They Call Me a Fireman...

First Day of School 2011

Ella and Sutton started school today, and their reactions were totally opposite. Ella was super excited and exclaimed to everyone, "We're going to the first day of school today!" She has Grace's teachers this year--two ladies we love who were fabulous with Grace and that have known Ella for two years already. I know Ella is going to have a wonderful year with them.

Today was Sutton's first day of school ever. He's been Gabby's constant companion for the past 2 years, and we were so happy for him to start school and make his own friends. He, however, apparently has not taken good notes regarding First Day of School pictures. This is all I got...

I tried again when we got to school, but he still would have nothing to do with me. Not my Ella though...

After finding a stale granola bar in the car and spotting the playground, he started to warm up a bit.

Although his teachers are new to us, almost everyone at the school has known him since he was three months old. The director, her assistants and many of the teachers were so sweet to Sutton this morning and told him how excited they were to see him as a student, rather than as "Grace and Ella's little brother."

Drop off for him did not go well. He fell apart as soon as his teacher opened the door and he realized he had to stay. We left him screaming and crying. Sad Sutton and sad mommy. Although I'm much less sensitive the 3rd time around and felt assured that he would be fine within five minutes. And, I was right. We got a call about an hour into the day that he was fine and having a great time. His teachers noted that he warmed up very quickly and had a good first day. Amen!

Ella was totally different. After spotting one of her old teachers, Miss Social Butterfly insisted that we visit her. She gave her a huge hug and then proceeded down the hall to her classroom. She talked to everyone along the way and stopped for a potty break. No first day jitters for her!

Look at this sweet face!

Ella gave us lots of kisses and headed into her classroom with ease. We're so proud of our big girl!

Overall, it was a good first day, even though Sutton got off to a rough start. Here's hoping for a great year!

Fantastic First Week

Aside from fatigue the first couple of days, Grace had a fantastic first week of kindergarden. She made new friends and enjoyed eating pizza and penne with marina sauce in the cafeteria. Grace also loves her teacher and wants her as a teacher "until the last grade!"

Tuesday- Sutton insisted on wearing a backpack

Wednesday

Thursday

Ella insisted not only on a backpack, but also on taking pictures outside the school

Friday

She loves her decorated locker--apparently, it's all the rage in kindergarden :)

We celebrated her first week with a fun trip to a Texas Rangers game, and we watched them pull off an 11-7 win!

After a long week and a late night, Grace slept until 9:30 on Saturday morning. She also had a playdate with her best friend, Grace, whom she hadn't seen in a couple of weeks. I got so tickled listening to them talk in the backseat of the car about "Beaver Fever" (aka Bieber Fever). They assured me that neither of them have it, and I'm pretty sure I believe them!

First Day of Kindergarden

Today has felt like a dream. The first day of kindergarden came and went, and we're still alive and well! Grace had no trouble getting up and dressing herself this morning. She didn't eat much for breakfast, and I think her tummy may have been nervous. Ella, however, enjoyed by special treat cinnamon rolls all by herself.

I can't believe how grown up Grace looks here...

We love our baby girl!

We walked to school with the McNeills this morning. Daddy with coffee and Ella and Sutton with bedhead and a cinnamon roll to go.

I've been looking forward to walking to school, and it was such a treat. I know we'll enjoy it even more when the weather cools down.

Here's our crew in front of the school and with the principal in the background.

Before we headed for the classrooms, Dr. Jen introduced us to the cafeteria ladies. Grace also let us know that she'd gotten a blister in her new shoes. Thankfully, I anticipated this issue and packed a pair of socks for her. Travis and I both kissed her goodbye in the cafeteria so we wouldn't feel rushed.

As we made our way to class, Grace had trouble opening her locker, but her biggest concern is when will I be able to decorate it for her. Unbeknownst to me, decorating your locker with wall paper is the new "thing," so I'll have to make my way up to school another day this week to do that.

Here, she had to select her lunch option--hot, cold or brought. She passed on the chicken nuggets and pb&j in favor of a bento box full of her favorite healthy treats. I've taught her well!

