who kept his calm) herded us out the door and we got on our way.

I have to say, whoever came up with the idea of "visit Disney free on your birthday" is BRILLIANT. Sure, the birthday girl gets into one park free... but everyone else pays, plus food, plus hotel, plus souvenirs, etc. But -- to Disney's credit -- they really play up the experience to Disney perfection: Molly had her birthday button with her name on it. And EVERY cast member who saw her would say, "Happy Birthday, Molly! How old are you today?" or "Good morning, Princess Molly. Happy Birthday!" It was so sweet. Molly met a cop on Main Street who was celebrating her 55th birthday. And we saw lots of other guests all day in the park -- from little kids to grown-ups -- and all would cheer and yell "Happy Birthday, Molly!" It was fantastic.

First stop after Molly turned in her Golden Ticket to get her birthday pass: breakfast at Cinderella's Castle. We started off meeting Cinderella first and having our picture taken with her. Then we were escorted upstairs. FABULOUS food (although Molly didn't eat much... Daddy and I loved the food). Molly saw ALL of the princesses, got a magic wand and wishing star, and even got a little cake for breakfast!

Then we visited Dumbo (of course!) and Cinderella's Carousel...

Then we got a call from Uncle Paul and Ellie - they had made it. So we met them at Peter Pan (which Molly did NOT like). Then we swept through Small World -- one of Molly's favorites.

After that, we visited the completely updated Hall of Presidents - complete with new digital three-screen film and the animatronic Barack Obama. It was very moving and simply amazing. So well done -- very Ken Burns.

Then we took off for the Jungle Cruise. The line was long, but our cruise driver (who's a dead ringer for my Uncle Fred) was hilarious! Best of all, he recruited Ellie to drive us through the tunnel!

After that, Paul and Ellie headed off to check out a couple things... and we hit Aladdin's Magic Carpets, then went back to the hotel to nap.

Two hours later...

When we woke up, it was POURING rain. Not just the daily little Central Florida 15 minute rain burst. This was a downright soaker. So I purchased five fabulous Disney ponchos (much to Ellie's tween style sensibility) and off we went.

This photo is in the running to be our Christmas Card photo.

Smile, everyone! You're at Walt Disney World! In matching ponchos! What could be more magical!

Dinner at Cinderella's Castle was great. Again, started with photos and a meet and greet with Cinderella. Then, instead of all the princesses coming out, the Fairy Godmother comes out with the mice and does a hilarious little caberet act. The food again was phenomenal. Molly got another little birthday cake and the girls both got magic wands (although Ellie gave hers to Molly).

After that, we walked outside and had a fantastic view of the parade from up by the castle (since it was roped off and we weren't supposed to be there). We waited for the fireworks and had a WONDERFUL view.

Then we worked our way through the sea of lemmings and made our way out. (Molly asked, "Where are the people that waved good-bye to us last time? You know, the ones who wore the Mickey hands?" What??? You mean these people from last May??? How do you remember this stuff???)

By the time we got on the bus and were dropped back of at Port Orleans, Molly was out. So we dropped her into bed, climbed in ourselves, and remembered that special day five years ago when our little princess came into our lives.

Stay tuned next time for Day Two - The Water Slide Molly Refused to Go On...

What I Wish They Would Have Told Me...

My dearest Molly,

Here it is -- Kindergarten Eve. So many thoughts are running through my head... emotional thoughts ("How can you be five?!?!?"), logistical thoughts ("I've got to pack lunch, make sure Molly's backpack is ready, and don't forget to send in the signed papers..."), and panic attack thoughts ("Are we ready for this???").

As I read you your bedtime story tonight, and we did our "We love our family" nighttime routine, I flashed back to you as a baby. Your daddy and I received so much advice (good and bad) when we were pregnant and when you were brand new. How to swaddle... why breastfeeding is better than formula (or vice versa, depending on the advice giver)... how to put you down to bed... what's the best way to burp you... why this toy is better than that toy... the list went on and on. But all that was gone in the blink of an eye. Here's what I wish they would have told us instead:

- The kind of high chair you choose really doesn't matter. They really don't use it that long anyway. What you really need to worry about is what you feed your child and how you'll nourish her... and not just at 2 months or 3 months -- but at 2, 3, 4, 5 years old... and beyond.

- Don't worry about what kind of toys to buy or spend days researching the best educational DVDs on the market. Spend time actually playing with your child -- engaging her, enriching her, and just making her giggle.

- Yes, picking the right stroller is important. But using that stroller to take her places -- the park, the zoo, around her neighborhood -- that's what's important.

- Don't worry about creating a perfectly decorated nursery. In less time than you can imagine, the zoo or circus or Baby Pooh theme as been outgrown and you'll kick yourself as you paint over the fancy mural you just HAD to have. Instead, fill the nursery with a COMFY rocking chair (this is where to splurge - you'll spend a LOT of time in it), a soothing nightlight, a good CD player with a remote, a clock that's readable at 3 a.m. despite the dark and your bleary eyes, and lots and lots of love.

- Take TONS of pictures and videos... not just of the firsts, but of all the little moments. But be sure to put the cameras down too and share the experience with your child.

- Read the parenting books and magazines, listen to the advice -- then talk with your spouse about what's right for your family.

- Soak in every second, because you'll blink... and you'll be sending them off to Kindergarten.

That's what I wish they would have told me. But then again - maybe they did... and I just didn't listen. Or didn't understand yet. Maybe parents have to learn all this for themselves.

I love you, peanut.

All my love,
Mommy

The Phrase of the Day

So Molly gets a belated birthday card from my grandmother today. The last time we saw Grandma Jessie was at her 90th birthday party.

"Mommy - I want to go see Grandma Jessie."

