Hadley and her dad had her birthday date in Florida! We weren’t able to get it in before vacation, so they had a day date and decided that was going to be for August. It was a fun place that had all kinds of things to do outside, like go karts, putt-putt, swings, and water bumper cars. Hadley sprayed Kevin when she was in the water bumper cars, she drenched him! He said it felt amazing because it was so hot!
Hadley and her dad love doing these kinds of things together! I love the special time they get together too!
She loves the idea of having special one on one time with her parents each month. We are going to take turns each month so we both get a chance to have our time with her throughout the year. I’m not saying we don’t get one on one time with her; I get a lot of time with her with my husband’s work schedule, but there is something special about planning something each month with her. It can be as simple as playing board games in the basement, coloring for an hour, going to a playground and eating dinner, just simple things. The point is, to be with just her and give her our undivided attention.
We have an official third grader! First day of school today. Hadley was beyond excited; she couldn’t wait to start school and see her classroom. Second year in a row she’s said she wants to be a marine biologist when she grows up!
We got her teacher a small gift, we always do each year. Teachers deserves it!
The morning before school, we had donuts for breakfast! And some cute signs and things to make the morning special! These years go by so fast, and I want to make them memorable for my kids!
The traditional front porch photos! I look forward to these photos every single year, they are just the best. I love watching her grow up.
We all drove to school together since Kevin was off work. I walked Hadley into school while Kevin and Huxley hung around outside.
I think we are passed the tears phase of the first day of school, she was super excited and all smiles. She was not nervous at all! She didn’t want me to take a photo in the classroom, so I stood in the hallway and snapped one real quick! I mean look at that smile! So excited.
After school, Hadley was a little bit riled up. It was a long day, getting up early! She came home and showed us her planner, her folders, and the teacher newsletter explaining all the things.
Happy new school year to all the kiddos!
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It can be hard to plan one on one time with your kiddos, so we are going to try something to ensure our daughter gets quality alone time once a month with either Mom or Dad. On Hadley’s birthday date of each month, (her birthday is the 21st, so on or around the 21st of each month), she gets to have a “date” with just Mom or Dad. Having it on the same date each month, or around that date, makes it easy to plan. Plus, it lets Hadley have something to look forward to each month that is special to her.
Hadley and her dad had a pool date! After Kevin got off work at the firehouse, they went up to the pool after dinner and hung out together. The pool was jam packed! But, they had a shortage of lifeguards so they could only swim for a half an hour at a time, so the lifeguards could have breaks.
It’s been so so so hot lately, and the pool has felt amazing! She worked on her dives, played games, and just had a great time hanging with just her dad.
She loves the idea of having special one on one time with her parents each month. We are going to take turns each month so we both get a chance to have our time with her throughout the year. I’m not saying we don’t get one on one time with her; I get a lot of time with her with my husband’s work schedule, but there is something special about planning something each month with her. It can be as simple as playing board games in the basement, coloring for an hour, going to a playground and eating dinner, just simple things. The point is, to be with just her and give her our undivided attention.
It can be hard to plan one on one time with your kiddos, so we are going to try something to ensure our daughter gets quality alone time once a month with either Mom or Dad. On Hadley’s birthday date of each month, (her birthday is the 21st, so on or around the 21st of each month), she gets to have a “date” with just Mom or Dad. Having it on the same date each month, or around that date, makes it easy to plan. Plus, it lets Hadley have something to look forward to each month that is special to her.
We were a little behind on June’s birthday month! The month has been flying by. So for the month of June, Hadley decided to have a pool date with just her and I.
We arrived at the pool a little after it had opened, and barely anyone was there! The weather had been calling for severe storms later in the day, so we thought it would be a great day to go before the storms rolled in. And Kevin was home, so he stayed back at the house with Huxley. The water was absolutely freezing, and I couldn’t get in right away. Hadley on the other hand always jumps in, even if the water is cold.
