Officially a Bike Riding, FootGolfing, First Grader!!!

Maliana ~

Arrived home on Monday to find a fantastic package from Auntie Jo/Yoyo in Colorado waiting for you on our doorstep. Your face absolutely lit up when you saw it and you couldn't wait to get inside and open it up. You wouldn't let me touch it, instead taking piece by piece out of the box yourself, oohing and aahing over every gift. It was filled with all sorts of fun stuff for summer. As soon as you examined its contents, you immediately wanted to start making Jo a thank you card and asked if we could send her something too. Over the next week, we'll put something together...and I told Jo that I'd try to steer you away from sending any more dead locusts like last time. In your defense, that locust carcass was very important to you...ahhh, the mind of a kindergartener is never dull.

crafting your card for Jo, complete with a
rendering of her motorcycle on the road

A little bit later that night, Daddy and I thought we heard strumming of a guitar outside and when we peeked out the window, lo and behold, this is what we saw...

what makes this even sweeter is that you are singing
"Never Grow Up" by Taylor Swift
(what I used to always sing to you)

Evidently the neighbor (Mike) had given you his old beat up guitar that he found as he cleaned out his garage. It was so nice of him and it completely made your night!

You and I hit the bike trail on Tuesday night, our first trek with both of us on bikes on the trail. It was really fun and we even came upon a black rat snake that was as long as you are tall. Yikes ~ but very cool!

snake!

And...OMG!!! Huge breakthrough early Wednesday morning...you actually woke up in the wee hours and told me, "Mom, I have to go to the bathroom" and we proceeded to get up and pulled down your DRY pull-up and used the bathroom in the middle of the night! I am so excited! Hopefully this means that your pull-ups days are coming to an end! Yahoo! My big kiddo!

Thursday was a fun day for you (and brought back some memories for me) with Field Day at your school. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to be there but thankfully a sweet mommy from your class (Misty) was there to help out and take pictures of you all. You didn't say too awful much about what you did except that "It was the best day ever!" because you got to go in the gym and dance to "Happy" which made you...well...happy. Ha. 

playing with the parachute

sponge race

Friday I took the day off of work to help you celebrate your last day of school and really send you off right. We didn't do anything particularly spectacular but it was a really nice morning! You had wanted a mohawk for a while and I agreed to help you create one for your last day of school. It turned out great (if I do say so myself) and you were so tickled at the finished product, looking obviously pleased as punch and feeling fancy as ever when you would check it out in the mirror or catch a glimpse of your shadow on the sidewalk. At speech, Ms. Katie was asking how I got it to stay up like it was and you told her, "My mom put jello in it!" (actually, it was hair gel) Ha. Love it! 

leaving kindergarten behind like a rock star!

mohawk is the best way to go out in
style on your last day of school

Once home, we went on a short bike ride after breakfast then watched some guys deliver lumber that we will be using shortly to redo our deck in the back, replace a retaining wall, and also build a new porch/deck on the front of our house. It was pretty awesome that we happened to be home because you got to watch them use a forklift and everything. When it was all delivered, you even said, "Hey Mom! I know what we can do! Build something!"...then glancing at all of the new lumber said, "Daddy's wood looks handy!" Ummmm. I opted instead to let you bang around on some of the scraps that we already had in the garage. If I had let you "start on the new deck", I'm guessing Daddy would have been just a wee bit upset. Ha.

front row seat

handy girl

After that excitement, we headed off to Jo Ann's and Five Below where you hit the jackpot with convincing me to get you one of the mini-skateboards. You were strutting like the biggest stud ever throughout their store...I just walked behind you, giggling to myself. You make me smile on the daily!

cocky, badass, skater chic
rawk on!

Before we knew it, it was time for school drop off. We gave Mrs. Fitzpatrick her card and gift card and I am so glad that I got a picture of you with her. She has been a wonderful teacher to you this year. As I wrote in my thank you card to her, I was so nervous to send you off to "big kid" school this year (you're my baby after all) but she really made it so much easier, knowing she understood all of your quirks and always had your back. I love that she was your first experience with a teacher during your academic school years...she was great for you. 

thank you, Mrs. Fitzpatrick

After your last day of school, Audrey came with me to pick you up where we hung out while you played with your friends on the playground. Then we headed to McDonald's on the way home to celebrate before we came home to chill for the rest of the evening. It was a crazy kid fest all evening, with your feet becoming crazy dirty within 3 hours of being out of school. If the amount of dirt on your bare feet is any indication, it's definitely officially summer break! Ha. 

no idea what's happening here except that
you are both so excited for school
to be out for summer!

