Back to School

The summer flew by, and on Tuesday we started a new school year. Joey is now in 4th grade, and Audrey is in 2nd. Although I am a little heavy hearted to have them away so much of the day, they are very excited to embark upon another year at Lynnwood Elementry. It is however, beneficial for me to be able to give Quinn some much needed one-on-one attention.

What brilliantly clever and studious, yet fashionable, children these two seem! I wonder who their their mother is..... she must have it ALL together!!!
I wonder why they were almost late on the first day then?!?!?

Quinn wanted to be apart of the experience, of course. He has his own back pack.

If you look really carefully, you can see that; "Mom you're embarrassing me", eye roll happening here in Joey's new "upperclassmen" classroom. As, always though...... a really good sport!

Audrey, on the other hand still likes all the attention! Amazingly enough, her teacher, Miss Gough, recognized Joe as soon as we stepped in the door. They went to 7th grade together. What a small world. (Or I guess just a small Lynnwood, Wa.)

Audrey.... You Amaze Me!

About 9 months ago, Audrey informed me that she wanted a "Masquerade" themed party for her 7th Birthday. I guess I shouldn't have been that surprised, she listens to the "Phantom of the Opera" soundtrack at least every other day. Needless to say she had quite a while to dream up exactly how she wanted the party to go, down to the last detail!
So last Friday night at 7, we had 14 giddy little girls arrive totally decked out for a Masquerade that took place on our deck. Unfortunately, at the exact same stroke of seven, this nasty little flu bug that has been going around hit me like a ton of bricks, so Mommy spent the night on the bathroom floor. Luckily Joe is "The Man", and could take over flawlessly, (ok... well with a little help from Amy and Brandy.) Thank you for taking such wonderful pictures Amy, otherwise I really would have missed the whole thing!

We put up the big camping oning and strung up a small chandelier and lights everywhere. (Thanks Tom and Brandy....and thank you duct tape and zip ties!!)

Audrey looked adorable, and this cake was so fun to make! It's amazing what you can do with fondant. The cake mask we got at "Costume Display," along with that fantastic fan Audrey's holding.

What A Party....

Everyone got to decorate their own mask for the Masquerade.

We played "Pin the Mask" on the Phantom....

And we were lucky enough to have the phantom make an appearance at the party himself!
Joey, you are such a good sport!

All in all, I think a dream come true for the Birthday Girl!!!