In case you haven't heard...

Happy Mother's Day!

The Big Night

Little Violinist

Eloise had her violin recital tonight. She did a great job. She played "Lightly Row." We were proud of how she just went right up in front of everyone and said: "My name is Eloise Stone and I will be playing Lightly Row." Not bad for a 4 year old. I still get the shakes doing things like that!

Waiting her turn to play.

Playdate

Eloise and Lillian had friends over today. Actually, it started with Eloise's friend, Isabel, coming over. Pretty soon after she arrived, Lillian came to me and said, in a very sad voice: "Nobody wants to play with me, Momma." So I called Lillian's friend, Rilla, and invited her over. So we had one big playdate. Yeah, you can guess what my house looked like when they were finished playing! But, it is totally worth it!

Minnie Mouse Lillian

Eloise's Dress Rehearsal

Ellie's Birthday?

'Tis birthday party season around these parts! We enjoyed Ellie Vest's 6th birthday party this past weekend at the city's gymnastic academy. Ellie's dad, Mark, is one of Jon's best friend. There was a basketball on the sidelines of the gymnastic facility. Mark had their own fun.

How do you sing Mary Had a Little Lamb?

I am convinced that only sisters argue over such a thing!

My Little Ballerina

Eloise's ballet recital is on Saturday and her violin recital is on Friday. She had dress rehearsal this past Saturday. Jon took some pictures of her dress rehearsal.

My Little Ladies

My Little Thinker

Eloise is my little thinker. She seriously needs time alone to play, think, and draw every day or else life is not in balance for her. She stays in her own world much of her day. She is sporting one of Nana's hats in this picture.

Eloise's Photography

Eloise took this picture of Lillian and me.

Swim Days

Eloise and Lillian are taking swim lessons at the YMCA on Mondays and Wednesdays. Today was their second lesson. Surprisingly, Lillian was the one afraid to go in. In the end she said: "That was fun, mommy! Swimming is fun!" They get to go down the slide at the end of every lesson and ride on the "magic carpet" and stand on the "castle". Sounds pretty fun to me!

Scooping Ice Cream

Eloise and Lillian's swim teacher taught them today to "scoop ice cream and put it in their pocket" in order to teach them how to swim with their hands and arms. Eloise is obviously enjoying it!

Teddy Bear Picnic at the Library

Field Trip

I went with Eloise to her first school field trip. Her preschool class walked to the downtown post office in Cleveland and then headed over to the old restaurant, "the Spot." In fact, I went there to eat when I was a child. Here are pictures of Eloise with her friends, Jade and Claire.

Old Friends and New Friends

Sweet, fun Lillian

Good Times

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We went to Coolidge Park in Chattanooga yesterday with my mother for a picnic. We had a great time! Lillian said: "My favorite part was the water fountain!" Eloise chimed in: "My favorite part was the carousel!" (which we rode twice)

In the pictures you also see a chalk drawing did of a dolphin jumping out of the water.

The Brown Sisters' Party

We went to a triple birthday party tonight! The Brown sisters (Annie, Lili, and Emilie) all have birthdays in April so their parents have one big party for them. The youngest is Annie and she turned 6, but all three girls love Eloise and Lillian and Eloise and Lillian love them. Since I used to be Emily Brown, Emilie and I have a special connection.

There were about 20 kids there, mostly about 8 years old. Eloise and Lillian had two other friends their age: Joshua Whitaker and Spencer Payne. I took a picture of them sitting patiently waiting for their cake. Don't worry...I am keeping an eye on these boys!!!