It's HER Turn

Well after Alex experienced his first day of school, it was time for Alana to experience it also. The plan was to start her after her 2nd birthday, but the school was ready so we said "let's do it."

1st morning of school!

Before school you have to "brusha" your teeth.

Didn't have time to do hair, so on Day 1...hair out!

Alex looks unimpressed, but he had his week the week before her so whatever.

Originally I was NOT a fan of a two year old having to wear a uniform (especially a girl). Do you know how many CUTE clothes, shoes and accessories are out there for girls. Deep Sigh! But we're 2

weeks in and I'm not mad anymore! It's so easy. 

Shoes already off

And we're riding

It's a blurry picture, but that's Alana and her friend Ilia. They are 12 days apart and I've been friends with Ilia's mom FOR YEARS so we will force this friendship.

Day 2 - we added the book bag. She's trying to figure out what this is that they just put on me.

 

Don't worry book bag, you're not too big for me.

Going to school...CHEESE

At the end of a great first week of school, it was time to celebrate HER BIRTHDAY!!

She is sooo funny!

She loves Peppa Pig and this balloon made her smile big when she saw it.

Just can't get enough of that smile

I mean did you not try rock climbing on your birthday?

Alex was invited to a birthday party on his sister's birthday and since we weren't planning to do much, it wasn't a problem to let him go. Plus it was at a park that we had already been to earlier in the week and Alana LOVED this slide. Sometimes she counts the steps going up and once she sits down says "ready, set, go"

The slide is pretty fast. Gotta keep Dad by for safety.

Innocence

Working it!

Birthday Tricycle

I know I was standing behind her, but if you look at the side of her face you can see she was excited.

Birthday Tricycle...too small. Hahaha

We'll make it work for the day, but eventually Charles took it back and got a bigger one.

No cake. Just cupcakes.

The one on the top was larger than the others and just for Alana.

She would rather have Cheese Puffs.

Being shy as we sang Happy Birthday!

She says "Happy Birthday to You" and then blows.

Her blowing didn't work the first time so Alex and I helped her out.

Tasting cake. 

Why can't she use her hands?

She basically didn't eat it. My kids are not here for true cake/cupcake smashing.

She loved that new baby though.

Brother - that's what Alana calls him.

She says things like "Thank you brother.", "Where brother go?" "You ok brother."

I knew we wouldn't have a big party for Alana's birthday, but I was hoping to do a fun photo shoot on the trail near our house. Well the kids slept in late and before you knew it was time to go to the birthday at the park. When we returned from the park, I realized Alana had a fever. She would play for a little while and then lay down. She didn't have many other "cold like" signs, but I knew not to push it. So the giant 2 balloon that was going to look great on the bridge in some pictures, turned into our now normal backyard pics. Deep sigh!

She did like her Peppa dress.

Bubbles, Balloon and Big Girl

She didn't disappoint me when she went high steppin' in these HEELS!

WORK IT MOMMY'S GIRL!

When they came off...she put them back on!

Figured out how to 

get up

walk

and pose!

A pretty good day laid back day for Alana's 2nd birthday!

Next time - I'll try to upload videos. Alana saying ABC's and Alex reading.

All about Alex and Kindergarten

It's his year! It's his time! Let's get it started.
The world of public school...
First up...Kindergarten

Now I'm pretty sure ya'll know Alex was not afraid of going to kindergarten. After summer camp, you could have given Alex just a week off and then he would have been ready, but that's not how the system works. School didn't start consistently until the Tuesday after Labor Day. But he got a few visits in before then.

Staggered entry day - Parents chose 1 day the week before the kids truly began kindergarten for the student to come in for a full day. During that time, they "semi" assess the kids and choose their teacher.

 

Here is Alex in the classroom after I left. I could here him saying "When I have nightmares, I just get up and go in my parents room." Shaking my head. The teacher asked me if I was ok (as in feeling emotional). I looked at her and I think she could quickly tell the answer. I responded "No" and informed her I had my deep breathing moment when he was about 3. We got out of the car at daycare, put that book bag on and looked like a pro. That was my "AAAHHHHHH my child is getting bigger moment." So going to kindergarten was pretty chill both all of us.

 

Getting picked up after school by mom and dad!

 

Funny story - I guess they told Alex his parents were coming down the hall. So as we approached the door he was coming out. The teachers were in the hallway giving hugs and other parents/students were around. The teacher was in the process of giving another student a hug and Alex wasn't really paying attention so he walked by her to us. She called his name and put her arms out (as in come give me a hug) so Alex walked back to her and slapped her 5 on one hand.

 I COULD HAVE FALLEN IN THE FLOOR!

My immediate thought was..."If that's not me. I don't know what is." I just shook my head.

For a while I wasn't really into hugging folks. I'd give you a nice smile, hand shake or something else, but getting all up on someone was just not style. I mean what for? Do I really know you? Why do we have to do this fake hugging thing? Those were my THOUGHTS. They were JUST thoughts and I will say my kids (and other kids whose lives I'm involved in) get plenty of hugs from me. I've never imposed my old thoughts about hugging on my kids and if you're ever around them when they see someone they know/like...they run up to them with the hug (on a good day). Hahahaha

 

I know someone is probably gonna try this on me now, but most of the people reading this blog, I'd gladly hug!!!

 

Ya'll know I had to figure out a way to begin documenting "The School Years". So this exact shirt will be worn every first day of school until 12th grade. It's an adult large. Yes he does have shorts on under there. Hahaha

 

Can't let go of Transformers

THE OFFICIAL 1st DAY OF SCHOOL (morning pic)

I promise he wasn't as tired as he looks.



 



It was a full day!

1st day of school (no I didn't make that silly hat) and
then afternoon soccer practice...gearing up for their 1st game.

Update: They won their 1st game (14-2) and Alex scored 5 goals.
 

 

Second day of school with his buddies!

 

During Open House that evening - the mom of one of the boys above said that she was explaining to her son what was his snack and what was his lunch. And on and on. She said Alex came over and said "Don't worry, I'll help him." She thought that was so sweet. Guess he's just being true to his helpful nature self.

 



Just a little hand painting I saw up on the wall outside of their classroom.

 

 

Well that's all about Alex and his start to kindergarten. Next week, I'll post about Alana's first day! Yes, Grammy and Papi are apart of TEAM FREEDOM now.