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Monday, August 30, 2010

First Day of Kindergarten!!

She started school this morning, and she seemed so very small.
As I walked there beside her in the Kindergarten hall

And as she took her place beside the others in the class,
I realized how all too soon those first few years can pass.
Remembering, I saw her as she first learned how to walk.
The words that we alone made out when she began to talk.


This little girl so much absorbed in learning how to write.
It seems as though she must have grown to girlhood overnight.
My eyes were blurred but hastily, I brushed the tears away
Lest by some word or sign of mine I mar her first big day.
Oh how I longed to stay with her and keep her by the hand
To lead her through the places that she couldn’t understand.
And something closely kin to fear was mingled with my pride.
I knew she would no longer be a baby by my side.


But she must have her chance to live, to work her problems out,
The privilege to grow and learn what life is all about.
And I must share my little girl with friends and work and play;
She’s not a baby anymore –
She’s in Kindergarten today.

--author unknown

Today us the day I've been waiting for - MY FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN!! After a yummy breakfast of homemade waffles with whipped cream and strawberries, Mommy, Daddy and Claire walked me across the street to my new school.

I gave Mommy a big hug...

...and I gave Daddy and Claire a big hug, and I was ready to go! Mommy walked me into my classroom, I blew her a kiss and away I went!
Before I left the house, I told Mommy that Claire would play with my blankie and Ninny if she missed me. I never let ANYONE play with them, but I knew that Claire might be upset that I was leaving.
Mommy said that Claire looked for me a lot while I was at school, so Mommy showed her that I was right across the street :)
When it was time to leave, Mommy and Claire waited outside to pick me up - they had to hold up a sign with my name so the teacher knew who I belonged to :) Mommy had to wake Claire early to get me, so she was not too excited about holding up the sign!

We have to line up outside before we are released to our mommies and daddies.

I had so much fun on my first day!! It's too bad that Claire wasn't as excited...

To celebrate my first day, Drew, Reed and Aunt Amy came to our house for lunch. When lunch was finished, we went to the Oregon Dairy for ice cream!!

Drew will be starting kindergarten next year - I hope he has as much fun as I am!

Claire finally snapped out of her fog in time to enjoy some ice cream - big surprise!

After ice cream, Drew and I spent some time in the playground. It was such a fun morning. I can't wait to go back tomorrow!!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Bear on the Loose!

One day before she turned 17 months old, our Claire Bear FINALLY decided it was time to walk. She took a few steps while we were in Hilton Head, but two days after we came home we were listening to some of Daddy's crazy music. Claire must have liked the songs because she got up and just started walking!! We were so excited!

She walks all over the place now. Watch out - there's a walking Claire Bear on the loose!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Dance Party!!

Sorry for the delay, everyone. We've had a busy month!!!

On July 24th, I had my fifth birthday party at one of my favorite places - my ballet studio!! All of my friends came to dance, play game and eat with me. Miss Melanie, my instructor from last year, organized everything and made sure that we all had a great time. My current instructor, Miss Elaina, made a suprise appearance! I was so happy to see her because she told me that she couldn't come. After a few games in one studio, we walked to the studio next door for pizza, snacks and drinks.
All of my good friends were there - I was so happy they could all celebrate with me!

When it was time to open gifts, I had my own ballerina chair to sit in while I unwrapped everything.
My friends were all so generous!!


Claire LOVED crawling around on the mat. I think we need to buy her a mat for her 2nd birthday - maybe she'll be a gymnast!

After cupcakes, more games and dances, Miss Melanie brought out the parachute. Who doesn't love the parachute?!?

I was the first one to sit in the middle while everyone else whipped it up and down - it felt so funny!
Everyone had a turn to sit in the middle :)

Even though it was a ballet party, I think that Drew had fun, too!

Thank you, Encore Dance Center, for helping make my 5th birthday party very memorable - I loved every minute of it!!
Part II of my party occurred after the dance party ended. Family, neighbors, and friends who traveled from afar came to our house for food, swimming, splash rocketing and fun. It was a bit hot (almost 100 degrees!), but we still enjoyed ourselves!

Drew, Avery, Alyssa and me

Thank you to my family and friends for making me feel so special!!
And last, but not least, here is the CD favor and the cupcakes that Mommy made for all of my friends.
The CD is filled with all of my favorite dance songs. I listen to it all the time - probably too much if you ask Mommy and Claire :)