McD's celebration on the way home

dirty feet = summertime fun

sitting outside and going through your
first ever yearbook by flashlight with Sophia

Audrey stayed for a while, even helping with your bath (a favorite time for both of you to get so silly), and then almost as soon as Audrey left and you had gotten through your bedtime stories...you collapsed in my lap (without warning, like someone had shot you with a tranquilizer dart) on the bed. Our sleepy, happy and officially first grade girl...twas a good day and night. 


Kicking off our long holiday weekend, we slept in on Saturday morning (such an awesome feeling) and woke up to lots of furry bodies and cold noses in bed with us. We took a bike ride as a family which was really nice. It was a gorgeous day, not too hot and not too chilly, and as I pedaled behind you on the trail, I couldn't help but giggle as I watched your little legs pedaling so fast (almost like you were on a sped up video) and listening to you ring your bell (the one that arrived in the package from Auntie Jo in Colorado). cha ching...cha ching...cha ching...the entire time we were on that trail. So funny. We had to make sure that we thanked Mark next door for helping us secure that to your bike...and I'm sure everyone else that was out for a peaceful walk in nature would have wanted us to thank him for fixing it for you too. Ha ha.

Jenny got her bike all souped up and you were
practicing with her before we left

all ready for the trail!

learning to coast down the hill

following our fearless leader

honeysuckles!

after tasting the honeysuckles you exclaimed,
"I could eat these all day!"

That evening you went out on a daddy/daughter date to play footgolf with him...there's a new course for this sport that just opened and is right up Daddy's alley. You had a BLAST! And made sure to tell me when you got home, "I even beat my daddy!" Ha ha.

still so tiny...you actually fit in the holes

footgolf! what a stud!

Then later that night, Audrey came over and played with you for a while. Going by your room, I overheard a conversation you both were having about Audrey's ear and nose piercings and it was so sweet and funny. I love catching glimpses or overhearing moments when you don't even realize I'm paying attention. In those particular moments, I get to hear and be reminded in a whole new way what a sweet and kind kid you are. Even later that night, we went next door for a bonfire with Mark and Jenny. Mark was in rare form and hilarious and you were very adamant about helping him blow out his burning marshmallows. He eventually got you hooked on blackening (and blowing out) your own marshmallows too. Love, love, love our neighbors and friends. 

burnt marshmallow buddies

Sunday we hit the Asian Festival. It was supposed to be a bit cooler this year but felt as hot as ever. You were sleepy from the bonfire the night before (and a little crabby) but we did ok. We saw all of the usual stuff, stopped so you could do a ton of different crafts, and just had to get some of their yummy bubble tea. Mmmm...delicious!

cooling off with some bubble tea

showing Monica your origami 

getting tickled by Lao Lao

being silly with Uncle Flint

After the festival, you had a swimming lesson (which you were so excited that Lao Lao came to watch) and afterwards, just as you pulled up at home, you spotted Mark and Jenny next door getting ready to go on a bike ride. See, they had invited you the night before, so as the car came to a stop, you rolled down the window and yelled, "Hey Mark! Are you getting ready to go on your bike ride?" and when he answered yes, you told everyone else in the car, "I told you!" then promptly announced, "Sorry guys...I have to go on this bike ride now!" At that point Lao Lao jokingly said, "Well...I guess I just got kicked to the curb!" You were so stoked to have this special invitation from your neighbor buddies and evidently, were chatting them up for the entire 4 mile ride. 

ready to roll with Mark and Jenny

Monday was Memorial Day and this is the first year that you were really interested in what the holiday is and in particular about Papaw and his time in the Navy. We called him on our way to go grocery shopping and I handed the phone to you in the backseat. Just listening to the conversation from the driver's seat in the car brought a tear to my eye. It was so sweet. We're hoping he can dig up some pictures of his naval years to show you and make it all the more real. Finally, I have to give a shout out and a huge thank you to all in the military (past, present, and future) who help provide the security and freedoms we have today. You will learn more and more about our history and our military as you move forward in school. It will be interesting to watch your understanding and ideas about it all grow. I can't wait to take a trip to D.C. with you ~ maybe you'll be ready for it sooner than I thought!