This girl could live in water, every day, all day. Even though I didn’t get in right away, she was still so happy to be there with just me. The sun came out, and after a while I was feeling super-hot and my skin was getting red. More of a heat red, than burnt, so I slowly got in. Hadley and I tossed a ball for a while, while we dodged the kids kicking and splashing. When the water is freezing cold, any sort of splash sends shivers down my spine! But not Hadley, she just loves it. Hadley kept saying, “Mom, watch this” over and over. It was so cute. She would do different things off the diving board, jump in the deep end when they close the diving board, and we even practiced some of her strokes.
Kevin and I joined a rec volleyball league at the pool, it’s super chill but our team is a bit serious at times. I am not serious though! It’s volleyball for fun right? So anyways, Kevin and Huxley came up to the pool after his nap because we had an afternoon volleyball game. Awesome big sis watched Huxley for an hour while we played three games of volleyball. Towards the end of the game, Huxley was getting a little antsy and Hadley was a little frustrated trying to keep him happy. But it all worked out, and an hour went by super quick. To reward Hadley for doing such a great job watching Huxley, she got to pick out an ice cream at the pool snack bar before dinner. She’s the best big sister. We had a great day together!
She loves the idea of having special one on one time with her parents each month. We are going to take turns each month so we both get a chance to have our time with her throughout the year. I’m not saying we don’t get one on one time with her; I get a lot of time with her with my husband’s work schedule, but there is something special about planning something each month with her. It can be as simple as playing board games in the basement, coloring for an hour, going to a playground and eating dinner, just simple things. The point is, to be with just her and give her our undivided attention.
It can be hard to plan one on one time with your kiddos, so we are going to try something to ensure our daughter gets quality alone time once a month with either Mom or Dad. On Hadley’s birthday date of each month, (her birthday is the 21st, so on or around the 21st of each month), she gets to have a “date” with just Mom or Dad. Having it on the same date each month, or around that date, makes it easy to plan. Plus, it lets Hadley have something to look forward to each month that is special to her.
Hadley and her dad went to a Reds game for her May birthday date! They both love the game and had great seats thanks to our brother-in-law.
On their way to the game! Hadley was so excited.
She got ice cream and sang “Take me out to the ball game” song. She had a blast.
She loves the idea of having special one on one time with her parents each month. We are going to take turns each month so we both get a chance to have our time with her throughout the year. I’m not saying we don’t get one on one time with her; I get a lot of time with her with my husband’s work schedule, but there is something special about planning something each month with her. It can be as simple as playing board games in the basement, coloring for an hour, going to a playground and eating dinner, just simple things. The point is, to be with just her and give her our undivided attention.
It can be hard to plan one on one time with your kiddos, so we are going to try something to ensure our daughter gets quality alone time once a month with either Mom or Dad. On Hadley’s birthday date of each month, (her birthday is the 21st, so on or around the 21st of each month), she gets to have a “date” with just Mom or Dad. Having it on the same date each month, or around that date, makes it easy to plan. Plus, it lets Hadley have something to look forward to each month that is special to her.
We went to the movies for her April birthday date! We went to see the Super Mario Brothers movie! She was so excited to see this movie, a few weeks before we saw it she bought a magazine that was all about the movie! We sat and read about the characters; she was so cute.
Hadley was excited, but I think I was more excited to see the movie than Hadley was!
We always head to the dollar store for candy before a movie. We got a little too much this time around!
I’m so glad I have a kid that loves movies as much as I do! Her Dad could care less about seeing movies, it’s hilarious. Fun fact, her dad and I have been to the movies one time in thirteen years, that’s how much he could care about seeing movies. Anyways, Hadley brought her comfy blanket, and got all cozy for the movie. I love the lounge chairs they have now!
The Super Mario Brothers movie was so good! If you grew up playing the game on Nintendo, then you will love it. They did such a great job at making the game a movie, I loved it and Hadley did too!
She loves the idea of having special one on one time with her parents each month. We are going to take turns each month so we both get a chance to have our time with her throughout the year. I’m not saying we don’t get one on one time with her; I get a lot of time with her with my husband’s work schedule, but there is something special about planning something each month with her. It can be as simple as playing board games in the basement, coloring for an hour, going to a playground and eating dinner, just simple things. The point is, to be with just her and give her our undivided attention.
Sunday morning, I was up bright and early to do all the things before First Communion, breakfast for the kids, finishing up a few last-minute things for her celebration, getting myself ready, all the things!
