Of course, Lissie's First Communion was huge on our May calendar. We had family and friends coming from all over the place to celebrate her big day! She wore my own First Communion dress that was handmade from the Philippines. She completed the ensemble with a mantilla that my mom got her when she was in Fatima, a headpiece that I wore when I got married, and earrings and a bracelet that are heirlooms from both sets of her great-grandmothers.
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| My mom prayed for this moment - to witness her granddaughter receive Jesus for the first time. |
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| Pretty Lissie |
After Mass, we celebrated in style with a special Sushi Train luncheon. (I really wanted to go to a Mexican restaurant since the big event happened to be on Cinco de Mayo, but apparently Mexican restaurants do not typically accommodate for large reservations on this holiday. Who knew?)
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| One of her favorite gifts was a paper doll saint collection from her godmother! |
Lissie's godfather and family had traveled from Michigan, and we convinced them to stay an extra night. As such, Lissie and Xavier (who begrudgingly had already ruined their Perfect Attendance record earlier in the year when X got sick during school and I wasn't about to make an extra trip to pick Lissie up later) were more than eager to play hooky from school to spend time with their family (unfortunately, though, while Justin and I still had to work, haha).
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Soooo excited to have a dog in our lives, even if it was just for a weekend! Toby!!!!     Playing hooky and having bubble tea with Auntie Cat  They showed them the Parthenon  Ninong Chris with Lissie |
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| Since the kids had the family during the day, we got to hang out with them at night - Hot Chicken and Sushi! |
May also brought with it the school's May Crowning of Mary. This year, eighth graders and second graders processed in, and Lissie was chosen to bring up the crown. It was super sweet and special!
May also brought us Justin's birthday. He had to work, but we made sure he had his favorites for dinner when he came home. We also celebrated a little belated when I got him tickets to Nashville Symphony's Harry Potter night - so fun! The kids were a little sad that they weren't invited, but Justin showed them the first Harry Potter movie at home as a celebration for finishing the first book.
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Making dad's famous mac and cheese for dad on his birthday Yum!  Date Night! |
For Justin's birthday, he got himself a new bike. Then I got a little jealous because, well, it just is no fun to try running to catch up with three bikes! So, naturally, I ended up getting one myself and we've already gone on many adventures exploring different trails and new places.
Lastly, May brought with it the end of the school year. Both kids had amazing years and have grown and learned so much. Xavier and I even survived being together in the classroom and, surprisingly, it is an experience we were both sad to have end. In the end, both kids were presented with special awards: Xavier received a Best Effort award for the quarter, and Lissie not only received the Best Citizenship award for the quarter but also the EagleSTRONG award - the one that students and teachers vote on for exemplifying the best qualities of a St. Ann student. They both worked so hard this year, and I am so proud of who they are becoming.
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Field Day fun with one of her BFFs First Grade end-of-the-year bash at the Nature Center |
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Charlie's Angels at the second grade end-of-the-year picnic at Arrington Vineyards   |
And, of course, now that it's summer, the Bucket List festivities have already begun. Here are some other pics to round out our May:
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We celebrated Mother's Day a little early since Mom was in Italy during the actual day. And while they were in Italy, the kids were in charge of watering the plants. As you can see, they did a great job. Haha.  The kids did a fun Shoney's 5K.  Our Bucket List 2019  Nothing says summer like a party in a pickup.  Justin took the boys to see Detective Pokemon, so naturally the girls got a pedicure.  Halo-halo!  $1 movies!  The zoo!  The Nashville "beach"   And, of course, the pool!  |
