Softball.

 

Last year Emma played t-ball on a co-ed team. But with Kindergarten comes softball. She’s had two practices a week (one for 1 hour and the other 1.5 hours) until her first game this past Saturday. Now the practices are over and it’s just games. Which thankfully have a time limit.

Emma got a hit her first at-bat, albeit not the prettiest one.

It was cold though. As in 40 degrees cold. There were snowflakes as the game ended. Emma was frozen. In fact, as I was trying to get a picture of her at her first game, she was yelling at me to take her to the car. In fact, I’m pretty sure I capture the word “car” right here.

Her second game is tomorrow and it’s supposed to be in the 80’s. At she can’t say she’s cold! And maybe she’ll even pose for a picture or two.

Emma's first day of Kindergarten

Emma started Kindergarten last month, her first day was August 18th. They split the Kindergarten classes in to thirds (there are 12 classes) with each 1/3 going on one of three days - the 17th, 18th or 19th. I took Emma to school that day at 9, and she rode the bus home that afternoon. She was so excited to go. she woke up before 7 asking if it was time for school yet.

She'd seen this pink dress in the Gap the day before when we went to get her back-to-school haircut. She told me if she could, she would wear her on her first day. So of course I ran out that afternoon and picked it up as a surprise. She was so surprised and thanked me over and over.

I took a lot of pictures. I had to. I probably would've taken more than I did if she'd have let me!

Before leaving for school









With my mom, Grandma McIntyre


With her friend (our neighbor) Caroline. They get to ride the bus together which is fantastic.


First Day of Kindergarten



Walking in to school. I love how they're holding hands.



Her locker


Her table



Please mom, haven't you taken enough?


One more, just one more, Emma! I had to beg to get this one.


The moms after drop off. Surprisingly dry-eyed.


Emma was laughing and really, really excited when the bus pulled up.


Mackenzie was so happy to see Emma!



Ta-da! First day is done!


Daddy was there to see her get off the bus.


Family self-portrait.


Emma loved her first day. Liked her teacher, liked her locker, liked eating lunch, she liked it all. I still can't believe I have a Kindergartener though.

And in the fall she'll be a Kindergartener.

Emma graduated preschool last month, May 23rd to be exact. We had additional excitement in the form of the tornado sirens going off forcing us all in to the hallway to wait it out shortly before Emma's name was to be called. The kids didn't mind though, it gave them time to burn off some energy since they'd been sitting in the church for so long. The program was cute. They marched in wearing their felt graduation caps, sang some songs (or just looked around at everyone and everything) and then received their diplomas.

Our graduate.







I'd meant to get a family picture at the church/school, but forgot. Maybe it was all that tornado siren excitement. Or being on crutches. Or the fact that Emma was pretty much over pictures as soon as I started. She relented at home. That, or I told her she had smile for pictures if she wanted a snack.



Wednesday of her last week was Wacky Wednesday. Really, it wasn't that much different than many of the outfits she puts together. This originally had a grey ruffle vest to complete the look. She's quite the trendsetter.

And for the last day on Friday they had a pajama pizza party. We went to the park with everyone from her class afterward.


First Day (orientation, 9/12/10) and Last Day (5/20/11)

This isn't really school related, but I can't believe how different her hair is now. Last September is was so long and curly and still blonde. It's now to her shoulders, the curls are gone and it's gotten so dark it can't even be considered blonde anymore. The red's really showing, too. And she just looks so much older.

First day of school (9/12/10) and now, 9 months later (6/15/11)

Friday Five

So....I kind of skipped over all of May. Not June though. So far this week:

1. Summer haircuts. Emma's been asking for a while to get her hair cut. Mackenzie chimed in today that she'd like hers cut too. So this afternoon we went to Snippets where the girls walked in like this,


And out like this.



Emma wanted it to her shoulders, that's what she kept saying over and over. Mackenzie just wanted it short. And then shorter. I asked her at least 10 times, are you sure? I kept explaining that once she cut it this short there would be no more ponytails or braids (which she's been very in to lately) but she said she knew. In fact, her words were, "it's okay Mommy. I don't need a pony." She handled it much better than I did. I went between the two stations with my heart pounding and my hands shaking. Mackenzie's only had her hair trimmed three times and Emma's hasn't been this short since, well, ever. We've, or I rather, have always just let it grow. But it's their hair. It's summer. Time to try it and go short. And they love it. Emma's will be easier to brush and Mackenzie's will make for much easier mornings since she won't be crying every time I brush/style it. Plus, it's really, really cute.

2. Today was Mackenzie's Little Gym program.


3. And Emma's Safety Town graduation.


4. And this guy, well he needs a whole post to himself with all he's been up to lately.


5. Wednesday was Emma's Little Gym program.


and a Tball game.

There was also two trips to the pool, playtime outside and with friends, an evening at the outlets, eating on the deck, mornings at the fitness center/kid park, errands, summer Bible study began, family here for programs and to visit, and more. It was a fun and busy week. Which is just a preview of the summer to come, I'm sure!

Random, again.

Today I saw this and it made me smile.


He likes to eat his feet.


Michael had a basketball game at Shelly's high school last night. I texted her, "I'm at your school. No reason to tell you that. Just felt like it," while we were in the commons having a snack during halftime. I'm taking pictures of the girls and the next thing I know, there she is! She had conferences. Totally did not expect to see her, it caught me off guard, oh but what a fun surprise! Also, I'm glad I sent her such a random text.


The girls have been putting together quite the outfits when dressing themselves. These were Mondays' looks. I meant to take a picture of today's as they were equally colorful.

Swim lessons ended Monday. Emma can move up to what is essentially the same class, just for older kids. But really, we just need to work with her on her strokes, holding her breath and her confidence. She can swim, she just thinks she can only go so far and then stops. She could go so much further in the pool if she'd just keep going.

This one was promoted from beginner to advanced. On one hand, not surprised since the beginner class is just to get them acquainted with the water and that's no issue for her. She loves it and is not at all afraid. On the other, it makes me laugh because whenever Taylor had her on her back and Mac was supposed to be kicking, she'd instead just let Taylor pull her through the water. I'm thinking she's going to have to work a bit harder in the next class.

This is how we entertain ourselves. Michael comes up with random stuff for the girls to do. In this case, it was practicing both their long jumps as well as high jumps. Emma was so into it. She's competitive. Very.

Ryan in the exersaucer at the gym's Kid Park. I think he likes it. (Of course it could be that he was happy to see me. Just sayin'.) Bonus, extra time working on his trunk/head strength. No worries, though, he gets plenty of time being held by the wonderful women who work there. He's quite the ladies man already.