Soccer

Abby and Sarah started another season of soccer yesterday. They both seemed to enjoy it, they each scored one goal, and there were no meltdowns from Sarah so I think we are off to a great start.


Abby and Sarah

Gymnastics

Earlier today Katie started her first gymnastics class without me as a participant. She enjoyed it very much and was thrilled to have her cousin, Brooke, in the class with her.

First Day of Preschool

Katie attended her first day of preschool today. She was very excited but had some butterflies as well, not knowing exactly what to expect. I was easily able to give her a hug and kiss and send her on her way with her new teacher, Miss Jackie. Katie apparently did very well and had a big smile on her face when I picked her up. While not quite as chatty as her older sisters were (and still are) about their first day of school, I did learn about a few things that Katie did today and she brought home some projects that she was very proud of. Of course, her favorite part of the morning was playing on the playground.

I've had mixed feelings about this day. I keep asking myself, "How can she possibly be ready for preschool?" While in several areas Katie is more advanced than Abby and Sarah were at the same age, for some reason she still seems younger to me right now than her sisters were on their first day of preschool .(Katie is actually one month older than they were then.) Maybe it's because it is easier for me to compare Katie to her sisters right now and not to how they were two years ago. (Having three kids in two years has understandably made my memory a bit more foggy than it used to be.) Of course she would seem younger then. Or maybe it's because Katie is still clingy to me and insists that I carry her all of the time, including the 13 hours we spent at Sea World. Or maybe it's that I just don't want to see my baby grow up. Whatever it is, I found it hard to believe that I was dropping off such a young child at preschool today. Katie,on the other hand, felt like she was such a big kid. It was adorable!






Katie was giving me her "I'm going to pretend like I'm angry and not cooperate with you" look here.

First Day of Kindergarten

My little girls started Kindergarten today, something they have been waiting with anticipation for. They were both eager to head out the door this morning and had absolutely no problem leaving me. Surprisingly, they weren't tired when they came home this afternoon, although I have the feeling the full-day schedule will catch up with them by the end of the week. I heard all about their day (several times, in fact), and they are excited to return tomorrow.

As for me, I'm still sad to see my babies hit this milestone. It's not that I'm worried about them, because I know that they will thrive at school. Sure, I'll miss them during the day but that isn't it entirely either. I think that for me the hardest part of having Abby and Sarah start school is accepting the fact that they are indeed growing up, becoming more independent, and don't need me quite like they used to. At least I still have Katie at home most of the time for a couple more years. :)


Abby


It's impossible to get a decent shot of Sarah these days!





Katie played photographer for this one. (I had to do a little editing in Photoshop to straighten it out a bit though.)


Yes, Sarah and Abby are in the same classroom.

Abby's video was quite lengthy. ( I had to cut her off after over 4 minutes.) Here's just a small portion of it.

The Night Before Kindergarten

Simply reading these books to Abby and Sarah earlier tonight made me cry. Tomorrow is going to be a tough day for me.


Abby

Sarah

More San Diego Pictures

Once again, we had a fabulous time in San Diego this summer. We spent most of our time at the beach but also went to SeaWorld for a day, watched a sandcastle building competition, went for a hike, and did a little shopping. Best of all, we were able to spend a couple of days with Dan, Steph, and their kiddos. Thanks again to Lorraine and Mark for allowing us to stay at their wonderful condo.

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

Hope you have a wonderful day! We love you!

A Day at the Beach

And several more to come! :)


Owen, Sarah, and Abby


Katie


The artist at work (Notice anything different?)


Wonder what the kids will ask Dad to build today? We're off to find out!