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.

Kathleen's baby if finally here! She has been long-awaited. They named her Eden Phoenix. Isn't that the most beautiful name? I love her so much already. I need to post some photos of her cousin, Ethan, born just 6 wks before her! We are so happy for these new neice & nephew!

We love our summer carnivals in our town. We will miss these sweet Utah summers.

Look at Max's face. A few years ago when Sydney was 3, she went on this caterpillar ride and screamed in agony the whole way. I was so sad watching her, unable to stop the ride, that I ended up in tears, too. Sydney has talked about the caterpillar ride ever since, and decided she'd finally try and brave it. Max thought he'd try it, too, but it turned out that wasn't such a good idea. He was the only boy, and the only one screaming the whole way. Sydney tried to comfort him and whisper in his ear the whole way. :)

our favorite lemonade, cotton candy, and best of all, the carnies

My baby girl turned 6. I can't believe it. But I'm so glad she still seems like a little girl. She is full of wonder and excitement and curiosity. She is sweet and sensitive. She reminds me to be better.

We were in Thousand Oaks over 4th of July weekend for Alisa's wedding, and we got to celebrate Sydney's birthday with the family at the beach and the park. It was the perfect day.

She came down the stairs to donuts and some presents

Noah enjoyed his donuts

Sydney loved the My Little Pony castle from her grandma

the Birthday Bird book!

cuddles with her grandma and grandpa

We then headed to the beach! What better way to spend a birthday?

Sydney spent the whole time collecting seaweed and building a massive pile

Sydney loves her cousin, Meili

Ian and Max

We then went to the park next to my parents' house to catch crawdads

our Build-A-Bear birthday tradition

back home for cake and presents!

she spent most of the entire weekend on this hammock

I love this girl with all my heart.