First Communion had its own mass on Sunday morning, right after the eleven o’clock mass which was a bit of a cluster getting the kids there early for pictures. We had three second grade classes, and some kids from the local public school all getting their First Communion together. Church was packed!
Mass was so very special, I didn’t tear up, but it was emotional watching my little Hadley receive her First Communion. She was so excited for this day! Seeing all of her friends all dolled up together, smiling, laughing, all genuinely excited for their big day.
Here are some photos from the day…
Hadley can be the easiest and worst when it comes to clothes! When she finds something she likes, it’s soo easy. Thank the good Lord this occasion was easy when it came to the outfit! I searched “First Communion dresses” on Amazon and let her pick one, ordered it, the dress arrived, she tried it on, and loved it. Then we searched “dress shoes for girls”, let her pick one, ordered it, shoes arrived, she tried them on, and loved them. Same with the crown, she knew she didn’t want a veil so I let her pick out a crown and she loved the one she picked! She loved everything the second she tried it on, and I was so incredibly happy! Hadley is not a girlie girl, meaning she doesn’t like to wear bows, and she isn’t a fan of dresses but knew she had to wear one for this occasion, so she went with it. And thank goodness, because you can see it in her smile, she was one confident young lady!
The kids had to arrive a tad early for pictures, and some of the moms and teachers shared these photos! My favorite has to be the black and white photo of the girls twirling their dresses! I love how each kiddo has their own vibe with their outfit, shoes, everything.
There she goes! Receiving her First Communion! I can’t believe she drank the wine, even after not liking it when they practiced. It’s so adorable all the kids with their little praying hands walking down the aisle at church. Hadley was a little nervous with everyone watching her, but she did great!
One reason we don’t go to church very often, is it’s very hard to keep a one-year-old who is newly walking and exploring the world, to stay sitting in a pew for an hour! Plus, we as parents don’t really get anything out of mass while wrangling a toddler around for an hour. Kevin took him in the crying room, which was so packed people were sitting on the floor in there! So, he took him in the church lobby, or whatever it’s called, and let him walk around until it was time for Hadley to receive communion. He was a trooper, especially during his nap time!
After mass, we headed outside with the rest of the people, and took a few quick photos. Both of Hadley’s grandparents, and Aunt Amy (godmother) all took photos with the communicant outside the church. It was a little chilly, and very crowded so we headed home to celebrate!
A few decorations to celebrate Miss Hadley! I made the sign for the front porch and had it printed at Walgreens. Simple white tablecloths, with some pretty spring flowers in mason jars. I painted the “God Bless Hadley” sign on kraft paper, along with the cross. We had a small charcuterie board, simple ham/turkey sandwiches, chips, and dessert.
For whatever reason, the church decided not to have the banners the kids made hanging on the pews at church. I don’t remember when they didn’t have the banners hanging on the pews for First Communion, so this was a bit of a change for everyone. They displayed the banners at school for a few days, and then sent them back home to us before the ceremony. The kids made a chalice in class with paint markers, they turned out so great! Hadley wanted to display her chalice alongside her banner for her celebration at home.
Made this poster and had it printed at Walgreens, we hung it up on the wall in the living room. Hadley loved answering some of the questions I had for her for this poster. Some of the info is removed for privacy reasons.
Enjoyed our low-key day celebrating the Communicant!
For dessert, we had cake and a mini ice cream sundae bar! We put different toppings in a muffin pan.
Hadley opening her sweet sweet gifts. She loved them! Her Grandma gave her a sheet that shows her how to say the rosary. I made her a prayer card, and she was given a few prayer cards also.
As her grandparents were leaving, Hadley wanted to show Papa all of her softball gear in her new bag. She is so excited for this season!
And just for fun, here I am for my First Communion on the left. I don’t really remember the actual day, but I do remember that veil! Hadley wasn’t a fan of my veil, gloves, or purse. I soo wish I would’ve thought to ask her if she wanted gloves, but after she saw this photo, I knew the answer would’ve been a hard no. A few of the girls in her class had on gloves and they were so darn cute! So fun to see the comparison of mother / daughter on our First Communions.
