sweet compliments

Tonight at bedtime, I was lying in the bed with the girls and they started dishing out sweet compliments saying I was the best mom in the world. Then EB started adding in more compliments to make her point ...

You are kind ... and loving ... and helpful ... and nervous when we get hurt ...

Ha! She is so right. Hopefully that feels loving to her :).

A few months ago, she made me a sign that's now on our fridge that said ...

I love you Mom bekcus you love me.

She really does give the best compliments.

-  EB's Momma

better than 20/20

Last month, I finally had an eye checkup (my last one was almost ten years ago). Apparently, I have better than 20/20 vision but I also have a slight astigmatism in both eyes. This means my eyes are working extra hard to create that perfect vision all the time. The doctor said I should wear glasses to help with eye strain (which I didn't realize I had ... just thought I was "tired"). Here's the pair I finally picked even though they're not exactly what I had in mind ...

life from my iPhone

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Sleepy-time sisters

"focus time"

Instead of "homework" (which just sounds unfun), we call it focus time ... and EB really gets into it. She helped us choose the name. Most of the time it is writing her spelling words a few times, coloring the consonants and vowels different colors, and doing some math (different ways to make a number; like 5+1=6, 4+2=6 and using number bonds).

I was never a good speller (and still need Word to underline things that a 30-something should know how to spell). I hope she takes after her mother.

Since the drive home from school usually takes a good 15 minutes, we've started using that time as part of EB's "focus time." We check her backpack binder before leaving the school parking lot, and most days she has just about everything finished by the time we get home. We're certain it won't be this easy all year, so we're enjoying the easy transition to homework while it lasts.

BFF

One of Lydia's best friends is Eleanor ... they are in the Bees' class together and get to hang out when EB and Samuel (in the same first grade class!) have a birthday party ...

On the Indian Mounds...

So, this picture totally does not go with the theme that I thought was this post, but Lydia is cute playing on the astroturf at her school ... she does like to run on it after pickup playing red-light-green-light, and I'm sure Eleanor plays some, too.

our little Bee in PreK3!

Did we mention that Lydia was SUPER EXCITED about going back to school!? Indeed ... that smile ...

During Lydia's first week, CC came down to help out (Ashley and I had orientation that week). The girls were stoked and not just because Sugar came with.

Happy and sweet sisters on the first day of school for both girls together. L was especially excited about the "bee" shirt with her name on it that Ashley made for the first day of school.

Lydia at her new table.

The girls after a long day at school ... evidence of having lots of fun ...

back to school

Well, it's that time of year again ... SCHOOL! EB started a week before Lydia who cried most days, "I want go to my school!"

She also wants to be like EB with respect to homework ... hard at work on her letters and trying to spell her name while waiting in carpool line.

Ashley was hard at work making Lydia some homemade bows ... looks like the ones in the store if you ask me!

First grade is a bit different from K ... spelling and math quizzes, homework, and grades everyday. EB is handling it well - no nerves or anxiety, and she is doing REALLY WELL on all her work.

The most fun part of going back to school? BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY!!!

We had a few families over. While the adults talked, the kiddos got to watch a movie ... in our dining room turned movie room - we brought EB's old double bed mattress down from upstairs and moved the TV into the dining room. We cleaned up popcorn for a week and a half after this. Seriously. It multiplies.

They were exhausted after the party ...

Ashley and I are usually exhausted after long days, but we are adjusting. Thanks for asking.

FIRST GRADE!

Since the end of last school year, I was a tad bit anxious to find out who EB would have as her first grade teacher. There were text messages going back and forth between parents anytime there was a hint at finding out. We had a hunch based on seeing "Team A" on EB's online account that she might have the very teacher that Ms. Clare said would be a great fit for her. When we finally made it to "Meet the Teacher" night, we found out that she did indeed have Ms. Hotard! EB was really excited, as she had said before that Ms. Hotard was the nicest first grade teacher ...

First grade also meant new supplies, including a stainless steel bento box and reusable snack bags -- aren't we getting fancy?

And to help EB with her transition to a new room, she asked if Teddy could go with her to school. Teddy of course needed a uniform, so I cut down one of EB's from last year. It really was the cutest thing ever -- complete with pleated skirt, collar, and a teeny-tiny pocket. Figured I should get in a few projects before work started full force ...

On the first day, Lydia decided she needed to be a cat in the photo. EB asked if I thought people would think that I wrote her sign -- she was quite proud of her block letters!

There were a few tears from EB as we left on the first morning. Thankfully, she has a few friends in the class already and Annalise sat with her as we left. Lydia and I spent the day hanging out with her friend Sara Beth (and Tina and I made L's first day shirt). EB ended up having a great day, and we celebrated in the afternoon with frozen yogurt and good friends ...

Sara Beth, EB, Annalise, Lydia, Katherine Clair

Be the end of the day, both my girls were worn out.

Even though we wanted summer to last forever, we're incredibly grateful for such a great school for our girl.