This morning we had Lillian's first Parent Teacher Conference (no school today). Mrs. Keely had nothing but wonderful things to say about Lillian. She mentioned she was very confident in the classroom! I think that means she is a talker, but in teacher lingo. hee hee Lillian is doing great reading and enjoys being the helper in the room. It was a quick 15 minute assessment and we were out the door.
We ran some errands before heading out to the Big Red Barn in Weston, MO. We went there in July for blackberry picking and went back today for some apples. The girls and I enjoyed picking lots of apples and I mean a lot! I am going to attempt to make my first apple pie or crisp...not sure which one right now. Let's hope it is yummy!
We enjoyed the morning on the farm with our great friends Karyn, Zach and Emily. It was a beautiful 77 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. We also enjoyed the country store and seeing the animals. We will have to go back for the Fall Festival!
And just another update on Lillian...she made the Christmas Play. The play is the Christmas Carol and she starts rehearsals next week. She had to try out all by herself! She had to read some lines and sing a song. She loved it! She got the part of Lauren (the twins younger sister). I was so proud of her for doing it all by herself! Not surprised she got a part....she is never without DRAMA!!! ha ha
Lydia is doing well too and starting gymnastics soon. She is getting her top two year old molars now and making life quite hard on mommy! But, we are almost to the teething end! YEAH!! She is talking so well now and I enjoy having "conversations" with her now. More like...what did you say honey? Say it again...then, Lillian translates! :)
Lillian had her first lunch at school yesterday. She is still on half days until August 30th, but it was early dismissal for the district yesterday. So, all children went to school from 8:05am until 1:30pm. Lillian was nervous about having lunch at school and a part of me was nervous too. I know it seems like such little steps to most parents, but it is hard for me to let her go into this "world of school."
I saw her sweet face line up for lunch and I was thrilled to see her with her friends. They all marched into the lunch room which seems like chaos to me. I know they have the routine down pat because this school does an amazing job, but to me it seems like everyone is everywhere. But, they find their teacher's name on the table and begin to eat. But, I had to help several children open applesauce containers, open bags of chips and go get spoons. I am just so glad I was there to help and I worry that someone will help them when I am not there. Yes, I know I sound silly and I tell my head that all the time, but what can over rule your heart? Yes, I know someone will help them, but once again, what can over rule my emotional heart?
Lydia enjoyed eating lunch with Lillian. She sat down right beside her sister and didn't make a peep which is unusual for my children. All the Kindergarteners were silent and barely moved. But, Second Grade was in full swing! They managed to get in trouble three times and ended up with a silent lunch for Monday. Just made me smile! :) I know Lillian will be there one day too cutting up with her friends and swinging from the ceiling! It is only a matter of time before everyone settles into their new routine and then let the talking and trouble commence for all! :)
It was a wonderful time with Lillian and it only lasted 30 minutes. That time felt like a lifetime to the children! They cleaned up and marched out of the cafeteria and back to their classroom. Isn't it amazing how much things never change and we have been out of school for how long now? Do you think our parents felt the same way over something as small as lunch time? I hope so because it means I am normal. :) But, in the end, who wants to be NORMAL!!!
We officially are the parents of a little girl in Kindergarten! Lillian was ready for school today and I was so excited for her. Plus, I was proud of her! She looked adorable in her little Back To School outfit and she was ready to model! :) Of course, most of you know, but Lillian has P.E. today at school. Yes, the first day of school! Apparently, the Board of Education didn't run that little notion by me when I bought her outfit. Nike tennis shoes don't really go well with a floral skirt, but what do you do? She has to wear tennis shoes for PE and that is what we wore today. One minor set back for mom, but Lillian never missed a beat! She looked amazing!
Rich was able to leave work for a little while to walk with all of us to school. We are so lucky to practically have the school in our back yard and it literally took me less than three minutes to get Lillian to school. I can see her playing on the playground when they have recess! But, of course, right before it was time for us to leave Miss Lydia had to poop! I think she was just trying to delay Lillian going to school! :) One diaper later and we left for school!
Lillian walked right into her classroom like such a big girl! I was so proud of her! She knew exactly what to do and listened to Mrs. Keeley. She sat in the circle with the rest of the kiddos and waited for everyone else to arrive. Lydia was into everything including markers, glue and chairs. She finally sat down with Lillian in the circle. I told Lillian it was time for us to leave and she only asked once for me to stay a little longer. But, I told her I had to go because Lydia was getting into everything! She said okay, but guess who cried? LYDIA! She didn't want to say good bye to Lillian and kept saying, "Sissy!" Lillian was so great and gave her a hug and told her she would be home soon. It was too sweet!
