Last day of daycare for Josephine

I know there are a million more blogs to post since March, but I have to start somewhere (& this is not in order at all but that's life for the Carollo's!) 

Jo's last day at St. John's Mercy daycare was Friday, and I snapped some pictures to remember this awesome place.  She started in the Apple Room with Margaret & Becky (the BEST baby teachers & I hope to continue exchanging Christmas cards with them for a long time).  They truly loved Jo & took such good care of her.

The next room was the Blueberry Room, and then the Plum Room & then finally the Watermelon Room.  The Plum room had another three awesome teachers - Ms. Vicki & Ms. Kathy & Ms. Ellen.  They taught her so much, and even though they were only 3 & 4 years old, they learned more than I could imagine!  I will talk more about Ms. Ellen below - she is seriously my favorite teacher of all time.  So sweet & & kind!

Her last room was Watermelon room - just a few weeks until she was off to St. MM (preK4).

Bryce & Jo - Bryce asked Jo to marry him every day, and he is so cute (& so much bigger than Jo)!  He cried for a few nights before Jo's last day (per his mom) & said "what am I going to do without Jo?  can we buy another Jo for me?"  Isn't that so cute??

Her favorite pals:  Dillon, Arti, Addison & Bryce

 Ms. Ellen with her girls!  She did their hair on her two days there & they loved it!  She would use beautiful ribbon & bows & called it her boutique.  Ms. Ellen loved Jo, and she always told me that everyone loved Jo in the class. She was friends with everyone and truly cared for her friends.  She was the first to check on kids who were hurt, and she never complained! I remember that we would forget her swimsuit from time to time for waterplay, but Ms. Ellen said she never got upset - she just would run around in her extra clothes.

The boys in her class - notice Jo & Bryce holdings hands!

We will miss this place, but Jo is growing up & ready to move to her next school.  Rosie & Anna have remained friends with their preschool friends, and we plan on doing the same for Josephine.  We were lucky to find this loving environment for Jo to grow up in during our workday. Thank you to these great teachers!

Speedsters!

I have been very remiss in not writing about the best indoor soccer team EVER!  The Speedsters!

Just a few stats: 

• The team record was 8 and 0, including 2 or 3 come from behind victories.
• Speedsters scored 40 goals and allowed only 13.
• Voted most colorful uniforms and best loyal fans (check out our cool socks!)

My dad (yes, Mr. Soccer Hall of Famer) was the head coach, and Joanie & I assisted.  We had two sets of cousins on the team (Anna & Alison plus Courtney & Megan).  I have yet to coach a team that played so hard, never complained, hustled & were so nice & sweet to each other.  It was so fun & exciting!!  Unfortunately, I had a "moment" during one game that Joanie will never let me live down.  I can't help when my competitiveness gets the best of me. 

Dad was so organized, thoughtful, skilled & amazing the whole time. I did hear some major competitiveness in his voice at most games.  He was awesome & we couldn't have done it without him.  I hope the girls keep this memory forever of their Grandpa coaching them.  So cool!

After the last game & an undefeated season!

Cute & competitive cousins!

Amazing End to Basketball Season

Incredible day of basketball!!  The girls made it to the finals of the B/C tournament, and they lost 7-6 (I know, it sounds like a softball score!) It was an intense game with serious defense from both teams.  We had so many shots that went around the rim but would not go in.  Unfortunately our tallest girl, Gabby, broke her arm in the 1st 2 minutes of the game which shook up the team for a bit.  Even though we lost, the girls were very proud of their performance on the court.  Now, on to softball.....

I'm downloading pictures as I write this blog....

Obsessed

I love the show, Parenthood, and I am obsessed with it!  I will not miss it on Tuesday nights at 9pm, and I can't believe I did not watch Season 1.  I actually purchased Season 1, and I am in the process of watching one episode a night.  It is my treat every night!!  If you need a good show to watch, then you need to start tuning in every week.  It is funny & dramatic & so real & just plain awesome.  My sisters told me to watch it last season, and now I may listen to them more often.  They know what they are talking about!  Ha Ha!

If this show gets canceled, I may lose my mind....

5th Grade Basketball begins

Snow & ice, but it doesn't stop us from playing b-ball!  Actually, the kids have been out of school for two days - it's been years since we've had so much snow!!  It is cold too!! Brrrrr

Our first basketball game was a little rough, and we lost to MQP.  Since then (3 more games), we've been on a winning streak.  Can't wait to play MQP & win this time!  Rosie is doing great & making lots of baskets.  We need lucky Grandpa to come to a game now.

 No 14 jumping to block a pass.

Rosie is quick which helps - just need some more height!

5th Grade Soccer Champs

The coaches decided to do jackets for the team this year given their incredible turnaround season, and they were a huge hit with the girls.  They wear them proudly, and the 5th grade boys are very jealous!  So funny!  We had a celebration pizza party at Pizza World, and it was a great end to the season.

Pretty Girls

The St. Mary Magdalen Christmas Program was December 16th, and it was really nice this year.  We had it at the Brentwood Auditorium since we don't have a very large stage, and it was such a wonderful change.  Better sound, better seating & more like a real production!  We have a great music teacher, and a parent with theater background directs the musical.  We appreciate all of their hard work!

Josephine wore these antlers since December 1, and she loved them.  She's such a funny girl!  Love that funny look she gave me!

My three little girls!  Mrs. Petry did Rosie's hair (straightened it - her hair has natural curl but we always want the exact opposite of what we have) & Anna's (added curl since her hair is poker straight).  Jo had her hair done by Ms. Ellen (weekly event at school), so she looked like a Christmas ornament!  She loves Ms. Ellen!