Girls Only Playdate

Since Gina has been having so much fun in school, Natalie was able to invite some of her friends over for a playdate. It was a Girls Only Playdate.  Mommy was a little nervous about having five, yep five, 4-year olds over to play however it was a Fun, No Cries, Perfect Sharing Playdate.  The girls were awesome and played so well together.  We had lunch, did crafts, played dress up and doctor and even had some fun on the playset outside. 

Mayson, Lyla, Natalie, Ella, and Fiona

It's Official- Gina is 6

It's official.  My baby is 6 years old.  Boy, does time fly by. 

She got to spend the day at school.  I think that every one of her next 13 birthdays will be spent at school (except for those years when they fall on Saturdays or Sundays).   It was exciting though because she got to wear a birthday hat all day, Mr. Matthews, the principal gave her a new pencil, her name was read over the load speaker during announcements,  her teacher gave her a note with some candy, the bus driver had a little gift for her (the next day because she couldn't find them).  And best of all, Mom and Natalie brought in ice cream and cupcakes to her class to celebrate.  What a great way to meet all the kids and become the hero for cooling off the kids with ice cream.  

Then, that night, she got to have one of the "girlfriends" Leslie come over to play and have cake. 

My little girl, growing up so fast :)

Pool fun with Cousins

A wonderful day celebrating Gina turning 6 in a few days!  This girl gets more birthday parties than anyone.  This is her third celebration however she has several more planned including her actual birthday.  However, this was extra special because she got to spend it with her cousins, Megan and Jessie, and Grandma.  They hung out, played, then we went swimming at Grandma's pool, back to our house for a cookout, more playing, cake, then cupcakes (Phew, I think we were all exhausted at the end of this day).  All the girls had a great time, of course. 

 

First day of Kindergarten

Today's the big day.  The first day of Kindergarten for Gina at Eastview Elementary School.  She was so excited as she has always wanted to ride the bus (partly because since she was a baby and Grandma watched her, they would look out the windows and watch the buses go by.  I think that Yellow and Bus might have been Gina's first words). 

Well, as we waited for the bus, Gina said "I'm scared".  I replied "but you are so excited last night".   Gina said "I know, it's just that my legs are scared".    I replied "you will be fine.  You get to finally ride the bus."

She did great! She was excited, happy and eager to play as soon as she got home. It was also good that our neighbor, Alyssa, was there to help her and teach her the bus rules. They sat togther on the bus.

"I scream for Ice Cream" Birthday Party

Another celebration of Gina turning SIX years old.  This time, it's with 20 of her friends at Mitchell's Ice Cream.  Her favorite thing to eat, Ice Cream, so it's perfect. 
 
The kids arrived and socialized with the birthday girl.  Once everyone got there, the kids got to pick out their own flavor of ice cream and decorate with toppings.   Once the ice cream was gone, it was time to play pin the Cherry on the Sundae.  Some kids enjoyed the game so much, they did it again. 
 
Then the birthday girl wanted to open her presents.  Not one duplicate.   Boy, does everyone know Gina loves crafts.  She got a jewelry box to color, butterfly magnets to color, Hello Kitty nail polish and Hello Kitty school set (folders, note pad, pencils, pencil pouch and more); stickers, play dough sweat treats, a button braclet, a gift card to Claire's boutique and much more.  Bet best of of all, she got to be with her friends enjoying ice cream. 
 
The last thing that the kids all did, was go outside and have a candy scavenger hunt.  Oh the fun they had.   What a great birthday celebration (and should we also a "start of school" party too since tomorrow is the 1st day of Kindergarten).
 
Dad made a surprise visit on his lunch hour and both grandmas were able to come.  The celebration was complete.

Rocky River Nature Center

Today, we headed outside for a picnic, hike and time with friends, both old and new friends.  We went to the Rocky River Nature Center.  It was a great time, weather was fantastic and the compnay was even better.  Cheryl and her gang, Shellie and her crew, Veronika and her gang, and our new friend Tracy and her son, Evan, all met up.  It was a wonderful way to spend the day.  However, I think we were all glad to see our cars after the hike in the woods.

All the kids on the wall before our picnic lunches.

On the start of our hike, the kids enjoyed throwing rocks into the water. 

A look up!  We hiked all the way up the hill.  About 100 plus steps up to the tippy top.  Kids were all troopers and walked up.  It was fun to look back down to where we were throwing rocks.   Kids were all amazed.

A picture form the top.

Sisters hiking together. 

Avarello August Birthday Celebrations

Today, the Avarello Family got together to celebrate all the August birthdays.  Lauren turns 5 on August 21, Gina turns 6 on August 28, Uncle Mikey's birthday was August 8 and Grandpa's birthday is August 16.  We had lots of fun playing and it was a beautiful sunny day.

Cousins!  Cousins!  Cousins! 

Daddy with his nephew/godson, Charlie!

 The birthday girl!