Lydia put her head on her sister's lap this morning and just laid there. Lillian told her, "Don't worry Lydia. Once you get up from your nap, then just get dressed. Then, I will be waiting by the playground for you!" She is an amazing sister and was thinking of her little sister's feelings on her big day. That is how I knew she was all grown up and ready for Kindergarten.
Lydia also always says good night to Lillian before nap and bedtime. It is something she has always done and expects Lillian to hug her too. So, nap time came today and Lydia was in tears. She kept asking for Sissy! I kept telling her she would be home soon, but she just kept saying her name. I asked her if she wanted to kiss sissy and she said yes. I explained we could go to the window and blow one to Lillian and she would catch it. But, she was too upset to listen. I just had to put her down to rest. Lydia is taking this harder than anyone! :)
Bradley Elementary is lucky to have Lillian and I just hope she has a fantastic day!!! I know she will RULE THE SCHOOL!!!!! Good luck Lillian and I can't wait for you to come home so I can hear all about your first day of Kindergarten! Mommy loves you!!!
Meet Lillian's Kindergarten Teacher- Mrs. Keeley! Today we got to visit and tour Lillian's classroom and school. I must say that is one amazing school! It has three levels to include a pond with fish, science lab, art room, music room, and a PLANETARIUM! It is amazing inside the planetarium and I know Lillian will love learning about Science in that room- who wouldn't! And all the rooms have Smart boards- so high tech. And you know the first thing Lillian noticed in her classroom...the computers! She told Mrs. Keeley that would be the first thing she did in the morning. Mrs. Keeley said, "Well, maybe not the first!" Already telling the teacher what she wants to do! :)
We also visited the cafeteria, gymnasium, office and library. Of course, we made it to Lillian's room too. Mrs. Keeley was really nice and greeted Lillian right away. She seemed very prepared and organized. You all know I like that quality in a person! :) We even started the meeting off with a scavenger hunt around the classroom. The paper told us what we needed to do and see before leaving the school today. Lillian and I enjoyed the time together to explore and make it as fun as it should be for her. She was thrilled to see her own desk, cubicle and locker. Her name was everywhere and what 5 1/2 year old little girl doesn't love that!?
We sat at Lillian's desk for a little while and started reading a First Day of School Poem. But, I couldn't make it through the first two lines without tearing up. So, I told Lillian we would read it at home. Isn't that bad? Here is the first part-
I used to be little, but not anymore. Tomorrow I'll get up and walk out the door. I'm going to school- it's the first time for me. It's great to be big, but I'm scared as can be.
I think it was put there to make me cry, but I held off as much as possible. It ends really cute, but I didn't read the ending until we made it home. I know I have to say good bye in the morning, but I really just want to keep her a little longer at home. She is my little girls all grown up now. I know she has to take everything I have taught her so far and fly in this world. She will be amazing and she will soar high above this world! I know she will continue to grow and learn and I know her opportunities are endless.
Good bye to my little girl tomorrow and hello to little girl in Kindergarten!
Love you Lillian! You are and will always be My Sunshine! Mommy is so proud of you now and for all that you will become to be. Enjoy school, enjoy learning, absorb it all and more and apply it to all in your life! You will be amazing! I love you!
Woe is me, all summer long I was happy and free. Save my soul, the board of education took away my parole. I gotta go back, back, back to school again. You won't find me 'til the clock strikes three; I'm gonna be there 'til then... I gotta go back, back, back to school again. Whoa, whoa, I gotta go... back to school again!
Yes, it is BACK TO SCHOOL time for Fort Leavenworth, KS and all the kiddos start on Tuesday! So, today in honor of this historic event, we had a Back to School Block Party. Okay, so most don't consider it an historic event, but I do. My first born is off to Kindergarten. I won't whine about that now because we had such a great time today with all of our new friends on the block. But, I will save that for another blog! :)
I must say it was a success! We had about 45 people attend! WOW! The party was also for the guys on the street too because they are also going back to school for CGSC. Rich will be doubling up while we are here and getting his Master's Degree too. So, everyone is back to school. And as for me...well, I am co-leader of Lillian's Daisy Scout Troop now! She is thrilled and told me, "Now, I get to go to work with you mommy!" Silly girl!