Once we got to the grocery store, you used one of their mini-carts that are just for kids. Let me tell you, these are a God-send! You had a blast and were in such a chipper mood. We got several comments and smiles from fellow shoppers as we made our way through the store. At the check out line, the cashier was pretty ho-hum about her day, saying hello and asking how I was in a fairly rote manner. However, you peeped your head up from below the grocery belt and said in a tiny but very cheerful voice, "HELLO! And how are YOU doing today??" The cashier was taken aback and immediately a smile crept to her face as she answered you. It was such an easy way to brighten someone's day. I made sure to tell you how kind that was on the way home. I tell ya, kid ~ you have a gift. 


Later on that same day we headed out to Lao Lao's to work on some summer dresses that we will take to the beach for Cadence, Laurel and Sierra. You got a little seamstress lesson from her and I couldn't help but smile as I listened to her slowly and patiently explain every little detail to you, answer all of your questions, and allow you to help as much as you could. I also kept reflecting on how I wish I would have known my grandmother like this when I was as young as you are (you see, I never even met Ggma until I was 7 years old so while our relationship was a good one, she was not someone I had grown up knowing or seeing all too often). On the other hand, Lao Lao is exactly the grandmotherly figure that I had hoped for you to grow up with...and I feel so thankful. 

dropped you off with a fresh load of supplies
from Jo Ann's so you could create some
more fun sewing projects...here you're
walking back down Lao Lao's
drive way together

teaching you about her sewing machine

your little fingers and keen eyesight are
great for threading the bobbin

When Lao Lao dropped you off that night, you were so excited and chattering all the way up until bed time, which is surprising since you hadn't had a nap and had had a lot of late nights recently. You told me all about how Lao Lao had put on hip-wader boots and took you out to the pond to look for frogs, then out to see their horses ("I got to see the horses up close, Mom!"), and ate pizza and got to have popsicles on the way home. You had had a blast with her. A perfect end to a great and long holiday weekend.

Love,
Mama

P.S.
And before I forget to mention, your reading has really taken off lately and it's pretty cool...just ask the cat we're babysitting for Brittany and Zach.

So cute.

Love you, Bugs.

Recitals, Sleepovers, and S'mores

Maliana ~

Started the week by losing your third tooth in Kindergarten class, then bringing it home in a little baggie to place it under your pillow for the tooth fairy. That night as I tucked you in, you asked when the tooth fairy would come to get your tooth. I told you that I think she waits until you fall asleep. You responded with, "So, the tooth fairy is nocturnal"...huh, well...yep, I guess so!

your latest gap

That evening was also perfect to just hang out in the yard on a blanket (your idea). I swear, if the weather was always like it was that night, I'd never have to go on vacation. Perfection!

my view from our spot on the blanket

my favorite part of the view

Later we took a bike ride before heading inside for the night and ran across your friend, Juan, and another little boy who we learned is Isaac. He is also 6 and has the same kindergarten teacher as you (but he's in her morning class). As you rode by, you immediately asked, "Mom, can we go over there? Can I play with them?" I just love how fearless you are about joining in with other kids, seeing everyone as a potential friend. It's a good way to be.

Tuesday was a big day as you got to eat lunch at Wilder to try out your wings for next year when you are a big first grader! Daddy and I got to come to lunch too and it was so cute to watch you with your friends at those big lunch room tables. Our babies are growing up ~ it's undeniable! Where does the time go?

learning about the lunch line

sitting with your bud (Jocelyn) for lunch

I had book club this week which you attended with me since Daddy is working nights from home. You did great and actually had fun since Charis (another Fu friend) was also there.

the mascots of book club for the evening

And speaking of books and reading and learning in general...I have to mention that you also gave your first poster presentation at daycare this week. You made an entire poster about dogs (one of your favorite topics) and presented it to the class. Lao Lao even made the comment that she can't believe how advanced your school work is now as compared to when she was a kid. Later, you showed me and Daddy the poster as it is being displayed in the lobby at daycare. You are so proud of it!

I also found this belated card in your backpack (from you to me) for Mother's Day. A sweet surprise for this mama.

And speaking of sweet, we adore your current daycare for lots of reasons with one of the many perks being getting updates about you throughout and at the end of each day. The special note received on your update for Friday this week read:

Special Message

Mali shared that her mother cuddles with her, she plays with her and her mother lets her play!

