Ayva turns 6

Our little Junie Fish (one of her many nicknames) turned 6 last weekend and even though she had to share the spotlight with her new little brother she still managed to have a great day. I have always made my kids birthday cakes but since I got home from the hospital only a few hours before the party and I was freakin' exhausted we decided to let Ayva pick out her own cake at the store. She chose an Oreo cake and quickly declared that nobody was to have any of the Oreos on top, they were all hers.

Her Uncle Luke and Aunt Laura were in town for the special occasion and her Grandma and Grandpa Hallstrom and Aunt Chelle came over to help celebrate as well. (Sorry no pictures of them. I am regretting that now. Luke and Laura, you need to come back so I can get some pictures)

Just pics of Ayva opening her gifts. Proof for the future that we did do nice things for her.

I will end with a picture of the special guest. Ayva did told me that I didn't need to get her a gift because I gave her a new baby brother for her birthday. So nice of her.

He's here!

Enzo Thomas Colasurdo was born on July 16th, 2011. He was 19 inches long and weighed 6 lbs. 14 oz. So far he is proving to be the mellow, laid back boy that I dreamed of having. There is no lack of kind sisters who are eager to hold him and kiss him and love him to pieces. We are thrilled to welcome him to our family.

Distinguished Cub Awards for everyone!

Today was a big day for Ayva and Bella. They both received their Distinguished Cub Awards from school. The Distinguished Cub Award is given to the students that meet a list of academic requirements that the school issues at the beginning of the school year. There are usually about 15 requirements and they are different for each grade. Lilly and I attended the assembly and snapped a few, not so good, pictures of our proud recipients.

Ayva is on the top row in the pink dress with the big grin. Love her!

Bella is top row, second in from the left. Love her too!

And not to be left out, here is an adorable picture of the bean.

I am so proud of both of them for working hard this year and meeting all the requirements for the awards. Now they get to enjoy three weeks of summer at home with their very pregnant and cranky mother before returning to school and starting work on a new list of requirements. Have fun girls!

What a difference a year makes.

So last year my little peony plant produced 1 beautiful bloom. This year we got 6 beautiful blooms. This makes me very happy!