The Graduate

Today was Hailey's Kindergarten graduation.  This morning at breakfast, she told me that she was nervous to sing in front of everyone.  She said, "But Mom, what if I start coughing?!"  She has had a little cold...  I assured her that it would be ok and to just do her best.  Well, guess what, she managed to make it through the entire ceremony without a single cough!  It was so cute to see all the kids.  Each class (there were four) sang songs and then each teacher called their class (one by one) to receive their diplomas.  Hailey was so cute and proud of herself.

Hailey and her class waiting to receive their diplomas.

The Gang - Jasper, Riley, Sienna and Hailey

Pete was accepted into Hogwarts School of Magic & Wizardy...

Pete was invited to a Harry Potter themed birthday party

yesterday. He had a really fun time. At the beginning of the party, they had each child sit on a chair and the "sorting hat" was placed on their heads. They were all sorted into different houses, just like they do in the Harry Potter books/movies. Pete was placed in "Gryffindor" (just like Harry). Of course, I felt Pete's hair was very Harry Potterish and he even has the scar on his forehead (it's not a lightning bolt shape though...)

During the party, they played several games. One was fishing for dragon eggs. Another, was searching for the "Golden Snitch." I'm sorry I didn't bring Hailey with us... The party was for a boy that Pete goes to preschool with and I didn't know if Hailey was invited too. As it turned out, I should have brought her with us because there were several boys from her class and also because Hailey is sooo in to Harry Potter right now. She and I just finished reading the third Harry Potter novel. During the party, Pete was excited to catch some tadpoles form the pond too.

I thought the invitation was very clever and definitely worth sharing :-)

The text read:

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into the Hogwarts School of Magic and Wizardry to celebrate the 5th Birthday of Ian... The Tri-Wizard Tournament will commence at... There you will find the magical entrance visible only to Hogwarts students and their families. Proper school attire should be appropriate for outdoor wizardry games. Wizard or Witch's workrobes and hats are optional. Please RSVP by owl or by Muggle Phone to the Headmistress at...

A Verry Merry UnBirthday To You!

Today, we threw Hailey an extremely belated birthday party.  It was only a little over four months late (closer to five months to be honest)...  Jeff and I were in Costa Rica in January during her birhtday and told her we would throw her a party when we got back.   For some reason, it has taken me this long to get her party together.

There were about 9 kids (including Hailey and Pete) here for the party.  I think everyone had a great time.  Upon arrival, they had their faces painted.  Then, they had a snack and enjoyed dec

orating their own cupcakes.

With full tummies, we relocated outside to batter the tea pot pinata.  After everyone had several swings and not much was happening, it was time for Jeff to step up to bat.  He managed to whack it hard enough to spill the much anticipated candy and prizes.  The kids all scrambled to gather their treasures.  It was wonderful to see so many happy, smiling faces!

Then, we headed back inside for a game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey.  After the first few kids had a turn, we figured out they were cheating...  The blindfold was see-through!  Oh well, they enjoyed it and in the end it was a tie.  Luckily, I had two prizes, just incase.