cousins

We were so happy to have our cousins Macyann and Madison come over yesterday afternoon with Gramma Judy. Both girls are turning 13 this year and as a special birthday present, they flew in to spend a week with my parents. Madison lives in Ferndale, Washington and Macyann lives in Raytown, Missouri. So, we rarely get to see the girls and they rarely get to see one another. My girls were so excited to see their cousins and the hour and a half that they were here flew by. Both Macyann and Madison have grown into such special young ladies. They are so kind, smart and funny. I know my parents have had a great time with them this week.

and she's off...

Today was the first day of second grade for Avery. She woke up bright and early with her alarm clock, made her bed, got dressed, brushed her teeth and came downstairs for breakfast just like she had done every school day of last year. After breakfast, I fixed her hair, forced her to smile for a picture and sent her off with Jeff. In true Avery style, there was no drama and very little obvious excitement.

Last night we did stop at the grocery store, per her request, to get some flowers for her to take to her teacher on their first day together. So, in addition to her new backpack and lunchbox, she left home carrying a dozen hot pink roses for her teacher. A nice touch, I thought.

When I went to pick her up, somehow there was a mix up and she ended up in the line for the carpool kids in the front of the school rather than the line for the walkers at the back of the school. So, Hannah, Ethan and I had to stand in the 105 degree heat for 20 minutes while the teachers "worked the kinks out." I literally thought I was going to melt.

When I tried to ask about her day, I heard, "Mom, I'm too hot to talk about it." I couldn't blame her. After a snack and a cold drink, she did report that her teacher was really nice and that she had had a good day despite having to suffer the degradation of wearing a nametag.

Personally, I am really looking forward to second grade. First grade was a real whipping what with the introduction of homework and spelling tests and all that stuff I was so happy to have finished for myself. I know there will be homework and spelling tests this year but at least we are already used to it. I have also heard that second grade is a year for expanding on the things they learned in first grade, so I am looking forward to us being more successful than stressed. In short, I am looking forward to a fun school year for Avery...and for me.

the grand finale

Over the past few weeks, I have gradually come to accept the fact that summer is coming to an end. Well, the 100+ degree temperatures show no sign of disappearing, but the lazy, sleep-as-late-as-you-want mornings are. We have exactly 10 days until school starts for Avery. The little kids start a week later, but I haven't yet started that countdown. Anyway, our past few weeks have been filled with errand running to acquire new backpacks, lunch boxes, the all-important closed-toed shoes and even a few new outfits. Not to mention haircuts, soccer sign-ups and the quest for a piano teacher.

So now that the countdown is officially here, the pressure is on to squeeze as much fun as possible into these last few days. Part of our weekend plans include shipping the kids off to Jeff's folks (it really is fun for them) while Jeff and I entertain some friends of the grown-up variety out at the lake. Next week, I plan to take the girls to the movies one day, make one last trip to the pool another and even take them out to lunch at a restaurant with a built-in play area (gulp).

Then, bright and early Friday morning, is Meet the Teacher at 8 am. And then our lazy mornings will be no more...until next summer.

birthday girl

Last weekend we celebrated Avery's 7th birthday. For her first party, she celebrated with her friends at Sweet and Sassy. Avery and her friends got to choose an outfit to dress up in, then have their hair, make-up and nails done. Then, they danced, put on a fashion show, ate some cookie cake and ice cream before heading out for a ride in a pink limousine! Oh my! I can tell you, those were some very excited little girls! Admittedly, the limo was a little over the top, but it was actually free so how could I refuse?
On Sunday, we invited our families over for another party and, of course, more cookie cake and ice cream. Avery had a great time at both parties and received lots of wonderful gifts. I, on the other hand, was exhausted and in denial about the whole thing :-)