Star Student

Catherine Ellis was Star Student the week of March 16th at school - so much fun!  She counted down the days until her big day and we worked hard on her poster all weekend making it look just right.

Getting ready to present her Star Student Poster with all her favorite things

At this point in the year, many of her friends have had the opportunity to shine and she wanted to shine just as brightly, though I tried hard to convey to her that her Mama wasn't nearly as creative and crafty as other Mamas - but nothing deterred our girl.

After sifting through pictures upon pictures she selected 12 of her most favorite to print, then insisted we use glitter to decorate her awesome poster.  Glitter we did! (make sure your volume is turned up - our girl is a bit shy it seems in front of the group)

Most special of all, Meme and I got to join Cat at school to see her introduce her Star Student poster to her classmates and have Meme read one of Cat's favorite books - Fancy Nancy.  It was magical! Meme loved being back in the classroom and interacting with all the children.  Cat was super proud we were there and it was fun to be a part of her day.

Meme and leprachan Catherine Ellis

I should probably also mention that it was St. Patrick's Day - that's why you see CE dressed with her St. Patty's Day costume - she's the prettiest little leprechaun I know!

Introducing Meme and her book, Fancy Nancy

Reading to her classmates

We even joined her for lunch afterwards - and quickly stuffed our bellies with goodness (their lunch is 25 minutes - which seems SO fast!).  It was a wonderful day to celebrate our star with her friends!

 Selfie at lunch - fastest lunch I've ever seen Catherine Ellis eat!

 Love her so!

February Round-up

February round- up in March - that's how we're rolling in 2015 - just a wee bit behind, but having a blast!  February was a busy month getting back into the swing of things after a great Christmas vacation and time with dear family and friends.

We kicked February off with a visit from some sweet, sweet friends that we don't see often enough. We spent the day roaming the streets, eating good food and playing outside.  Ain't nothing better!

We celebrated Valentine's Day - the girls both had fun celebrations at school and I once again acted like it was a contest to see who's mommy made the cutest Valentines, because let's be honest, a 5 and 3 year old do not make their own Valentines.  Let's just say, I think I came in a close second.  There were some awesome homemade Valentines out there this year.

Next up, Catherine Ellis celebrated Community Helper Day at school and she went as a firefighter. The Cain family sure loves some local firefighters and firefighters to-be.  Sweet Wyatt lent his awesome firefighting outfit to Catherine Ellis for the day - isn't it adorable?

Firefighter Cain

And last but not least, Daddy and Catherine Ellis had a date to see Cinderella at the Alabama Ballet.  They had a wonderful time and Catherine Ellis was thrilled to get some one-on-one time with her most favorite family member ever (her words!).

Daddy and CE headed to the ballet

Getting ready to see Cinderella 

Chili Cook-Off

We look forward to The Exceptional Foundation's Chili Cook-off every year.  David started volunteering with a local brewery that needed a team to cook three years ago and it's been a blast each year.

The Good People Brewing Cook-off Team (and tiny helper)

We always see lots of good friends, sweet puppies and eat good chili.  This year was no different - it was another beautiful weather day - sun shining, temps just right and lots of fun to be had.

Team Cain

Caroline and the sweetest boxer puppy 

Last year Good People won the People's Choice, but this year they didn't place - that's okay - it was still a winning day in our book!  Doesn't get much better than good weather, great friends and a good cause!

 Steph and CE - love them!

 Matt and Ray Ray - we sure do miss the greatest neighbors ever!

 Cutest motley crew you ever did see!

Happy Birthday Meme!

We had a blast celebrating Meme's birthday!  It was a girls weekend full of lots of girl time, food, and visits with family.  The girls and I had been looking forward to it for weeks.  We missed David, but he was out having a blast shooting things with some good friends - aren't they a good lookin' bunch?

We started the weekend off with a surprise lunch for Meme with some of her dearest friends - it was so much fun to spend some time with people that love Meme and take such good care of her.  It didn't hurt that it was at Russell Crossroads - such a gorgeous place!

Next we headed to Auburn to eat a yummy dinner with Andrew, Kim and Lily.  The girls were most excited to see sweet Lily - who is the best baby ever!  Such a good time with our family.

We sure love Meme and can't wait to celebrate many, many more birthdays!