Nana and Papa gave Paige dance classes for Christmas each year. She loved it and took it very seriously. They had a recital at the end of the year and I proudly watched as Paige remembered her whole routine. She was most excited about being able to wear makeup for the big event and being the lame mom I am, I totally forgot to put it on. Luckily I had a few things lying around the car and we made it work!
We spent a few weeks at Grandma Doty's house this summer. It is always like going home to go to Santa Clara. I love being at Grandma's house. Douglas made the trip out with us. It was a long two day drive. Bennett was super fussy, which was very unusual for him. Turns out he had Roseola and was miserable the whole trip. Sad boy. Douglas had to leave just two days after we got there to return to work which was a bummer, but we enjoyed the bit of time we had.
We were lucky this time because mom was there a good portion of the time. Then, my dad came, Buddy came and Drew came. It was nice to see so much family. We did a lot of the normal things...Friends, Girl's nights, Cafe Rio, Swimming. We had only been in St. Louis for 9 days when we left to drive out, so I was kind of beat and not as energetic as I normally am when I go to St. George. It was nice to spend a lot of time just relaxing.
My mom was so kind and drove back with me. She thought I was crazy when I told her how much I wanted to drive that first day, but we did it. It sure makes the second day less painful! I was happy to get home and see Douglas again!
This little man decided to figure out how to move around while we were there. We named him Inchworm or Inchie because he moved around very similar to a little worm. Those arms would pull him forward and he would use one leg to help out. It was so cute. He would inch right out of his pants a lot of the time. I didn't think he would ever crawl, but he finally figured it out. Now he crawls at lightning speed, pulls himself up on everything and gets into everything!
Those eyes....
Such a happy, good natured little guy!
First day of school at Geggie (pronounced Gegg-ee) Elementary was much anticipated by all. I was excited for the kids to make friends and to have a few hours of quiet each day. It is nice, my friends, I can not lie. Paige is just half day though so we still get to hang out and have fun in the afternoon. I am okay with that. I love having her around although there really isn't enough time before or after to get all my errands done. It is always a mad dash!
J's teacher is Mrs. Herrington. He has tested the boundaries a bit, but I think things are falling into place and he knows where he stands. Let's hope. He was placed at a 5.7 grade reading level! It has been hard to find appropriate books that are challenging enough. He just finished the 3rd Harry Potter and devoured it. I love watching him develop a love for reading.
Paige is in Mrs. Manche's class. She loves school and is a good student. She is very serious about her homework. She was also chosen to be the "Character Kid" for her class because, as her teacher put it, "she loves her positive attitude and bright ideas". Paige? Just kidding. She has really become a delight this past month. I think five will be a great age for her! She loves to color and do art, help clean and surprise people by making their bed and doing their chores, have snacks, pick out her clothing and read. She started gymnastics this fall and is really loving it.
A rare picture of me with the kids.
Daddy went into work late so he could bring the kids to school.
The whole family.
Jackson's only criteria for back to school clothing was that it had to have a predator on it. What? He found some that fit the bill.
My cute bucky the beaver. Why is smiling so hard at this age? He has since lost that other side tooth making this smile a new favorite.
Cute Miss P. Not one bit of anxiety. She has so much confidence. She didn't get it from me. She accessorized herself for school.
No need to look back. She is ready to go. She is so responsible and always brings her things home. It is interesting how different two kids can be!
The bus drops her off right at the house. She is always so happy when she gets home. One of the first days I asked her how it was and she replied "Awesome". I hope it always stays that way!
