First Day of Kindergarten

 Today was Sophie's first day of Kindergarten. Her excitement this morning was contagious and had all of us waiting anxiously until it was time to leave. After eating some lunch and talking about what it might be like it was time to leave.

 Upon arrival her teacher handed us a list of things to do with different numbered stations around the room. Turn in your homework, hang up your backpack, find your name tag, and a few other things as well. The last thing was to find your name and sit at your table and color your picture.

We all wished her well and gave her hugs and kisses. Before leaving her she declared in her sweet little voice, " I'm Scared!" with a terrified expression on her face. The other children at her table looked up at her with the same terrified faces. Thankful that someone else declared they were scared. We reassured her that she would have fun, that we loved her and would see her when school was over. 

When picking her up she ran to me and gave me the biggest hug. As we walked the hallways back to the car she had a very wide grin on her face. She then declared to me, "I had really fun Mommy, I like Kindergarten." 

As a surprise for being so brave today we got her a treat and some new sidewalk chalk. She was so excited to try it out and immediately changed out of her school clothes into some play clothes.

I can't believe that this sweet little girl is big enough to go to school! 

Back to School Feast 2013

 I was so excited this year to have a big back to school feast. I got the idea from Nie Nie and loved it so much. The plan is to keep it a yearly tradition for the beginning of the school year.

 We all dressed up in our fanciest clothes and decorated the table. We even made name tags using lined paper where everyone would sit.

 As for the menu we had: Ham and Asparagus Casserole, Twice Baked Potatoes, and Limeaide to drink.

 For dessert we at homemade Oreo Cookies.

 It was such a fun feast to share in together. The kids both loved it and ate everything off their plates. Maybe I should make their favorites more often.:)

 After dinner Wes gave Sophie a Father's Blessing to help her throughout the school year. It was really sweet.

I also chose a theme for the school year. Something each of us can work on. We even made up a little song to help us remember:

"Be kind and nice, Listen and Obey" 

It's so simple yet so powerful.

Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Last night was Back to School night. We all headed over and met Sophie's teacher, Mrs. Olsen. It was fun to see Sophie absorb everything. She's been worried about where she would go to the bathroom and was delighted when she found one in the classroom. She was also excited to see a playground just for Kindergartners.

She's been asking lots of questions about how it will be like. I really have no idea. It's been a very long time since I went to Kindergarten. But she seems excited for what awaits. 

All the other kids started school today but Kindergarten doesn't start until the 29th. She did however have her assessment today. She met with her teacher one on one so that she could see where she is at before school begins. We practiced a few things during breakfast and had a semi melt down when I asked her to write her name. Did you know S is a really hard letter to write? We sat in the hall and filled out some papers so she could focus and not be distracted. Afterwards, her teacher said she did really well and is really excited to have her in class. One of the best things about living where we do is the awesome school and amazing teachers at Spanish Oaks. I've only heard good things and am so glad Sophie gets to learn in such a great environment. I know she will have a awesome time in Kindergarten. 

Choo Choo Train

 Oliver's new favorite thing is trains. I'm sure if I counted how many times he talks about trains a day it would be over 100. On the way to the mall for some back to school shopping with their cousins all he talked about was a "Choo Choo play place." To his delight when we got there this train was giving rides around the mall.

 His cousin Rylie said he had a smile on his face the entire ride. 

I'm so glad his wish came true today. :)

The little things

 Time together is rare these days. When we are able to spend it together we try and soak up every minute. Like the night we went to our favorite park and spotted a snake crawling on the grass. Oliver and Wes were the only brave ones.

 Or sitting outside and listening to the rainstorms and talking to Sophie about thunder and lightning.

 Upon going to bed checking in on Oliver and smiling at the positions he falls asleep in.

 And of course fishing! We have yet to catch something from this pond. Someday.

 At least we can have fun trying.

Or when Oliver went an entire week wearing his goggles and boots everywhere we went. 

:)

Trying to enjoy the little things, one day at a time.

Airplanes!

 On our way home from Yellowstone we had to stop at the Airplane Museum in Ogden. When we pulled in the parking lot they announced they would be closing in 30 minutes. We hurried as fast as we could to see as much as we could.

 Oliver loved every minute of it! We stopped at the gift shop and bought him a airplane, Sophie chose a kit kat.

Even though we were rushed I am glad we stopped. It was so neat to see all the planes up close and personal.

Family Reunion in Yellowstone

 Every year my family gets together for a reunion. My parents rent a place big enough for all of us and we spend time together. This year we went to Yellowstone.

 It's been almost 2 years ago that we went so it was fun to go with cousins and grandparents this time.

 Wes was super Dad and carried Oliver around in our carrier. Sometimes he carried Sophie too.

 We also hiked to Fairy Falls. Not realizing how long a hike it really was. We were all so glad to get back to the cabin that night. ;)

It was a great trip and so fun to share it with family.