Thursday, June 18, 2015

Jillian's Fabulous Fourth

Jillian turned four last week and she had an absolute blast! On her actual birthday Nina got the day off from school and we had an amazing day beginning with opening presents from lots of wonderful family members who were so thoughtful to send them to us. Then off to the best place in the universe for Nina and Jillian and our worst nightmare right now...the American Girl store! Thanks to the most generous Auntie Judi now Jillian is the proud owner of her first American Girl baby doll like Nina. We had a super fun time picking out her doll and outfits and then lunching at the cafe where the girls got to decorate their own cupcakes for dessert. She requested sushi for her birthday dinner and tore into her salmon and avocado roll. On Saturday afternoon she celebrated with her six of her friends at a salon where she had nails, hair styles and princess dresses galore! It was quite a week and she was birthday hungover for days but is still talking about all the excitement. Four is definitely her year! Enjoy all the photos.

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The graduate

Nina made us so proud this June as she graduated from her preschool at the Beth Shalom congregation. We have been so grateful for the three wonderful years she has spent there and are sad to see her leave but are thrilled Jillian will follow in her footsteps and attend there next year. Nina and her class, Eitim (Eagles in Hebrew), designed their own Talit and entered singing a song and then sat in a circle and shared with us what their year encompassed. They also performed a routine to a blooming song and danced. The most special part of the night was when each child got to sit in the middle of the circle while the teachers and school director shared their thoughts and love. This is what Nina's favorite teacher said about her: "Nina, you are wise which means that you know things not just in your head but in your whole body, including your heart. And you know things in a way that helps everyone around you. You are also always dancing!" It was very touching and we were so proud of our amazing Nina Bug. While Nina is processing lots of emotions about leaving Beth Shalom she is getting more and more excited about Kindergarten and we are excited to start her journey at John Rogers Elementary School right across the street from our house! Here are some photos and videos of the special evening.

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Jete-ing Jillian

Jillian has loved taking ballet this Spring and has proven to be quite the talented little dancer! I recently had a chance to observe the class and take lots of photos and videos and have shared them below. She is off to ballet AND tap this summer and can't wait to show you her moves soon.

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