Back to School

School started last week. You are so happy to be back! You are one of the big girls this year and you are enjoying ruling the roost. I was worried that all that power would go to your head, but so far you are keeping it under control. Ms. Kristin said you sometimes forget that you're not the teacher though. The little girls love following you and Skylar around.

Before school started, I told you that you need to set a good example this year for all the little kids since you are one of the oldest in the class. Last year, you got in trouble a lot and pretended you were hurt to get out of cleaning up. I am hoping you will not do that this year. So far, so good (but we are only 7 days in...) One of the teachers overheard you on the first day of school gathering all the big girls around and telling them, "Everyone, we have to be a good example." I thought that was pretty funny but I'm glad you were listening!

I bought you some new dresses for school. You were so appreciative and excited. You thanked me over and over again for your "beautiful new gowns." Such a princess you are! Your friend Skylar happens to have several of the same dresses too. Apparently yesterday, you and she decided to coordinate and wear the same dress to school today. However, you neglected to tell me this until 15 minutes before we were suppose to leave. The dress in question was in the washing machine and there was no time to dry it. "But I promised Skylar!" Oh the tears that ensued. It all worked out in the end because as I was leaving, I saw Skylar and she was wearing a different dress too. Maybe you guys can work out a schedule and let your mommies know ahead of time.

Home Sweet Home

We just got back from Florida where we had a great vacation! You loved the pool more than the beach but by the end of the week, you were having a good time in the sand too. You got so brown (as a biscuit according to Daddy).









Nana and Gramps came down for a few days. We all had a great time together. One night we went to a little amusement park. You rode every ride.








Every night, the hotel played a different movie by the pool ("Dive-in Movies). You and Jonah watched from the balcony each night while I put Violet to sleep. They also had a luau at sunset each night. You had so much fun learning how to hula dance! It was a great time. I can't wait to take you back!

Here's a conversation we had this morning...

I was trying to nap on the chair while you and Jonah were watching a movie. Violet was playing on the floor and getting fussy.

You: I'm sorry you didn't get to sleep much Mama. It's hard work having a baby. I pretty much only want to have one kid. But I don't want it to come out of my belly because that would hurt.

Me: Where do you want it to come from? (I wasn't sure if you were saying you didn't want to have the baby yourself or you didn't want to have a c-section).

You: (Pointing to your bottom) The normal spot!

I was so proud! ;-)

Day One

Right now, you and Jonah are building a tent in the living room. It is a rainy Wednesday morning. We are preparing to leave for vacation in 4 days. You are very excited to take your first trip to the beach!

You will be starting your third year of Kindergarten. You love school! Last year, every day when I picked you up, you begged to stay.

You are getting ready to start your second full year of ballet. You are really loving it and are so attentive in class. You had your first recital in May. You did so well and were absolutely adorable. Daddy almost cried watching you! We were both very proud of you.

You are one of the sweetest children I know. You always have a smile on your face and light up the room when you are present. You are such a joy to be around. You can have quite a temper at times, but even when you are grumpy, it never lasts long.

You are always more concerned about others than yourself. In fact, just this week, Jonah got in trouble and you asked to not get an "ice cream scoop" (our reward system) so that you and Jonah would have the same amount – even though you deserved one.

Everyday, you tell me several times how much you love me and that I'm the best Mommy in the world. I know that no matter how bad my day is, you will always bring a smile to my face!