Completely made this mama's heart melt.

Then I also found this little nugget too...let's hear it for a healthy self-esteem!

M - magical
A - awesome
L - lovely
I - imaginative

Friday evening was nice because we really had nothing major planned. Audrey Ayi came over for a visit and ended up staying the whole evening. Then our neighbors came over and hung out as well, with you kids playing outside until the rain drove us all in where we ate dinner, played and chatted some more. It was midnight before we knew it ~ such a late evening but a lot of fun.

hangin' on your loft bed with Cori and Sophia

reading to Sophia

you forced invited all of us to sit and listen to you
read a book of poems from school

you were so happy to read to us all
(and you've got that librarian pose down pat)

Saturday morning we woke up and went to your Chinese Arts program recital. It was fairly casual with no costumes to adorn you this year since your only class taken was Mandarin. You were so excited to have Audrey Ayi come with us and we were ever so grateful that she gave of her morning (and afternoon) to support you. She even brought you some flowers to wish you good luck on your performance!

As it turned out, there were many hysterical parts in a lot of the performances (especially in the younger children's dance classes) and we all enjoyed the show a lot. You did a great job and even recited a rhyme (with your class) in Mandarin about an apple. In English, it says: "Hello, apple. Shiny, red. Chomp. Chomp. Hello, worm. Where's your head?" and then you all pretend to spit out the apple. It's pretty funny and of course, any gross humor is awesome to a bunch of 5-6 year olds.

waiting to go on stage with Ms. Lily
(aka the big carrot)

KCAP students and teachers ~ 2014

We all went to lunch along with the Doellings after the recital. It was a nice impromptu gathering and a perfect way to celebrate the end of another year of your Chinese Arts program. I am so glad that we have such a wonderfully gifted and supportive community through COFCC and KCAP. We are very lucky.

after talking about Lainey's brother who will be coming home
soon and has a scar from heart surgery, you graciously
shared your scars both inside and outside of
your mouth...because in our family, we
all have them and scars rock!!

Christina, Scott, and Lainey...coming soon, Cameron!

driving home and...

very slap happy!!

That night we had a bonfire in our driveway and celebrated one of the neighbor's (Corie's) 9th birthday. It was one of those nights where more people on the block seemed to be at the bonfire than were at home and kids had come out of the woodwork to join in. You all had a ball making s'mores and banana boats on the fire, then eating copious amounts of birthday cake. After all of the sugar, you played with each other until well after dark, even finding some firecrackers to let off (with adult assistance, of course). The running, laughing, screaming, making up of random rules and games, and asking for flashlights (ghost in the graveyard and flashlight tag) was so reminiscent of my own childhood. Those were the kinds of nights (and I'll admit it was long, long ago) that I wished would never end when I was a kid. It makes me so happy that 1) you are getting old enough now to join in with all of the big kid shenanigans and 2) that we live in a neighborhood where there are plenty of really nice kids with whom to partake in these shenanigans. Makes me immensely happy.

bonfire!!

Cori the birthday girl (in the middle) with her friends,
Jaden and Victoria

even feeling slightly under the weather, Sophia
still took care of you all night ~ so sweet

Happy Birthday, Cori!

mastering the art of smooshing s'mores

You also had your first sleepover (outside of cousins and family) on Saturday as well, spending the night with Cori, Sophia, and their friends next door. You had a blast and stayed up until at least 1am and the bigger girls stayed up until 4am!

got this picture from Mike (their dad) in the middle of the night and captioned:
"Sorry, parents. The sleeping portion is not going so well."

The next day, Mike was so nice and included taking you along with them to Cori's birthday lunch with more of their family members. To say you were having an amazing time is an understatement. You did have a bit of a meltdown once you got home (aka back to reality) and had to work on your last homework assignment of the year, but it all turned out ok (homework was eventually completed) and by that afternoon, you were back out with everyone and playing again. That night, you had dinner with another neighbor (Addison's family) and then rode bikes until almost dark while Daddy and I hung out and shot the bull with the neighbors. You could definitely say it was a very neighbor friendly weekend. Looking forward to many more like it this summer! All in all, you had one of the most excellent weekends in recent history. You are getting to be such a kids' kid anymore and I just love to watch you bloom.

Love,
Mama