As a mom going through my daughters First Communion, I have to say I’m loving every second of it. I love watching my sweet girl grow, with her friends, in her faith, and learning who she is in this world. We are so proud of her! It was a special weekend for our girl. A big thank you to all the parents and teachers for sharing photos of all the kids. Not everyone could see their kid from where they were sitting or was able to be there for the entire morning, so much appreciated! I love this community!
Thanks for following along!
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It can be hard to plan one on one time with your kiddos, so we are going to try something to ensure our daughter gets quality alone time once a month with either Mom or Dad. On Hadley’s birthday date of each month, (her birthday is the 21st, so on or around the 21st of each month), she gets to have a “date” with just Mom or Dad. Having it on the same date each month, or around that date, makes it easy to plan. Plus, it lets Hadley have something to look forward to each month that is special to her.
Hadley and her Dad had her birthday date for March! She chose to go to the batting cages, and played putt-putt golf! Softball season is upon us, and she’s getting excited to start playing. She did slow pitch and even tried a few fast pitch balls!
She brought her own bat, and went to town! The weather was amazing, sunny and semi-warm but nice.
After the batting cages, they did putt-putt golf which was in the same place.
Dinner at El Rancho Grande!
Ice cream afterwards!
She loves the idea of having special one on one time with her parents each month. We are going to take turns each month so we both get a chance to have our time with her throughout the year. I’m not saying we don’t get one on one time with her; I get a lot of time with her with my husband’s work schedule, but there is something special about planning something each month with her. It can be as simple as playing board games in the basement, coloring for an hour, going to a playground and eating dinner, just simple things. The point is, to be with just her and give her our undivided attention.
It can be hard to plan one on one time with your kiddos, so we are going to try something to ensure our daughter gets quality alone time once a month with either Mom or Dad. On Hadley’s birthday date of each month, (her birthday is the 21st, so on or around the 21st of each month), she gets to have a “date” with just Mom or Dad. Having it on the same date each month, or around that date, makes it easy to plan. Plus, it lets Hadley have something to look forward to each month that is special to her.
Hadley and I had her birthday date for February! She chose to play board games, and watch a movie in the basement with me. We watched the movie Blended, played Monopoly, and had popcorn in the basement. She is so good at any game she plays almost, we were at a point where she was giving me her money haha!
Hadley was the banker, and she loved trying to figure out the change every time. She would turn around, and try to visualize the numbers in her head. It was too funny, and nine times out of ten she was right. She won’t admit it, but she loves math.
She loves the idea of having special one on one time with her parents each month. We are going to take turns each month so we both get a chance to have our time with her throughout the year. I’m not saying we don’t get one on one time with her; I get a lot of time with her with my husband’s work schedule, but there is something special about planning something each month with her. It can be as simple as playing board games in the basement, coloring for an hour, going to a playground and eating dinner, just simple things. The point is, to be with just her and give her our undivided attention.
It can be hard to plan one on one time with your kiddos, so we are going to try something to ensure our daughter gets quality alone time once a month with either Mom or Dad. On Hadley’s birthday date of each month, (her birthday is the 21st, so on or around the 21st of each month), she gets to have a “date” with just Mom or Dad. Having it on the same date each month, or around that date, makes it easy to plan. Plus, it lets Hadley have something to look forward to each month that is special to her.
Hadley and her dad had her first birthday date of the year! They went out to eat at her favorite restaurant Cancun, and then ice cream afterwards. She loved every second of it! She loves to play a game during dinner when we go out, which we do not mind at all since it keeps her off the iPad. She brought the game Guess in 10, which is one of her favorites!
She loves the idea of having special one on one time with her parents each month. We are going to take turns each month so we both get a chance to have our time with her throughout the year. I’m not saying we don’t get one on one time with her; I get a lot of time with her with my husband’s work schedule, but there is something special about planning something each month with her. It can be as simple as playing board games in the basement, coloring for an hour, going to a playground and eating dinner, just simple things. The point is, to be with just her and give her our undivided attention.
I’m looking forward to the rest of this year, and to see how these birthday dates go! She is pumped!