"Ok, Molly."

"I'd like to see Grandma Jessie and celebrate her birthday before she dies."

"Um... Ok, Molly."

"She's 90, you know."

And scene.

"Every New Beginning Comes From Some Other Beginning's End"

Molly -

Today was your last day at your preschool -- your home away from home for the last three years. Check that -- our home away from home for the past three years.

We were so very lucky to find this fabulous little school just a mile or so down the road from our house. You started there just after you turned two. I remember - we thought you were such a big girl that day.

And then we blinked.

And now you're five.

This little school -- and all the WONDERFUL teachers there -- has transformed our little toddler into an amazing little girl. Your teachers nourtured you (and coached Daddy and me) through every developmental milestone -- from potty training to just being four. They embraced you and always cared so genuinely for you. (I'm also convinced they would call you down to the office to catch up on the latest "American Idol" scoop...)

This little school offered us our first introduction to play dates. And in the process of you making friends, Daddy and I made friends. We found and created a support network that I don't know what we'd do without.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, my dearest Molly -- your little school will always be where we started our village.

It was so hard to take you for the last time today. And as hard as it was for me, it was that hard for the teachers, owner, and director too. But they know they've given you wings -- and they are so thrilled to see you fly. Check that -- to see you soar.

There will be so many transitions in your life, Molly. I can only hope that you handle each one with grace and strength. It's hard to make a change. But always remember -- you take a piece of each experience with you in your heart. And that includes all the wonderful people you meet along the way.

It's time, my little butterfly, to stretch your wings... and fly to your new home away from home. And start your NEW adventure.

I love you, peanut.

All my love,

Mommy

Sunrise, Sunset...

Molly's first day at her preschool....

(and we thought she looked SO BIG that day...)

Molly, right before her last day at her preschool....

I can't even put into words all the emotions that are running through me right now. Thank God for waterproof mascara.

Kindergarten, here she comes!

Birthday Season Part Four - DISNEY

The first entry about Molly's Birthday Trip to Disney...

And long last, Molly's birthday arrived. The day before her birthday (a.k.a. her last day of four), we flew to Orlando. Thanks to our frequent flyer miles, we flew first class for the same amount as coach! The best part about first class for Molly: that would be the warm chocolate chip cookie.

We arrived at our hotel -- Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter. Super cute, quaint, and lovely. (And ironic, since Aaron and I are not fans of the real New Orleans...)

We had a fun time taking the water taxi to Downtown Disney and checking things out. Molly met her FAVORITE cast member -- a wonderful woman named Jodie (more on her later, too) -- who helped her make her ears. At first, Molly didn't want her name on the ears... but Jodie said, "Molly, can you help me push all these buttons? I'm not sure how to spell your name..." And that was that...

Jodie even gave Molly a special certificate about the special experience. It was fantastic.

We took the bus over to Disney's Boardwalk for dinner... but unfortunately most all the restaurants were closed. And then Molly fell asleep on the bus... and then it started POURING rain. So we ended up having dinner at the ESPN Zone.

We had to bus it back to our hotel because of the lightning (which took forever), but then bunked down for the night... and got ready for the first real day of vacation -- Molly's birthday and dining with the princesses at Magic Kingdom!

Stay tuned tomorrow for Part B -- Fun Raining Down at Disney...

Birthday Season Part Three - FIVE-A-PALOOZA!

After months of planning by the mommies, it was finally here...

FIVE-A-PALOOZA!!!!!

The big birthday bash for Molly and her four friends who all turned five this summer. I have to say, it was the easiest party ever -- Ellie's mom reserved the rec center (with its GREAT indoor pool), Abby's mom made the goodie bags, Isabella's mom brought the water, the other Ellie's mom got the stuff to make candy necklaces (a.k.a. crafty distraction before the pizzas arrived) and booked our sitter/helper, and I made a sign for each of the girls, like this:

(Yes, I made likenesses of each of the girls with the Paper Doll cartridge on my Cricut machine. I LOVE my Cricut machine... and I spent lots of time crafting their hairstyles to match the real girls... but I digress...)

I also called KidSmart -- the charity we're donating to. All the mommies agreed that our girls are very blessed and don't need any presents. Also, we didn't want the parents to feel like they had to go out and buy five presents for one party... so, since all the girls are starting Kindergarten, we had a school supplies drive.

The party was so much fun -- very sweet kids from the girls' school and their cool parents. Most everyone got in the water and played. It was a fantastic day.

Happy birthday, Fab Five!

And Then There Were Two...

Two more Molly and Mommy Fridays.



Just two more. And then you start Kindergarten.



How did this happen? How did you zoom from zero to five in a week?



Molly - our Fridays together have been some of our best days. When you were little, we'd just go for stroller rides and have tummy time... and go meet Daddy for lunch. Then we graduated to Ballet and Pancakes, play dates, and LOTS of visits to the park. We've made some of our best friends on our Friday outings. Some Fridays we'd run errands... other Fridays we'd go to the zoo. And sometimes, we'd just hang out at home and color. It was on a Friday I first introduced you to "Mary Poppins" - which is now your favorite movie.

Sometimes we'd have visitors on Fridays -- so we always said it was Mommy and Molly Day with Very Special Guest Star Daddy, or Grandma and Grandpa... or whoever was joining us. And whenever we had a weekend road trip planned, we could start out a day early -- because Fridays were ours.



Fridays have always been our special day.



And now, you're headed off to Kindergarten. Even on Fridays.



When you're older, you may not remember our Molly and Mommy Days. (Although I expect you will, Miss Memory Like an Elephant...) But know that I will always remember the great times and fun adventures we've had on our special day together.

Fridays will always be ours.



I love you, peanut.



Love, Mommy