First Day of Kindergarten

Today marks a new chapter for us....the school years!

Our Claire Elise starts Kindergarten today and is ready in so many ways. Yesterday I asked her what she thought would be the most fun thing about Kindergarten, and she said, "I get to learn to read." I am thrilled that she loves to be read to and is excited to learn this for herself.

Ready for the first day!

She is very excited about this big backpack

Cheeky Smile for the Cheesy Sign

Walking into the big school..

Getting settled into the classroom

Already playing and having fun

John, Ariana and I left her there after getting settled at the table playing. On our drive home, the tears started for me. I am just sad to have her gone for such a long time during the day. She is a great kid, and I will miss having her around. Last week when I mentioned that I would miss her, she went into her room and brought me a little framed picture of her as a 16 month old and said, "you can just look at this, mommy." So, today I will look at her picture and pray over her. 

Jesus, thank you for this new day. I know that you love our daughter even more than we do, and we entrust her to you as she is outside our home. Walk with her today, sit beside her and be her comfort!

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 

I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.'" Ps. 91:1-2

Ariana's 1st Birthday

May 14th was a big day at the Brandenburg house!
We celebrated Ariana's first year with a few friends, neighbors and family.
She wore a pink tutu with a mini tiara and the birthday theme was pink polka dots. We served a taco bar, and decided to throw in a fun piñata for the festivities as well. Very appropriate for a 1 year old birthday party, don't you think? (insert sarcastic smile here..)Especially since it rained that afternoon and we had to keep all the partying inside, however, John was a good sport and was able to make the piñata work by hanging it from a large wooden pole. Who knew piñatas were so hard to break..we had to compromise the bottom a bit to help the girls get at the goods inside, Ha!

Fun with the pinata (inside)

We also had a little treasure hunt, and the girls loved showing us their finds...

Golden treasures!

Elise was so excited to help get ready for the party. She is becoming such a good helper, and every day John and I look at each other and say, "wow, she is growing up so fast."

Sisters Ready for the Party!

Mommy & Me

Party time

Delicious cream-filled cake for the guests

Indoor dancing fun

Who wants a taco?

We got the birthday girl her own little "patty cake" and she delicately tried it at first..but dug in when she discovered what a little icing tasted like....

Pink icing = pink shirt on the birthday girl

Sweet & sticky 1 year old

Here's a video of the 1st birthday cake:

I love Ariana's expression...."look at all these pretty things!"

By the end of the party, our little one-year old was ready to call it a night.

Family Shot

Grandma June with the birthday girl

Sitting with Grandpa

Thanks to our friends who could share this milestone with us!
Happy Birthday, little Rosebud. We love watching you grow, discover and laugh with us. You are a joy, and this mom is so happy & ready for the next year to begin....bring on the potty training, walking & talking!






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Have Car, Will Drive!

This past weekend was filled with much anticipation.... The girls got a fun present from grandma!
As Elise was walking into the store, my mom asked her, "So, Elise, how does your heart feel?" Her response, "My heart is beating very fast."
They are having a blast driving around the cul-de-sac. I would have loved a toy like this as a child, too! Thank you for such fun!

Having fun!

Look of pure delight

Truly living large!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Just the girls

Grandma June & Elise

Party people

Spring party table

We celebrated my mom's birthday, March 20th on the first day of Spring! We grilled pork loin with asparagus & yummy fruit pizza in lieu of cake. It was a fun evening to celebrate my mom & welcome Spring.

March 2012 - 9 Month Ariana

Busy girl! Ariana is feeding herself & loves to walk around, assisted & in her little walker!