Mother's Day

Mother's Day was as special as always for me this year. It's hard to believe it's my 7th! Even better, I enjoyed more than one day this year, since Bridget's kindergarten class hosted a mom's breakfast on that Friday complete with serenading and gifts. It doesn't get any sweeter than seeing your little 5-year-old singing you sweet songs and sneaking cute glances at you during the performance. I was sitting off to one side, and I just loved how she kept looking over and smiling shyly. Siblings weren't allowed to come, which was perfect. It made for some special one-on-one time to appreciate this sweet little girl for all she is as she prepares to graduate to first grade (how is that possible?!).

She retrieved snacks for each of us after the performance, and then we read a book together from one of the bookshelves in her classroom.

And then she gave me my first Mother's Day presents of the year - a rose and a sweet frame made from popsicle sticks and pasta. The picture is one that her teacher took of the two of us before school one day. Now, the frame sits on top of the girls' bookcase beside the one that Megan gave me!

On the real Mother's Day, I was even more spoiled! I woke up to a parade of girls walking down the stairs toward our room, each carrying a different part of my breakfast. They had all helped Matt prepare breakfast in bed for me, and they were so excited to bring it to me.

After we got a picture with me and my breakfast crew, Mary stayed in bed with me to help me out with that breakfast!

Later, we all enjoyed a beautiful brunch at the restaurant at Harding Park Golf Course. Matt's family had reserved an entire banquet room, which was absolutely perfect, especially considering that none of the moms involved had to take part in hosting a party at their own house. What a treat!! We had a fabulous view of the golf course, plenty of time to eat, and loads of room for the kids to run around.

As always, Aunt Stacy proved to be much more thoughtful and wise than me! She brought markers, stickers, paper and button makers (!) for the kids to make buttons for their moms. She put me to shame considering I hadn't even considered entertainment for the girls (I may have had a toy cell phone and some stray goldfish in my purse that morning, if I was very lucky), so it was a good thing Stacy was on the ball! The girls went to town creating button after button for me to wear, and they stayed very busy!

Since no one was hosting, we had plenty of energy and time to coordinate a few pictures with the beautiful golf course in the background. Only Jenny is missing from this photo of Pat and her kids!

This picture captures just a few of the Stecher grandkids. We'll be able to get everyone in one shot come August in Tahoe!

And one with the Mason kids.  Tessa and Annie are always happy (they're smiling for this one!) when they're in the care of the older Mason girls. They are such lifesavers during family parties since the twins stick like glue to Micaela, Brittany and Caitlin. 

And, I even got my own pictures with my girls. Of course, not a one of them is the perfect shot, but together they totally capture the craziness that is mothering five little girls :)

My day was perfect in so many ways. But, what made it a perfect day for the girls? They were able to hop on some abandoned golf carts for a few minutes after brunch. It's the little things!!