Her sweet teacher welcomed her with a huge hug, and I think they're going to love each other!

Grace got right to work like it was no big deal.

Sutton also got right to work...

I held my tears until I walked out the door, and then they started flowing. Goodness--it's been a long day. I was thrilled to be able to pick her up this afternoon and take her to Yummilicious for a special treat. It was fun to hear all about her day--it was "awesome" and "so fun." Her favorite parts were art and recess, and she got to pick a sparkly bouncy ball from her teacher's treasure chest because she was so nice. I'd say the first day of kindergarden was a success!

Another fun part--the HPHS seniors delivered these shirts to all the kids and took a picture with them.

Highland Park High School Class of 2024!!

Getting Ready for Kindergarden

Where has our summer gone? I obviously haven't spent time blogging, as evidenced by my lack of posts. While I had a goal to catch up before Grace started school, I fell short because I've been trying to soak up the summer. My new goal is to stay caught up, and it starts now! I'll fill in posts about our summer adventures as time permits--please be patient.

I have had the best time getting Grace ready for kindergarden. Back-to-school shopping was something I always enjoyed, and it felt surreal to get to experience it with her. Although I must admit that I did most of my shopping online--it sure beats the crowds and keeps us out of the 100+ degree heat. Grace definitely has her own style now, and while shopping, she would often ask, "Do you think this looks like me?" She's as cute as ever, and we're both excited about all her fun clothes for fall.

We started practicing our morning routine last week with a 6:50 a.m. wake-up call from Daddy. Grace asked for an alarm clock, but Travis has enjoyed going into her room to wake her up each morning. It so reminds me of what my own dad used to do. She's never been an early bird, so it was a bit of an adjustment. But, as with most new things, she adapted quickly and well. One of the most exciting things about kindergarden is that because she starts at 8:00, I get to take her to school. Wish me luck--trying to get four of us out the door by 7:45 (or 7:40 if we walk) should be interesting.

Last week, Grace got her homeroom assignment and celebrated with Popsicles in the Park with all the kindergardeners. The next night, Travis and I attended Kindergarden Parent Orientation. It was a lot of information, but we're both so excited about this school. The primary reason we moved to the Park Cities was so that Grace, Ella and Sutton could attend public school, in a neighborhood where 95% of kids attend public school. Lakewood was much different--with many kids attending private school--something we wanted to avoid, considering the outrageous cost of tuition in Dallas private schools. It was the right decision for us, and we felt confirmation of this while visiting the school this week. We ended the week with Meet the Teacher night, and we were thrilled to meet Grace's kindergarden teacher. She happens to really good friends with a really good friend of Travis' dental hygienist. Small world.

Yesterday, we wanted to do something special for Grace, and she chose to have "dinner with just Mama." I gladly obliged, and we headed to PF Chang's for Chinese food and girl time. As I sat across the table from her, I pictured her as a toddler and could hardly believe that she's almost 6. As people warned me, the time surely has passed by so fast. I'm so, so, so proud of the person she's become--kind, respectful, responsible, caring, funny, thoughtful, smart and a true lover of God. She's always had such a sweet spirit, and I'm so excited that she'll be able to share it at school.

For Grace's pre-first day of school dinner, she chose chicken, lentil soup and brownies. We had fun baking the brownies together...

This last picture is of Grace waiting for the brownies to bake and keeping herself busy on the iPad. She wanted Travis to smoke a chicken for her, but because we were short on time, I roasted one instead. She said the blessing before we ate and added, "I sure hope a lot of people are praying for me." We assured her that they were :) Grace picked out her outfit, complete with shoes and accessories. Then, after a fun bubble bath, we all snuggled together and read "The Night Before Kindergarden" and "Berenstain Bears New School." Both were very fitting, and I think we'll make it a back to school tradition.

We prayed tonight that God would watch over Grace and pour out his favor on her as she starts this new chapter of her life. I've cried several times, thinking about how big she is and how I'm letting her go in a sense. But, I'm confident that God is holding her tighter than ever, and I know that he has a marvelous purpose and plan for her life. Travis and I are so excited to see all the wonderful things in store for her as she starts the school years!