Audrey's 1st Day of Kindergarten

August 19, 2013...the beginning of a new phase in our lives.  Audrey's 1st day of Kindergarten.

 



 

For months, no years, I've been preparing her for this day. Reading books, learning colors, shapes, letters, numbers, rules, social skills. Audrey was excited and ready for this day.  However, I hadn't prepared my heart enough.  I'm not sure you could ever prepare enough as a mommy to send your baby off into the "real world".  Sure, she had been going to preschool, but this was much different.  This meant my baby was growing up.

 

I wanted for her day to be very special.  Certainly, Audrey was nervous, but her excitement overshadowed that emotion.

 

So we began the day with cinnamon rolls with a candle for the birthday girl and sang a special "first day of school" song.

 

 

Her lunch was packed with extra special love and a note.  

 

A goody basket was ready for Ms. R. 

 

Audrey was all smiles ready for this day to begin.

 

Addison wasn't all that happy about her sissy being gone all day.  Now she wouldn't have her playmate all the time.

 

Fortunately, Corey was off work and able to go to school with us. That was good because I knew I was going to need moral support. :)

 

Mommy and my big girl ready for school.

 

Ready to go! 

 

We arrived at school at the same time as our friend Lydia.  She will be in the classroom across the hall from Audrey.  Hopefully since both of them will be there together it will help them be brave.  These two girls are such good buddies.

 

 

Into the school we go! Audrey found her cubby and put her lunchbox and backpack up.

 

Then she found her seat and began playing with the playdough that was put out for them to use.  She gave Corey, Addison and I hugs, kisses and a wave. She had tears in her eyes but was still smiling.  So no sobbing for Audrey. 

 

That can't be said for Mommy!  I had to rush back to the car so I could make it there before the tears started to fall.  Then I sobbed like a baby.  Goodness, I was not prepared for how difficult that would be.  I knew that things would change drastically for us since I was used to having my babies with me most of the time, but that got to me more that I expected.

 

Corey went on to work while Addison and I went back home to wait anxiously for 2:45pm to arrive so I could get Audrey.  Addison whined for Audrey most of the day because she missed her.  I dove into house chores and work to pass the time.  (I was quite productive!- Haha!)

 

Finally, it was time to pick up Audrey.  She climbed into the car full of smiles and details about her "awesome" day.  I was so glad the she enjoyed it.  But I was very glad to have her back in my arms.  Then I had to prepare to take her back the next morning.

 

We are looking forward to a wonderful year.  I know Audrey is going to learn so much.

Playtime with our Friends

We are still having fun this summer with our friends!

 

Dress-up at CHOM with Anna.

 

Addison singing karaoke.  This girl loves to sing!

 

More fun at CHOM with Emily.

 

Checking out the critters with Channing and Lydia.

 

Addison and Nicholas watering the flowers.

 

Lydia, Channing and Audrey on the beaver slide.

 

Addison and Channing waiting on their food at Chick-fil-a.

 

Lydia and Audrey, best buds!

 

Enjoying some ice cream.

 

A few days later, we had to hit up CFA again for ice cream and play time on the playground.  These girls deserved that treat after sitting for hours in a meeting with mommy.  (and I'm beginning to realize how many times we had ice creams and popsicles this summer---oh well, making memories :)  )

 

We also met up with Zoe and Mrs. D for time at CHOM.  These girls had a blast.

They spent time driving the boat and fishing.

 

Then they constructed this awesome tower.

 

Doctor Audrey and Doctor Zoe check on Addison's "injured leg".

 

After working up an appetite, we had some lunch followed by dessert at Steel City Pops (I mean, we've got to have a popsicle again, right?!).

 

Audrey's Kindergarten Open House

Last night we went to Audrey's Kindergarten Open House.  She was a little nervous, but excited to see her school, teacher, and classroom.

 

Mommy was emotional at this bittersweet milestone in Audrey's life.  I blinked and now she is a Kindergartener.

 

Her teacher is Ms. Rhodarmer.  It is her first year teaching.  She seems like a very sweet person and is energetic and enthused about teaching. (and look how cute she is!) Audrey really liked her. I think they will have a wonderful year.

 

Audrey got to sit in her desk and check out her cubby and other things in her classroom.

 

Audrey is excited and ready for Monday!  Mommy...not so much.  I'm praying I can keep it together at least until I get back to the car. :)

Summertime, Sunshine, Smiles and Splashes

 

I'm pretty sure this summer will go down in the books as one of the best ones EVER!  As I tried to cherish every moment with my girls before sending Audrey off to Kindergarten and Addison to Pre-K3, we found ourselves having lots of fun in many different ways.

 

The girls took gymnastics classes during the summer.

 

 

 

They loved taking bubble baths in mommy's "big tub" after spending hours in the swimming pool.  I think they may be turning into fish!

 

We spent many days playing dress-up at CHOM.

 

Audrey and Addison enjoyed their first trip to a movie theater to watch Monsters University.  It was a tad bit scary for Addison, but both girls really enjoyed it.

 

We made "playgrounds" for the hermit crabs.

 

The girls and I spent some time in the kitchen baking and preparing vegetables we gathered from our garden.

 

They are great helpers!

 

Addison entertained us with some of her guitar music.

She also claimed to dress up like Uncle Keith.

 

Several days I took my computer to the back porch and worked while the girls played in the sand box, playhouse, and on the swings.

 

We spent time running around, finding treasures and catching leaves.

 

Some days we enjoyed a new place we found that has lots of indoor playgrounds an inflatables.

As the final days of summer zoomed by, Audrey and Addison spent time on these little treasures that Grammy bought them.  They splashed on the hop scotch pad and learned how to use the slip-n-slide.

 

For me, this was the best summer EVER!  We had so much fun spending time together this summer.  I am sad to see it come to an end.  Monday brings the start of school and I am going to miss these girls terribly when they aren't with me. 

 

I'm looking forward to finding our "new normal" and still making time for lots of fun.