Sydney and I played in the yard with my film camera as I was testing out a new type of film. She is my little muse. She's also my best buddy, and my heart springs with joy that she finds interest in all the things I do. :) 

I am pinching myself that I get this beautiful backdrop every single day!

Sydney got a letter in the mail last week from a secret admirer, inviting her on a special Valentine's date. She was so excited, bouncing around the house and trying to guess who it could be all week. She thought it might be her beloved cousin, Mason (who lives 4 states away), or Santa. We weren't sure what her reaction would be when her daddy knocked on the door. But her reaction melted my heart.

Waiting for her date. She picked out her outfit - my skirt and necklace (the skirt fell down to her feet during the date, so maybe next time I'll choose her outfit). ;)

She was beaming and felt like such a big girl. Tommy took her to a fancy restaurant, and when the waiter asked if Sydney wanted a kid coloring sheet, she said no. She was on a real date, after all.

We are all jumping up and down in excitement for Trick-or-Treating to begin.

Sydney is Tiger Lily. I asked if she wanted to use a wig or to spray paint her hair. She looked at me like I was crazy. "No, I have blonde hair!"

Max of the Wild Things

Our little skunk. Costume by my amazing sister, Malinda, as always! She is the nicest to let us borrow her boys' beautiful costumes.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Our church's Trunk-or-Treating night came and Sydney's Halloween costume wasn't ready, so she dressed up in her favorite Elsa get-up and was very close to switching her Halloween plans to include Elsa now. :) She is a fan of princesses, this girl.

Max stayed home sick while I went with Sydney and Noah. Noah clung to me most of the night, and wasn't happy when I made him jump in a picture with sis. 

Sydney and her buddies, Jennifer and Kylie

We are late in the game with moving to California, so today was Sydney's first day of school! First grade, all day. I cried after dropping her off. She is my best buddy, and is growing up in a blink. I can't believe how confident, happy, and resilient she is. Nothing seems to get in her way. She hasn't showed any signs of sadness for moving out of state, and doesn't seem phased one bit by starting a brand new school several weeks into the school year. I love this little big girl of mine.

Haley ran out to us when we were getting in the car this morning, and Sydney ran to her with open arms saying "She wanted to say goodbye to me!"

We walked Sydney up to school and met with the teacher before school began. It's the cutest outdoor school with shady trees, several playgrounds and even a little childrens' garden.