MJ is Standing!

Going up....

I made it...I love when Daddy claps for me! So proud!

Daddy & MJ

KISSES...

TICKLES - - - - - - - - DADDY CLAPPING MY HANDS

Bunny & Blankie

Daddy usually takes LG to school in the morning so LG puts B&B by the back door so I will remember to bring them when I pick her up. She LOVES seeing them when she gets in the car...B sits in the middle seat, LG puts B's seatbelt on & off we go!

Pre-K Anxiety

Thursday is "folder" day...the teacher sends home LG's folder in her bag with any & all info. that parents need. We sign that we rec'd it & send the folder back. As LG got in the car, she quickly told me that she had something for me in her bag, but we couldn't open it until we got home...it was "the folder."

This morning as I was feeding MJ, LG runs into the room & says:
"Mama, where's that "photo?"
I look at her as I rack my brain trying to figure our WHAT she is talking about...did I miss something? Is she supposed to bring a photo for show & tell today?
Mom: "What photo are you talking about?"
LG: "You know...that photo that's supposed to be in my bag."
Mom: "Oh, you mean "the folder?"
LG: "Yea..."
Mom: "Oh, I put it back in your bag."
LG (with a RELIEVED look on her face & wiping her forehead): "Wwwoooohhh....that was close!"

There must be some pretty heavy & important "discussions" going on at school about "the folder."

LG Quotes

2nd day of school . . . LG in the rain w. her doll's lace umbrella!

LG: "Mama, we found a holy-poly, it's a bug, on the playground today...it balls up just like an armadillo!"

LG (Fri carpool line): "Mama, I don't want FPD to end, it's sooooo fun!"

LG: "Mama, can I have a snack?"
Mom: "Yes, you may go get a cheesestick."
LG happily runs off & I find her in the den a little later with a BRAND NEW can of Pringles...I take a look inside & realize there may be a stomach ache on the horizon for LG & ask...
Mom (with a grin on my face): "Geese, how many of these have you had?"
LG (with a bigger grin on her face): "Mama, I don't have enough fingers to count how many!"

1st Day at FPD

LG "The Star" with her proud parents

Papa, Honey (phone), LG & Uncle Pi - MJ didn't want to be left out!

Well, I took LG for her 1st day of Pre-K this morning...Uncle Pi came over to keep MJ, so he & Papa were at our house before LG & I left.

During our drive, LG & I talked excitedly about the fact that she was FINALLY going to FPD -- she has really been looking forward to this! We parked the car & walked hand in hand, in the rain, (with the umbrella) into her new adventure as an FPD Pre-K'er. As we entered the building & found her classroom she didn't want to go in. We were still holding hands & I said, "Come on, I'll stay with you." I GENTLY (as only mothers can do) pulled on her arm to walk into the room & she didn't budge. She was just a LITTLE overwhelmed (as was I) with all the people & commotion. I picked her up & we made our way into Mrs. Carol & Mrs. Memorie's Pre-K classroom...the walls were decorated, kids were playing, parents were taking pics, it was a buzzin'. Mrs. Carol came over & introduced herself to LG, asked LG if she could find her nametag & we were ready to check this place out. I quickly scanned the room for some girls (there are only 5 in her class of 15) & pointed to 2 little girls that were off playing but LG found her own little space instead & wanted me to sit & watch her play - which, of course, I did. Shortly after, Kate arrived & after a little hesitation from LG, I went next door to the parent meeting while she & Kate stayed & played.

Uncle Pi, MJ & I picked LG up and she was ALL smiles...When Uncle Pi asked what she had learned, she put her pointer finger over her lips and said, "be a good listener." We then headed to Papa's, picked up Shelly's "to go" & enjoyed lunch in Papa's office together.

Lola Grace, I am so proud of how brave you were this morning! I am so excited for you & the many memories that you will make while at FPD. I pray that you will have an exceptional year in Pre-K & make many special friends. I love you!

Uncle Pi is here from Barcelona!!!

Our Little Ballerina

Today was LG's first day of ballet...needless to say, she LOVED it!

Last Days of Summer

MJ found the crayon drawer...

LG making handprints...MJ eating LG's crackers

Sweet Hands - - - - - - MJ & blankie after a long day

Bambi

Martha & LG trying to feed "bambi" carrots :-)

Yesterday a friend of ours knocked on our front door & asked if our backyard was fenced in. I said yes, & she proceeded to show me that "bambi" was in my front yard! The CUTEST deer (ok, the only deer) I've gotten close to in "real" life! Come to find out, it is our neighbors' pet!!! They found her on a worksite 2 months ago (mother was killed & gave birth) & have been bottle feeding her & she sleeps on their back porch - how cute is that? She will come right up to you...it was amazing!

Triathalon '08

Daddy swimming on the far right....Taking off for the biking

Dave headed for the bike...LG, Dylan & Law cheering

Now for the running...Mark & Chris FINISHING!

Chris participated for the 4th year in the ihcc mini-triathalon...drumroll, yes, he & Mark Driver tied for 2nd place! They were both too nice to "beat" each other - yes, I know, very unlike my competitive husband - Mark is quite competitive, too! But, as Chris says, "If it's not first place, I don't really care." I think he's mellowing in his "old" age - yea, right! The girls & I cheered Daddy on & were so proud of him! The competition is getting VERY STIFF & we are looking forward to next year...

Cheerleading Camp

LG & Kimberly

LG's performance & LG in her new uniform-thanks Cha-Cha!

Lola Grace had an absolute blast at cheerleading camp this week...It was a little overwhelming for her, a lot of people & a lot of noise - she wanted me to "stay and watch a little" each day. Tues was PJ day, Wed-crazy hair day, Thurs-princess day & Fri they wore their cheerleading t-shirts & "performed" for the parents. Daddy, Mommy, MJ & Cha-Cha came to watch LG cheer...so cute! Miss Kimberly would come & get LG to participate each morning since she knew LG was young & a little shy. LG WON the prize for her age group for crazy hair day - wooooo-hoooooo! I put about 5 ponytails in her hair, along w. 5 bows & sprinkled glitter ALL IN her hair - yea, it's still in there - çan't get it out - the price we pay to win - ha! LG, we are so proud of you & pray that God will continue to richly bless you in ALL that you do.