First Day of Kindergarten

Our Little One has decided to GROW UP!! It seems like yesterday that the doctor placed her in our arms and now we have a KINDERGARTNER!! I asked her if she wanted to have me drive her to school today, she quickly replied that she wanted to ride the bus. (I cheated a little and met her at the school.)This morning as we were getting ready for her BIG day, she calmly looked at me and said: "Mommy, now when you need to go to the allergist, you won't need to entertain me!" Not much to look forward to, I thought (of course a quiet doctor appointment sounds wonderful).

We quickly ran outside and according to Ms A we "waited for a LONG time" for the bus to come. She jumped on board all smiles and was off!

Going for her FIRST Bus ride

Ready for an adventure

Heading into Kindergarten

Making a flower

Playing with the shapes.

I enjoyed the quiet, but still missed my little one.

Ballet Class

We enrolled Ms A in her first dance class this summer. She was thrilled!!! The last class they invited the parents and other family members to show off their new dance skills. Her are a few pictures until the movie is ready to post.

Arabesque

Plie

Twirling

Sam's Birthday and Zoo Camp

A few weeks ago it was Sam the baby elephant's second birthday. We were so excited to see him with his birthday cake. We also enjoyed the bounce houses and other activities with Aunt Sara and her children.
Waiting for their turn

Climbing up the crocodile

The last week before school started, we enrolled Ms A in Zoo Camp. She was so excited about spending time at the zoo, being there with her cousins and riding MAX every day. The Kindergartners attend Penguin Class and learn about how people and animals use their five senses. It was fabulous. Ms A came home each afternoon with some fun new animal facts, a fun craft, new songs and loads of energy. The camp was a perfect way to ease into the schedule of every day school. A couple of times after camp, Ms A and I visited the zoo. I listened and she told me all about her adventures.

Riding MAX

How Tall are you?!?

Friday was the opening for the the new Orangutan exhibit, so the zoo had some fun learning activities including making an orangutan bed. Ms A loved gathering the leaves, poles and shrubbery together to make her soft bed.

We also stopped by and visited her favorite animal - the giraffes.

We've had dinosaurs visiting our zoo this summer. At the front gate, this fellow greets and invites you to make him move. It was a HUGE hit with Ms A and others and not as scary as the other dinosaurs on exhibit.

The last day of Zoo Camp, Ms A and I took a ride on the Zoo Train. She loved going through the forest, watching as the other trains went by, checking out the dinosaurs from a "safe" distance and waving back to Sam and his momma as we went past his home. The perfect way to end our zoo adventure and summer.

Family Fun Night

Intel sponsored a few family fun nights for their employees. One of places was Bullwinkle's Fun Center. Who can turn down a night of free food and fun?!?
We had a great time playing on the: bumper boats, racing the cars around the track,
riding in the Max Flight Cyber Coaster
(a roller coaster simulator).

Ms A's favorite: The Frog Hopper Ride
which "hops" high into the air, then bounce your way down.

We also enjoyed running and jumping in the HUGE play structure (Ms A)
and playing arcade games (Reed).

Thanks Intel for the GREAT evening!

Ms A the Ballerina

Last week was Ms A's first dance lesson. She was thrilled to finally go. She got all dressed up in a pink tutu and a pretty scarf (Angelina Ballerina inspired). When we arrived, class had been canceled that day, tears started and I reassured my little ballerina she would have class in two more days. Thursday came and all Ms A could talk about was her dance class. She had a wonderful time and did an excellent job. I loved watching her serious face as she tried the steps and then the look of pure joy when she succeeded.

"Don't I look STYLISH mom?!?"
Ms A's favorite clothing question.
(I love her the throw scarf over the shoulder)

Hummingbirds and Lilies

We've had a little visitor in our backyard the past couple of weeks. It's been enjoying the raspberry blossoms along with the bees and butterflies. We've been enjoying watching this little one as it has flitted from blossom to blossom. (Click on the picture to see a closer view)
I have been delighted that my lilies have finally bloomed (I think they like the heat). These lilies remind me of my maternal grandfather. A family member gave my mother a lily plant like mine at his funeral. Whenever I see them, I feel him near me. I miss and love you Grandpa!