New Year 2020

 Dearest Harper,

Mommy and Daddy went to Jason and Danyel's to welcome the new year, as usual. This time we left you to celebrate with your Gaga and Agi. 

 

 

 We brought you a cookie from the party, and of course did our double traditional smooch!

 

 

Here's to a great year!

I love you,

Mommy
 

Christmas 2019

 Dearest Harper,

Because I'm off work to help Daddy with his shoulder surgery, we were able to spread out our Christmas celebrations and really enjoy the time with our families.

First up - your yearly photo with Santa!

 

We met Bop and Monnie in Sutter's Creek for the day. We ate at a restaurant, went shopping and wine and cheese tasting, then opened gifts out of the backs of our cars in a parking lot. It was a really good day. 

We spent the day making tamales with Daddy's family on the 23rd, like we always do. Then we ate so many of them and opened gifts together as a family.

Christmas morning was just us, then we went to have dinner with Nana and Papa and family.

I love you,

Mommy

Thanksgiving 2019

 Dearest Harper,

I worked Thanksgiving this year, so all I have is a photo of the traditional double smooch we took after I got home. I wonder why Daddy didn't take any pictures of your time spent with family... 

I love you,

Mommy

Halloween 2019

 Dearest Harper,

You chose to the the Queen of Hearts this Halloween. Occasionally you'll even yell, "Off with their heads!"

You and I went trick or treating in our neighborhood while Daddy handed out candy. After a few houses on our own, we met up with a girl in your class named Kyle, and her little sister Cameron, and did the rest of the neighborhood with them and their family. At every house you said, "Come on, Kyle Murphy!" (There's another Kyle in your class.) Your candy bucket got so full and heavy, you didn't want to hold it anymore! I know you had a great time, and it was fun to trick or treat with other people. 

Your smile never ceases to warm my heart. I saw a lot of it tonight, and it makes me so happy.

I love you,

Mommy

Your Fifth Birthday

 Dearest Harper,

Mommy and Daddy came to school with you today for your birthday. We brought cookies to share with your class to celebrate YOU. 

 

 

 

After school, we took you miniature golfing for the very first time! You had a blast! So did we - you are such a fun kid!

Traditional double smooch - with attitude this year! Actually, you just wanted to be silly.

 

Imagine our excitement when you chose - all on your own, a Star Wars themed birthday party! I had so much fun planning it - tons of ideas for food and games. But, this was the first year I didn't make your invitations myself. I had a small amount of mom guilt about that, but got over it quickly when the ones we ordered came out totally adorable!

 

You colored this and wrote the words, and we hung it on the front door.

I did your hair in Princess Leia buns! And of course you wore a Star Wars shirt.

Another awesome cake, or cupcakes rather!

We made Chewbacca bookmarks...

And light sabers out of pool noodles.

And played a bean bag toss into the Death Star (which I drew and colored myself! TOLD YOU I had fun planning!)

You really are turning into an amazing little girl. You are so very smart, and funny, and easy going, and kind, and thoughtful. You are such a good girl. You make Mommy and Daddy proud on a regular basis. We hope you have a great year as a 5 year old, sweet girl. 

I love you,

Mommy

First Day of TK!

 Dearest Harper,

Because of your birthday, you have to do TK, or transitional kindergarten, instead of going directly into kindergarten. You're totally smart enough, you could totally hang, but alas, the rules are the rules. You'll always be one of the oldest kids in your class.

We walked you to class and you sat down right away to color as the kids trickled in. You weren't scared or nervous or anything. You're so easy going.

Your teacher, Mrs Mooney, sat all the kids down and read The Kissing Hand.

A few days after the first day of school, this was hanging on the wall. I am so proud that you're such a happy kid!

I hope you have an amazing year, filled with learning, and friendships, and fun, and adventures. 

I love you,

Mommy

Fourth of July 2019

 Dearest Harper, 

Another super fun party at our friends' Jason and Danyel's house!

The sass is strong with this one! You're like a little supermodel here!

You did really well in a big pool with waves from the big kids!

Double smooch!

The neighbors were out front making s'mores with their family while we were doing fireworks. Danyel took you over to say hello (because their son is the same age as you) and of course they gave you a s'more, which you came back and ate while you watched the fireworks. A little while later, you came walking back with ANOTHER s'more! Look at that smile!

I love you,

Mommy