Last Day(s) of School!!

Boy, that school year sure did go by fast! Julia and Margaret's last day of school was Wednesday and Caroline's was today. Each of the girls had a wonderful year with amazing teachers and great friends. We went to Sweet Frog today to celebrate and to kick off our summer!

The twins' last day of school...

Caroline and Margaret 

Julia and Margaret (who is sitting very pretty!)

All three girls actually looking at the camera at once...hooray!!!

A typical preschool pick up day: Julia crying the minute she lays eyes on me, Margaret happy as a clam.

Caroline's last day in Group IV...

Caroline wearing the birthday crown Mrs. Schmidt made for all the summer birthday kids.

Celebration at Sweet Frog...

Bottoms up for Julia!

That was yummy!

I love Sweet Frog!

New Digs!!

We moved last Thursday and Friday into our new home on Cragmont Drive. By the time the sun went down on Sunday, every last box was unpacked, (some) pictures were hung, and we'd already met several of our new neighbors. We worked morning, noon, and night to get our new house looking and feeling like home. We couldn't have done it without the help of Grandpa and Grandma Hepper. They took the girls off our hands so we could really get down to business!
The girls handled the move with great ease. Margaret is excited to have a room of her own and an actual crib in which to sleep (the poor child has been sleeping in a pack n play in our master closet for over 8 months because her twin is a horrible room mate), Caroline is in LOVE with her big girl (queen sized) bed and the stall shower in her bathroom, and Julia is happy to have a big downstairs to run races around.
Here are a few pictures of the new place. We have quite a bit of decorating to do, so I'll post more pictures as we complete each room. We are so thrilled with our new digs!

All packed up, and ready to go to our new house!

One of the first orders of business at the new house: transplant Caroline's tree from Stuart Avenue to our new backyard. 

Julia's first order of business was to make a mess (as usual)

But I'm having SO much fun!

My best attempt to capture the backyard. Still only got about 1/2 of it.

Grandpa and Grandma Hepper and the kids.

Sunday afternoon: we are exhausted but happy.

Daddy reading his girls their first bedtime story in the new house.

Margaret getting settled in.

First time in her crib since October 2012!

First lunch at the new house.

 And now for a few house pictures...

My desk. Overkill? Yes. Do I mind? Not at all.

Breakfast area with awesome picture view into backyard.

Rest of the kitchen with Butler's Pantry in the background (62 bottle wine fridge? Yes, please!) 

Empty, but beautiful foyer. It makes me feel like this is a "big girl house!"

Packing Break!

Must.take.a.break.from.packing. Thank goodness I have some pictures to share!!

Julia and Margaret went for their first dentist visit last week (actually, it was Margaret's second...we went at one year for her because she barely had any teeth!) Both girls did wonderfully, and Dr. Liz assured me once again that despite Margaret's lack of teeth, she's still within the realm of what's normal. Margaret is currently rockin' 6 full teeth, but has at least 3 more breaking through. That's nothing compared to Julia - she has every tooth except her two year old molars!

Julia showing off her almost full mouth!

This was right before Julia fell and busted her lip open. Not ideal for your first dentist visit!

Look what I got, Mom!!

Wait a second, you led me to believe I was going to school today....

Two successful check-ups complete!

Sweet Margaret with her piggies.

Today all three girls went on Caroline's end-of-the-year field trip to Maymont. They all had a great time, despite the fact that I completely forgot the stroller and the twins had to walk about 1 mile - that's a lot for those little legs!

Different week, same dresses!!

WHEN will I ever get a group picture with all three girls simultaneously looking at the camera and smiling??? Not today...

I wasn't super interested in the animals...but I sure did enjoy my snack!

So Long, Farewell...and Happy Mother's Day!

We were lucky to have the chance to spend time with our fabulous block neighbors Friday evening during a little farewell BBQ they had in our honor. The kids had a blast running through the yards, climbing trees, and playing together while the adults enjoyed drinks, great food and conversation. It was the perfect way to say "so long for now, but hope to see you again soon!"

Leaving 4809 Stuart Avenue is very bittersweet for our family. It was our first home in Richmond, the place we brought the twins home from the hospital, and the home in which we shared wonderful memories. Add to that the people, our fun, kind, and generous neighbors, who helped make this house a home, and you've got a very special place that will always have a very warm spot in our hearts.

We are busy cleaning and packing as we prepare for our move later this week. Wish us luck!!

J's first of about 100 hot dogs.

Caroline got dressed at 7am for the evening's party.

Margaret lovin' her cupcake.

Is there something on my face??

Happy kids

Caroline and the "big kids."

Julia on the go.

In other news, I had a wonderful Mother's Day. This year all I wanted was to sleep. Seriously. No gifts, no flowers, just sleep. So for the past five days, I've been sleeping in every morning and taking naps every chance I get. It's been fabulous. I also got breakfast in bed this morning, brunch out with the family and a nice day of relaxation. It was a fabulous day!

My sweet girls

Caroline always wants a picture of just herself lately. 

Julia

Margaret chowing down on her ice cream at brunch.