I knew once Spring Break finished that they days would seem to pass by even more quickly, but it's still hard to believe we are now over half way through April! Our big highlights this past month were Little Sweetie finishing out her track and Chess seasons and celebrating Easter.
We were so glad Little Sweetie decided to do track again this year. It's a great bridge for her from Run Club to swim season and helps keep her strong and active. Such good experiences for her too!
Lots of fun at track!
She also continues to grow in her chess proficiency. They attended their Spring Tournament and, even though it was tough competition and a learning experience, she still enjoys chess. She was only a half point off from an individual trophy and very disappointed, but she worked hard and continues to improve, and that's all we want.
So proud of her!
Speaking of sports, Astros Opening Day was this month and we are ready for some baseball!
Ready for work and school in their Astros gear!
Besides her own activities, she does great attending and supporting Big Brother at his activities.
Having fun at the Ranch.
Feeding Ghost a carrot after Bubby's ride.
Enjoying brunch together before Buddy's Faith Formation class!
We were also very excited this month to start prepping our hearts and minds for Easter!
Someone actually let me style her hair down for Palm Sunday!
Little Sweetie started Easter Break a day before her big brother, which meant that we got to have a day of quality time together! Since the rain had held off, I was able to take her to the members-only preview of the new Galapagos exhibit at our zoo. It was a great day and we really enjoyed checking out the new area.
Ready to explore the new exhibit!
Galapagos tortoises time!
I hadn't expected so many marine exhibits, but the underway tunnel area was awesome for observing the sea lions!
Jellyfish, rays, and even some sharks!
Penguins!
We enjoyed the outside sea lion viewing area too...a much better habitat for them then their previous one!
A great time at the Galapagos!
Lots of strawberries!
Even some ripe blackberries!
Always a lot of fun at the farm!
We spent the rest of Friday and all of Saturday preparing for Easter. Chef Sister made our Easter cookies nearly completely by herself this year!
Cookies!
Easter Eggs ready!
Reading Easter stories before bed!
And then it was Easter! We were up bright and early for Church and then enjoyed our family Easter traditions around the house.
He is risen!
Home from church to find that the Easter Bunny had set up are annual scavenger hunt for the baskets (which happens to be Little Sweetie's favorite thing) and hidden eggs!
Scavenger hunts shenanigans!
The baskets were found!
Hunting eggs inside!
My favorite bunnies!
Ready to eat!
Hunting plastic eggs outside!
We also spent time turning all those strawberries into jam!
Chef Sister was a big help in canning!
Leftover heavy whipping cream? Time to churn our own butter!
Found an interesting recipe in her magazine? Time to make overnight oats!
These rainbow grain bowls from her cook book that she selected? AMAZING.
Height and Weight
Little Sweetie is staying consistent at 70.2 lbs. this month and is about 53.75 inches! And, as of this month, she's officially 9.5 years old! Each day is bringing us closer to 10!
How is she nearly done with 3rd grade?!
Personality
Funny and silly, but with a hint of "tween" attitude and worries about fitting in or being left out starting to rear their ugly heads. Hoping we can compassionately guide her through all these feelings the next few years.
Hi goofball!
Developmental Milestones
This past month was a big one with developing independence. Many of Little Sweetie's friends have sleepovers, but Little Sweetie hadn't been ready yet. However, she was starting to feel left out, but was still feeling a bit nervous. We talked about it and decided it was probably time for her to have her first sleepover, but in a place she felt perfectly safe and comfortable to make it as easy as possible. So I had her pick where she would feel most comfortable and she asked to stay with our friends E and B. They graciously accepted hosting her and it was wonderful!
Crafts and movies with E and B!
E is one of the best 7th graders I know being willing to host a 3rd grader for her first sleepover!
Mementos of her first sleepover!
Crashing hard post sleepover!
Also still busy with her usual stuff, like crafting and reading. So proud of the big girl she's becoming while still missing my little girl.
So much attention to detail!
Discovered the Percy Jackson series and devoured the first book. We're surprising her with the rest of the series at the end of the school year.
Fun Tidbits
Little Sweetie's friend, G, moved to Ohio last year. We were so fortunate to be able to visit her when she came into down for her Spring Break to visit her grandparents.
Friends forever!
Another beautiful month with beautiful memories. Can't believe that in a month I'll officially have a rising 4th grader!
Good night,
LSM
Little Sweetie's Momma
