Back to School

The girls started school today! It's been an amazing summer with lots of stories yet to tell on the blog and for now I'll skip right ahead and talk about today.

Lila started Kindergarten this morning in Mrs. Sawyer's AM Kindergarten class at Dorothy Fox Elementary School. She knows 3 other kids in her class and the rest will be new friends by the end of the day I am sure. Lila was remarkably confident all week, even last night and this morning. She was excited and curious and didn't show a glimmer of nervousness. Scott, Lila and I walked up to school with a large group of neighbors and when we arrived at school all of the kindergartners met in the library. Upon entering her classroom the teacher asked the parents to help the kids find their cubby and seat. Once there she looked a bit nervous, perhaps overwhelmed? She is going to do great! The teacher excused the parents by singing a song with the kids that brought tears to my eyes. I am thrilled for Lila and she is SO ready for school. It's a milestone for her to be transitioning to Kindergarten and marks an end of a chapter in her childhood. Its going too fast!

Eva started Pre-School at Goddard. She is in a new class with Mr. Matt and has moved to the other side of the school (the bigger playground!). Eva was ready to go to school this morning before I was even ready and I actually had to slow her down from getting into the car before she she brushed her teeth and got her picture taken. I think she was excited. Upon arrival at school she was slightly more reserved and once in her classroom putting her things away we could see that 12/20 kids in her class are friends she has gone to school with for 3 years. This will be an easy transition for Eva. That said, upon arrival to the class where I would drop her off and leave her for the day she was reluctant to remove her grip on my leg. She hugged Lila and then glued herself to my leg again. Luckily the teacher in the room was Mrs. Laurie her last teacher and she redirected Eva and we were off. Eva is going to have a great time in Mr. Matt's class with all of her buddies that she has missed seeing this summer.

Camping!

After we graduated from college we started camping with Anne Raschko and Kevin Bruce (now "Anne and Kevin Bruce"). We camped with them annually, our first trip was to Detroit Lake in Oregon back when neither of us even had dogs. The second trip we went to Pelton Dam in Oregon and Parker was the only dog attendee (he was 12 weeks old). After that we added more dogs with each trip finally maxing out at two labs each; yes combined we have four dogs. 

In September 2006 Anne was 8 months pregnant with Ryan and instead of camping we went to the beach to stay in a cabin. That's when the annual trip took a hiatus because we we've been busy having babies, raising babies and had an unwillingness to bring babies on a camping trip. Now, each of our youngest kiddos is three and we decided to give it a try. It was perfect!

Ryan (5 1/2), Lila (5), Austin (3) and Eva (3) were excellent campers. They especially loved tromping through the woods together between our two camping sights. It was remarkable how they kept each other entertained and totally wore each other out. They helped each other get over big logs, find sticks for the fire and hike through the woods. It was cuter than cute!

Some campers never grow up! See Scott below. 

PS We did not require that the kids wear their bike helmets the whole time...they choose to do that on their own! Safety first, right?

T-Ball: Go Green Giants!

I have the privilege of coaching Lila's T-Ball team this summer. The season corresponded perfectly with my lighter work schedule this summer and they needed on extra coach so I said yes. Growing up I played several sports but spent the majority of my time on the softball field. It can't be that hard right? Ha!   

Our neighbor Thad is also on the team which makes it extra special. :)

4th of July Celebrations

The 4th of July was a busy beginning with a 5k race that began at 8am in Ridgefield. I ran with my friend Kim and I ran my fastest 5k ever coming in first in my age group.  Small victory! Then we went to the kids parade and regular parade. It's always a lot of fun. We went to the Camas Farmers Market in the afternoon where we ran into lots of friends and as and added bonus they were serving fresh strawberry shortcake. After we returned home the ice cream man came through the neighborhood and Scott and I gave in; the kids squealed with joy. It was a fun afternoon and an early night to bed for the kids. 

Two tired girls!

Bike Riding Babes

Lila is riding on two wheels! We are working with her to get completely independent and she's making great progress. She needs help with mostly starting and stopping. We are so proud of her for being brave and trying this awkward yet rewarding activity.

Eva is also a bike riding babe. She got Lila's hand-me-down bike recently and has really taken to it. Eva loves to ride her bike and it surprises even me how strong her little legs are. She's riding around the block with great confidence. 

Pep talk and a little love from daddy!

Pit stop!

Cousin Camp 2012

The girls were spoiled with another year of Cousin Camp at Nana's house in Shelton. This was Eva's first time spending the whole week with all of the girls (Sunday - Friday). She's a BIG girl now! On Friday I met my mom and the girls at our halfway point and had a picnic lunch at Lewis and Clark State Park. This precious time, one week, is something that the girls talk about at least weekly throughout the year. They love their cousins Hannah and Morgen and of course love spending time with Nana and Grandpa.

The girls setting up for the picnic and Eva striking a pose and so proud. Love her!

Pre-K Graduation from The Goddard School

Lila graduated from Pre-K today. The graduation ceremony was held that the Camas High School auditorium which was somewhat fitting since that's where many of the children will go to high school. They are the class of 2025!

Lila was the first to come on stage and graduate from her class. Her teachers told Scott that they picked her because they knew she would not chicken out. She rather confidently walked out smiling, received her diploma and got her photo with her teachers Miss Juliana and Miss Lila (pronounced Lee-La, in Spanish).

We are so proud of Lila for all of her hard work learning the basics and a great foundation for school. Most importantly how to get along with others, sit in circle time and pre-reading, writing and math. We can't wait for kindergarten!

Lila receiving her graduation diploma.

 All of the kids singing B-I-N-G-O in spanish!

 Lila and Miss Lila

 Lila and one of her BFF's Henry (and Henry's little sister Cate)

 Lila and Miss Juliana

Lila and Molly were dancemates and schoolmates this year. Next year they will both be at Goddard and the extended day program together. Sweet girls! 

Lila and Bethany

 Lila and Emre started Goddard together as infants. They are the only two left out of their class of 8. Miss Julie, below, was their first teacher!