Kindergarteners!

Today, Haley and Abby officially became kindergarteners.  They are with their teachers and their classes right now, as I type this!  Last Friday at 5 pm the class lists were posted and we found out that Abby is in Ms. Dorrian's class with a lot of kids from Rocking Horse Ranch, and that Haley is in Ms. Schewe's (I know it's crazy but you pronounce it Shavey) class, which is a K-1 combo class.  We walked over to see where their classrooms are and as I looked at Haley's classroom door I was suddenly in tears.  Thinking of my sweet Haley Joy and Abby Faith walking through those doors into their new, big girl lives made me super teary!

Yesterday the school had a kindergarten potluck, at which we got to meet the teachers and lots of other kinder families.  I think that really helped Haley and Abby get excited because they got to play with friends from preschool and dance class and see their cubbies and hear a little bit about what the first day would be like.

This morning was the big morning and both girls looked so grown-up all decked out in their new school clothes (thank you Grandma Jackie for taking them shopping) and with their new back-packs.  Grandma Jackie and Auntie Melissa came over to see them, and they got a phone call from Auntie Laura to wish them a wonderful day (too bad they were watching Shaun The Sheep and Auntie Laura couldn't quite compete!).  We made it to school on time and excited but nervous.  As we were walking up to the school they asked me if I was going to cry, and Abby said "just pretend you're just dropping us off at the park, mom."!  Once she was in her classroom, Abby was good to go.  I said goodbye and she hardly acknowledged me!  No long hugs or sweet kisses from her!  Haley looked pretty close to tears, but she didn't cry, and when it was time for parents to leave she walked over to the rug and sat with a friend from her dance class.

So far, I haven't cried.  It feels unreal.  I can't wait to pick them up and hopefully hear at least some things about their day.  I told them that when I ask them to tell me about their day, they better not say "it was good."  Haley said "Okay, mom.  But I might only tell you have because I might be pretty tired"!  I guess I'll have to settle for half!

Abby was tired of taking pictures but we told her that EVERYONE has to take a picture by the front door on the first day of school!

Yikes!

Two weeks from today, my sweet, baby girls are starting kindergarten.  As desperate as I feel for a break from my kids, I don't feel ready for them to be gone from 8:15-2:00 all week long.  I know they are going to love it, and I'm sure I will grow to love it as well, but it's a big change.  It's the end of our lives as we know it; of the only season of parenting that I know.  The pre-school season, when my kids have been with me basically all day, every day, or at least for the vast majority of the time.  It's the beginning of the rest of our lives.  From here on out, school will be a HUGE part of our days.  I will be in the dark about what's happening during the majority of my daughters' days. 

I think the best way to describe how it feels is bittersweet.  I feel like that's the way watching my kids grow up always feels.  Its so sad to see the baby-ness being left behind, but it's exciting and even pride inducing to see them grow and master new things.  Bittersweet.  That's definitely what my heart feels right now.

Summer Fun

Goodness, it's been a long time since I've posted!  The kids have been going to bed later, so, by the time I'm done picking up from the day and doing a little laundry, I'm ready to go to bed.  No night-time blogging!  It's been fun having them up a little later, though (later being like, 7:30!) because we can actually play after dinner.  We usually just play in the backyard, but a couple times we've all gone on bike rides!

I know some people might disagree (teachers, mostly) but this summer has felt REALLY long!  Having Abby and Haley out of preschool and together all day, every day has proven VERY challenging!  We have had some fun times this summer, even with all the sibling rivalry!

We got to go up to Camp Hammer and visit.  It was a highlight of my summer.  It was so great to be there, and the kids absolutely LOVED it (which made me so happy)!

All three kiddos have done swim lessons all summer long.  Haley and Abby have done really well learning freestyle and backstroke.  Abby really seems to be a swimmer, and is always really calm and well-behaved after swim lessons.  Seth, on the other hand, is now convinced that he can swim, so we're not so sure swim lessons have been the best for him!

We've had lots of fun beach days.

There is a Quickstop kind of across the street from our house, and the driveway to it has a huge blackberry bush.  We love to go over there and pick some yummy treats!

We've done some gardening.  What I love about this picture is the outfits; naked with rainboots, a dance costume, and a super warm fleece dress (on a super warm evening)!

We've done miscellaneous projects, like the peanut butter playdough in this picture.

Mostly, we've just played in the backyard.  In the "pool", on the trampoline, in the sprinkler, picking strawberries, doing bubbles and sidewalk chalk, and even some painting.