We enjoyed the afternoon even though it was unbelievably hot! But, the slip-n-slide, water ball, water balloons, water guns and little baby pool helped keep the kiddos all cool. But, not clean! Who would have thought that a slip-n-slide could be so darn messy! So, a big apology to our neighbor because we share our front lawns and a part of his grass is destroyed too! What our neighbors for? But, good food, good friends and GREAT times here! Happy Summer and Back to School!
The circus arrived in Leavenworth, KS yesterday and today we had the opportunity to take the kiddos. It was Lydia's first experience at the circus and all I can say was...IT WAS A HOT ONE! The circus was family owned and held outside under the big top. The pavement was hot, the sun was hot and the tent was hot.
The girls loved riding the ponies when we arrived at the circus. Lydia was adorable and didn't want me hanging onto her when she was on her pony. She wants to be like her big sister, but doesn't understand she is FOUR years younger than Lillian! But, I tried to let go and let her ride on her own while I walked beside the pony. But, seriously, she is only 22 months old. Does she have to grow up so fast just to be like her big sister?
We sat on the front row of the wooden stadium seating which I might add really hurt my rear end! heehee But, the show was okay and they had a few good acts. It is unbelievable to think it is a family run circus and the same guy who sold me an icy also started the show with a juggling act, made announcements midway during the show, was a clown and was shot out of the canon for the finale. And he was only 15 years old! There was also a 11 year old contortionist! Odd to me to think they grow up in this environment and travel the country performing shows. The tent also has several holes in the roof top and it was just a little sad to me.
Now, don't get me wrong. The girls didn't notice a thing and enjoyed themselves. Although Lydia DID NOT like the clowns at all! Both times she saw the clown she snuggled in my arms and cried! Poor baby! The girls only remember the amazing acts, pony rides, petting zoo, balloons and snow cones! Nothing but smiles and sweaty faces for them. That is how it should be at times... seen only through the eyes of a child when the world is so innocent!
Today was Lillian's last day of Vacation Bible School. And it was an ADVENTURE! Lillian didn't want to go to VBS at first and kept telling me she wanted me to stay and teach. But, I would remind her that she was going to have a blast and meet children her age. I would have to stay with Lydia who wasn't old enough to attend this year. So, we went to our first day of VBS this past Wednesday!
Lillian was hooked from the moment we walked into the church! The music was blaring, the VBS staff were all waiting in the lobby giving high fives and welcoming the children and the staff were dressed up according to the theme. Some of the teachers wore costumes like Captain of the Ship, Pirates, etc. and some children looked like the ship mates. It was adorable and so inviting! And for once, my children fit in at church... you could be AS LOUD AS YOU WANTED TO BE!!!
Each morning the children met in the chapel and said the Pledge of Allegiance, the Christian Pledge and he Bible Pledge. Plus, they sang such upbeat songs with hand motions and dance moves. Then, they split into their age group and Lillian was a Yellow Star. There were 460 children this year in VBS! AMAZING!
Lillian always came home with a smile on her face and told me all about her day. So, I took the time to remind her that I was right about VBS (that she would have an amazing time even though I wasn't there and would be okay). I tried to turn this into a mini lesson for school. Lillian isn't really thrilled about Kindergarten. She doesn't want to go all day and miss me and her sister. She wants to stay home. So, I told her that maybe she would be wrong about school too. That she would enjoy it just as much as VBS and that she would be okay. And we would be there waiting for her to come home. Let's hope she remembers this next Tuesday when school starts! :)
She had an amazing time and the week ended with a little program tonight. They had the kiddos split into four groups and Lillian got to sang one song. Who would have thought that I would have a kiddo tall enough to stand in the back? I was NEVER in the back! Always the short one in the front! heehee But, I got to see her sing and enjoy her smile. She is one cute kiddo!
After the program, we all enjoyed some fun time in the bounce houses. Lydia impressed me and pushed the big kiddos out of the way and climbed all the way to the top all by herself. She enjoyed watching her sister tonight and I think she wanted to show Lillian she was a big girl too. The church hosted a wonderful picnic and everyone sat on the lawn to enjoy the food. What a fantastic VBS program here at Fort Leavenworth especially when you have to consider the staggering amount of children they serviced this week. Way to go!
